Cozy Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe (Easy & Delicious)

The rich aroma of warm, creamy Panera chicken and wild rice soup wafts through the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy café on a chilly day. Each spoonful delivers a comforting blend of tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and vibrant vegetables that warms your soul and tickles your taste buds.

Picture this: A rainy afternoon, snuggled under a blanket, with a steaming bowl of this luscious soup in hand. It’s perfect for lazy Sundays or when you need a pick-me-up after a long day. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that brings people together.

I remember the first time I made this soup for a potluck. My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was – I might have even been offered a marriage proposal by my best friend!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on your crowd size or appetite.

• Wild Rice: The star of the show! Opt for a mix of wild and white rice for added texture.

• Carrots: Fresh, diced carrots add sweetness and color; choose firm ones without blemishes.

• Celery: Adds crunch and aromatic flavor; look for bright green stalks.

• Onions: Yellow onions work best here for their robust flavor; chop them finely.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they bring out all the flavors beautifully.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while ensuring deep flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Adds that luscious creaminess; you can substitute half-and-half if desired.

• Dried Thyme: A must-have herb that elevates the flavors; fresh thyme works too if available.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance everything you’ve got in the pot.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by washing and chopping all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This helps ensure even cooking and delicious bites throughout your soup.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add some olive oil. Toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery until they soften, about 5 minutes. The aroma will be irresistible!

Add the Chicken and Rice: Stir in your chicken breasts along with rinsed wild rice. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything gets acquainted with each other’s flavors.

Pour in the Broth: Carefully add chicken broth to cover everything by about an inch. Bring this glorious mixture to a boil before reducing heat to low.

Season It Up!: Sprinkle dried thyme along with salt and pepper into your pot. Let it simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Finish with Creaminess: Once cooked, remove chicken breasts from the pot. Shred them using two forks before returning them to the soup along with heavy cream. Stir until well combined, then let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Now you have created your very own Panera chicken and wild rice soup! Enjoy its warmth as it fills your kitchen with tantalizing scents that will have everyone flocking towards dinner like moths to a flame.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken to brown before incorporating the rice and broth for optimal flavor blending.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different vegetables like carrots or mushrooms, or try adding herbs like thyme for an extra flavor boost that suits your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat for best results.

Memories of making this panera chicken and wild rice soup with my grandma bring warmth every time I cook it. Her laughter filled the kitchen as we stirred together.

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken can save you time while adding great flavor to the soup.

What if I don’t have wild rice?

If wild rice isn’t available, substitute with brown rice or even quinoa for a different texture.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free broth and ensure any added ingredients are certified gluten-free for safety.

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Creamy Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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Warm up your chilly days with this comforting Panera chicken and wild rice soup. Each spoonful is filled with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and vibrant vegetables, creating a delightful blend of flavors that nourishes the soul. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this easy-to-make soup is sure to impress your family and friends.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 6
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup wild rice (or a mix of wild and white rice)
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by washing and chopping the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the chicken breasts and rinsed wild rice; cook for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth to cover the mixture by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove chicken from the pot; shred it using two forks and return it to the soup along with heavy cream. Stir well and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 85mg