If you’ve ever savored the comforting warmth of Panera’s Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, you know it feels like a cozy embrace on a chilly day. You can recreate this delightful culinary hug right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. This recipe brings the delicious flavors of this beloved soup straight to your dining table, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you crave something warm and hearty.
Why We Love This Best Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
This Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup captures the essence of comfort food. It’s creamy, rich, and filled with tender pieces of chicken and wild rice, perfectly simmered together in a beautifully balanced blend of spices and seasonings. You’ll love it not just for its taste but because it’s incredibly easy to make. Plus, it offers a nourishing option that is satisfying and packed with protein, making it suitable for the whole family. It’s an ideal meal prep choice, rewarding you with a batch that lasts for several days, allowing you to enjoy its warmth whenever you wish.
Ingredients about Best Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup wild rice, uncooked
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup wild rice, uncooked
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Make Best Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Directions
Making this delicious soup is a breeze! Start by melting the butter in a large pot. Set the heat to medium and give the butter a moment to completely melt. As it does, you’ll want to add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir these vegetables around as they cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until they soften and become fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor in your soup.
Next, stir in the shredded chicken and the uncooked wild rice. The wild rice will absorb flavors and add a nutty texture to the soup. Sprinkle in the thyme for that wonderful herbal aroma that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Now, pour in the chicken broth, bringing everything to a rolling boil. Once it bubbles away, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer. This simmering stage is crucial; it allows the wild rice to cook and infuse its flavor into the soup. Aim to simmer for about 45 minutes or until the wild rice is tender.
After the wild rice has softened, it’s time to add the heavy cream. Slowly stir it into the pot, giving your soup that creamy finish that makes it so comforting. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together beautifully. The anticipation builds as you prepare to serve!
When it’s ready, ladle the warm soup into bowls. You can garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for an extra touch of color and flavor if you’d like.
How to Serve Best Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Serving your Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is a delightful experience. You can simply pour the warm soup into bowls and enjoy it on its own, but consider pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. The soup also makes an excellent accompaniment to sandwiches, especially grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches.
If you’re feeling a bit more creative, you can present the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for that charming touch reminiscent of your favorite café. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, and watch as your dining companions’ eyes light up at the comforting aroma and inviting presentation.
Expert Tips: Best Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
To elevate your soup game, consider these expert tips. First, always use high-quality chicken broth, as it significantly influences the overall flavor of your soup. Homemade broth can add an exceptional depth, should you have the time to make it.
If you want to simplify the process, you can use rotisserie chicken. Just shred the meat and toss it in with the other ingredients when it’s time. This saves time and enhances flavor since rotisserie chickens are seasoned wonderfully.
For added texture, feel free to include more veggies, like peas or mushrooms. This will enrich the soup and provide even more nutrients. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender before adding the cream.
Lastly, adjust the seasoning according to your taste. This is your soup, so make it uniquely yours!
How to Store Best Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious soup, storing leftovers is simple! Allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and ensure it’s sealed well to preserve freshness. You can keep this soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you wish to store it longer, consider freezing it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove until piping hot, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Variation of Best Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
While this soup is fantastic on its own, you can explore various exciting variations. If you want to add a bit of spice, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
For a hearty vegetarian option, you can easily swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This adaptation will keep the soup rich and flavorful while catering to plant-based diets.
Another variation involves adding different types of rice or grains like quinoa or brown rice. These replacements will change the flavor profile and texture, offering a new experience while maintaining the comforting essence of the soup.
Lastly, if you enjoy different herbs, fresh dill or rosemary could create exciting variations in flavor. You might discover a new favorite twist!
FAQ
What makes this the best copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup recipe?
This recipe captures the creamy and rich flavors of Panera’s original chicken and wild rice soup while allowing you to make it fresh at home. The use of quality ingredients and straightforward steps ensures a comforting meal that rivals your favorite café’s offerings.
Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using shredded leftover chicken is a great time-saver and enhances the soup with additional flavor. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the pot.
How long does this soup take to cook?
The total cooking time is about an hour. This includes 45 minutes of simmering the wild rice and an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors after adding the cream.
Can I add vegetables to this chicken and wild rice soup?
Definitely! Feel free to include any vegetables you have on hand, such as peas, corn, or mushrooms. This will enhance the nutritional value and make the soup even heartier.
How do I store leftovers?
Simply let the soup cool and transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat it when you wish to enjoy it again!
Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1/2 cup wild rice, uncooked
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth Use high-quality or homemade for better flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and uncooked wild rice. Sprinkle in the thyme.
Cooking
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender.
- Add the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
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