Panera’s Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is a creamy and hearty favorite, loaded with tender chicken, wild rice, and flavorful vegetables. This homemade version captures all the comforting flavors of the original, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this delicious soup right in your own kitchen.
| Servings | Total |
| 6 | 50mins |
History of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Chicken & Wild Rice Soup has its roots in Minnesota, where wild rice is a staple ingredient. Panera popularized this creamy version, combining wholesome wild rice with tender chicken and fresh vegetables to create a satisfying and flavorful dish that has become a fan-favorite on their menu.
Why Chicken & Wild Rice Soup?
- Comforting and Hearty: Perfect for cold weather or when you need a warm, satisfying meal.
- Simple to Make: Easy to prepare with basic ingredients.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
What is Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Made of?
This soup includes:
- Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken for protein.
- Wild Rice Blend: Nutty and chewy, it adds texture and flavor.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion create a flavorful base.
- Cream and Broth: Chicken broth for depth and heavy cream for richness.
- Seasoning: Garlic, thyme, parsley, and a touch of pepper for seasoning.
What to Have with Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Serve this dish with:
- Bread: A fresh baguette, sourdough, or dinner rolls.
- Salad: A crisp green salad or Caesar salad complements the richness.
- Crackers: Butter crackers or pretzel crisps.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or Gruyère on top enhances the flavor.
Is Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Healthy?
This soup is hearty and nutritious, with lean protein, fiber-rich wild rice, and vegetables. To make it lighter, you can use milk instead of cream and add extra vegetables for more nutrients.
Kitchen Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle (for serving)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Directions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Broth and Rice
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, then stir in the wild rice blend.
- Add the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
- Stir in the cooked chicken and let it heat through for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Cream Base
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth.
- Gradually stir the cream mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
- Simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, use shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Customize the Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or kale for extra nutrition.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is creamy, hearty, and full of comforting flavors. Perfect for any time of year, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s great for meal prep, cozy dinners, or family gatherings. Serve it with bread or salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
MORE RECIPES
Copycat Panera Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, then stir in the wild rice blend.
- Add the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and let it heat through for 5-10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth.
- Gradually stir the cream mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.