Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Panera’s chicken and wild rice soup has long been a fan-favorite, beloved for its rich, creamy broth and comforting blend of tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and nourishing vegetables. Now, you can recreate this restaurant classic right in your own kitchen, filling your home with the same mouthwatering aroma and satisfying flavors.
Whether you’re craving a cozy meal on a chilly day or seeking a healthier alternative to heavy comfort foods, this recipe delivers. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can enjoy the taste of Panera’s signature soup without leaving the house.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this chicken and wild rice soup apart is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The wild rice adds a delightful chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the tender chunks of chicken and the velvety broth. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, with minimal hands-on time required.
One of the best things about this recipe is its accessibility. The ingredients are mostly pantry or freezer staples, making it easy to whip up on a moment’s notice. And the recipe can be easily adapted to accommodate dietary restrictions or personal preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup ❓
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or rotisserie chicken)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Panera chicken and wild rice soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of hearty wild rice, tender chicken, and a blend of aromatic herbs creates the classic, comforting flavor profile that has made this recipe a perennial favorite.
📝 How to Make Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked wild rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
• Step 3: Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken, heavy cream, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
• Step 5: Serve the Panera chicken and wild rice soup hot, garnished with extra thyme or rosemary if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken and rice soups, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Panera-inspired recipe saves you 15% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 950mg
These Panera-style soups provide approximately 35% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower rice or riced broccoli for the wild rice, and reduce the amount of rice by half.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked quinoa or lentils for an extra boost of protein.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced zucchini, spinach, or kale for a nutrient-packed twist.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Panera chicken and wild rice soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the soup with a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
• Complement the soup with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or roasted cauliflower.
• For a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a crisp, chopped salad.
• Create a cozy autumn spread by serving the Panera chicken and wild rice soup with a selection of seasonal breads, cheeses, and apple cider.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not tempering the cream: Adding the heavy cream directly to the hot broth can cause it to curdle. Instead, temper the cream by slowly whisking in a small amount of the hot broth before incorporating it into the soup.
• Forgetting to season: Proper seasoning with salt and pepper is essential for bringing out the full flavor of the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Skipping the garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the overall presentation and aroma of the soup, making it even more inviting.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Panera chicken and wild rice soups retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cream, then allow it to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding the cream.
• Freezing baked: Allow the fully cooked soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Reheating: When reheating the soup, do so gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. This will help restore the creamy texture without causing the cream to curdle.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Panera chicken and wild rice soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is a perfect make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire recipe up to 4 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup gently on the stovetop until warmed through. For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the soup (either before or after adding the cream) for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute the wild rice with something else?
Yes, you can easily swap out the wild rice for other grains or rices. Brown rice, barley, or farro would all work well in this recipe, though the cooking times may need to be adjusted. You could also use cauliflower rice or riced broccoli for a lower-carb option.
Is this soup gluten-free or dairy-free?
To make this Panera chicken and wild rice soup gluten-free, be sure to use a certified gluten-free chicken broth. For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Both of these modifications will maintain the delicious flavor profile of the soup while accommodating specific dietary needs.
Why is my soup turning out too thick or too thin?
If your soup turns out too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more chicken broth, a splash of water, or a touch of milk or cream. Conversely, if the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to allow the liquid to reduce and the flavors to concentrate. Be sure to also check that you’re using the correct ratio of rice to broth.
Can I add any extra vegetables or protein to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Panera chicken and wild rice soup is highly versatile. You can stir in diced zucchini, spinach, kale, or other vegetables to boost the nutrient content. For extra protein, consider adding cooked quinoa, lentils, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and cooking time as needed to accommodate any additions.
Conclusion
These Panera chicken and wild rice soups represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or as the centerpiece of a casual gathering, they’re sure to impress with their rich, creamy broth and satisfying blend of tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and nourishing vegetables.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. The versatility of this dish allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a go-to comfort food that can be enjoyed year-round.
Print
Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or rotisserie chicken)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
• Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked wild rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
• Step 3: Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken, heavy cream, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
• Step 5: Serve the Panera chicken and wild rice soup hot, garnished with extra thyme or rosemary if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
