Irresistible Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

The aroma of warm, creamy soup wafts through the air, beckoning you closer like an old friend. Imagine tender chunks of chicken and wild rice swimming in a velvety broth, kissed by the essence of fresh herbs and spices. Yes, I’m talking about the Panera chicken and wild rice soup recipe that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

Growing up, this dish was a staple in our home during chilly nights. My mom would whip it up while we huddled under blankets, eagerly awaiting the first spoonfuls. Fast forward to today, and every time I make it, I’m transported back to those cozy evenings filled with laughter and warmth. Perfect for a family gathering or a quiet night in, this soup promises a delightful experience that is as comforting as a hug from your favorite sweater.

I remember when I first made this soup for my friends; their faces lit up with delight after the first bite!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Wild Rice Blend: A mixture of wild rice adds depth; look for one that’s pre-cooked for quicker preparation.

• Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; chop them into small pieces for even cooking.

• Celery: Use crisp celery stalks to enhance crunch and flavor; diced finely works best.

• Onion: A sweet onion brings richness; sauté until translucent to unlock its flavors.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the aroma; use more if you’re a garlic lover like me!

• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while still delivering flavor.

• Heavy Cream: For that luxurious creaminess; feel free to substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.

• Thyme & Parsley: Fresh herbs are key; they brighten up the dish beautifully!

• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste; don’t shy away from adjusting based on preference.

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

Let’s Make It Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, dice your vegetables, and measure out your rice and broth.

Sauté Vegetables & Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, melt some butter. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic; cook until fragrant and softening. Toss in diced chicken until it turns white on all sides.

Add Broth & Rice: Pour in your chicken broth along with rinsed wild rice blend. Bring everything to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.

Simmer Away!: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed flavors.

Create Creamy Goodness: Stir in heavy cream along with thyme and parsley. Allow it to simmer for another 10 minutes until everything melds together beautifully.

Season & Serve!: Taste your masterpiece! Adjust salt and pepper if needed before ladling into bowls. Pair with crusty bread or enjoy alone!

Now that you’ve mastered this Panera chicken and wild rice soup recipe, you’ll find it’s perfect for both impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a long day! So get cozy in your kitchen – adventure awaits in every spoonful!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic for flavor, then add chicken, broth, and wild rice. Simmer until everything is cooked through, ensuring a perfect blend of ingredients.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the chicken for turkey or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Experiment with seasonings like thyme or rosemary for extra depth.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain creaminess without curdling.

Creating this panera chicken and wild rice soup recipe has brought my family together countless times, each bowl filled with laughter and warmth that still lingers in my heart.

FAQ

Can I make this panera chicken and wild rice soup recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; just reheat before serving.

What can I substitute for wild rice?

Brown rice works well but alters the cooking time; adjust accordingly.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Freeze in portions for easy meals later; just thaw overnight before reheating.

Print

Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Warm up with this comforting Panera chicken and wild rice soup, featuring tender chicken, wild rice, and a creamy broth infused with fresh herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this easy recipe will transport you back to cozy nights filled with laughter.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), diced
• 1 cup wild rice blend (pre-cooked)
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather ingredients and chop chicken and vegetables.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic; cook until fragrant.
3. Add diced chicken to the pot; cook until white on all sides.
4. Pour in chicken broth and rinsed wild rice blend. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.
5. Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until rice is tender.
6. Stir in heavy cream, thyme, and parsley; simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Adjust seasoning before serving hot in bowls.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For added flavor, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for later use.