Cozy Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe

There’s something magical about a cozy bowl of Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup. Imagine rich, creamy broth swirling with tender chunks of chicken, earthy wild rice, and vibrant veggies, all topped off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day, inviting you to take another spoonful while the comforting aroma fills your kitchen.

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As I stirred this delightful concoction for the first time, memories rushed back of rainy afternoons spent huddled in my favorite café, sipping away on this very soup. It warms the heart and soul, making it perfect for family gatherings or simply curling up on the couch with your favorite show. Trust me; each spoonful promises an amazing flavor experience that you’ll want to savor again and again.

Sharing this recipe with friends led to plenty of compliments and requests for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust depending on how many soup lovers are at your table.

• Wild Rice Blend: A mix of wild rice adds depth; look for one with dark grains for the best flavor.

• Carrots: Fresh carrots bring sweetness and color; choose firm ones for maximum crunch.

• Celery Stalks: Celery adds nice crunchiness; select crisp stalks that snap when bent.

• Onion: A yellow onion provides sweetness; chop it finely so it blends seamlessly into the soup.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates flavors; use about 3 cloves minced for that aromatic punch.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness; it’s the soup’s essential base.

• Cream: Heavy cream adds richness; feel free to substitute half-and-half for a lighter option.

• Dried Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs infuse depth; don’t skip them or you’ll miss out on that comforting flavor.

• Pepper and Salt: Season to taste; freshly ground black pepper works wonders here.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Gather Your Ingredients

Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. This helps streamline your cooking process and ensures you have everything ready.

Cook the Chicken

In a large pot over medium heat, add some olive oil then toss in your chicken breasts. Sear them until golden brown on both sides for about 5-7 minutes per side. The aroma will be irresistible!

Sauté Your Veggies

Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they soften—about 4-5 minutes—allowing those lovely aromas to mingle.

Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic along with dried thyme and bay leaves. Cook for another minute until fragrant before deglazing the pot with chicken broth. Scrape up any tasty bits stuck at the bottom.

Return Chicken & Add Rice

Return the chicken breasts to the pot along with rinsed wild rice blend. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to simmer covered for about 45 minutes until rice is tender.

Finish with Cream

Once cooked, remove chicken breasts and shred them using two forks before returning them to the pot along with heavy cream. Stir well until everything is combined—this is where magic happens!

Season & Serve

Taste your soup before serving, adjusting seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls while garnishing with fresh parsley or thyme if desired; enjoy every comforting bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken to sear before simmering. This sequence ensures maximum flavor in your soup.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap wild rice with brown rice or add some spinach for extra nutrition. Get creative with spices like thyme or rosemary to personalize your soup.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain creaminess.

The first time I made this Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, my friends devoured it, leaving only a sad little spoonful for me!

FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Simply ensure your broth is gluten-free and choose a gluten-free wild rice blend.

What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread or a simple side salad complements this soup perfectly!

Print

Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

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• Author: homerecipeseasy
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in the comforting warmth of this Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, featuring a creamy broth filled with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and colorful vegetables. Perfect for chilly days or family gatherings, this soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Each spoonful delivers a rich flavor experience that will leave you craving more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 pieces)
• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 1 cup chopped carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sear chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides (5-7 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
4. Add minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaves; cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Return chicken to the pot along with rinsed wild rice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 45 minutes until rice is tender.
7. Remove chicken, shred it with forks, and return to the pot with heavy cream. Stir until combined.
8. Season with salt and pepper before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider swapping wild rice for brown rice or adding spinach. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.