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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Gather all ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
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.
In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaves; cook for another minute until fragrant.
Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot.
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.
Remove chicken, shred it with forks, and return to the pot with heavy cream. Stir until combined.
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.