Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Panera Recipe

When the weather turns chilly and you crave something both hearty and comforting, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup. One of the most beloved comfort foods that combines richness, nourishment, and soul-warming flavors is Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. It’s creamy, filling, and bursting with savory goodness that seems to hit the spot no matter the season. If you’re familiar with Panera Bread’s version of this soup, you know exactly why it’s a fan favorite. It’s smooth, slightly earthy from the wild rice, and the chicken is tender and perfectly shredded. But what if you could make this creamy, flavor-packed soup at home, replicating that iconic taste? Guess what-you can! And today, I’m going to walk you through how to make your own Chicken and Wild Rice Soup that’s just as comforting and delicious as the one at Panera.

Let’s dive in!

Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Panera Recipe

Making Chicken and Wild Rice Soup at home can sound a bit daunting, but it’s actually a very straightforward process. And the great news is, the ingredients are easy to find, and you can tweak the recipe to your taste.

The basic recipe draws on flavors that complement each other beautifully. The creamy base balances the richness of the chicken and the slight nuttiness of the wild rice, creating a smooth, flavorful soup. It’s versatile enough to be a meal on its own or served as an appetizer for a larger spread. Plus, this soup freezes well, making it a great dish to have ready for busy days ahead.

Ingredients Needed

Before you get started, let’s go through what you’ll need. Here’s a list of ingredients you can gather up, many of which you may already have in your kitchen. (Bonus: it’s a relatively short list!)

• Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs will give you a bit more flavor, but breasts work just as well.
• Wild Rice: The star of the show! Wild rice has a slightly chewy texture and a mild, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.
• Vegetables: A classic mix of onions, carrots, and celery. These provide a lovely aromatic base and natural sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for depth of flavor.
• Chicken Broth: You’ll need a good quality chicken broth to build the soup’s foundation. If you want a richer flavor, you can use low-sodium broth or stock.
• Heavy Cream: The key to getting that creamy, smooth texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk, but the cream is what makes it luscious.
• Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and building the flavor.
• Flour: A little flour will help thicken the soup to the perfect creamy consistency.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme adds that comforting herbal note that is just right in a chicken soup.
• Bay Leaves: These add a subtle layer of flavor, rounding out the taste.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, these help bring out all the other flavors.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Prepare The Wild Rice

   • Start by cooking the wild rice according to the package instructions. This usually involves simmering the rice in water or broth until it’s tender (about 45 minutes). Set it aside when done.

2. Cook The Chicken

   • While the rice is cooking, season your chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. In a large soup pot, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked through (about 7-8 minutes per side). Remove the chicken and set it aside to cool before shredding it with a fork.

3. Sauté The Veggies

   • In the same pot, melt some butter and sauté your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Make The Roux

   • Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.

5. Add The Broth And Cream

   • Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, pour in the heavy cream and continue stirring until the soup is smooth and slightly thickened.

6. Add The Seasonings

   • Toss in the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the flavors.

7. Combine The Chicken And Rice

   • Add the shredded chicken and cooked wild rice into the pot. Let everything simmer together for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If you find the soup too thick, you can always add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

8. Final Taste Check

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Ingredient Insights

Now, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this soup not only comforting but also incredibly flavorful:

• Wild Rice: Wild rice is technically not rice but a type of grass. It has a firmer texture and a more complex flavor than regular rice, adding depth and earthiness to the soup. Plus, it’s a great source of fiber and protein.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the soup its signature silky, rich texture. You could substitute with a lighter dairy product, but it won’t have quite the same luxurious mouthfeel.
• Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth instead of water adds a ton of flavor. For an even more intense chicken taste, you can use homemade stock if you have it on hand.
• Thyme & Bay Leaves: Both of these herbs provide a warm, aromatic backbone to the soup, elevating it beyond just “chicken soup”.

Expert Tips

To make this recipe even better and more customized to your tastes, here are a few expert tips:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re in a rush, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It’s already cooked and packed with flavor, so it will save you time and effort.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you love a super creamy soup, add a bit more heavy cream or use full-fat milk. For a lighter version, swap in low-fat milk or half-and-half.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add more vegetables if you like. Mushrooms, peas, or even spinach would work great here.
• Don’t Skip the Roux: The flour helps thicken the soup and gives it that satisfying creaminess. If you need a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can easily modify it to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like potatoes, squash, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
• Low-Carb: Replace the wild rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version of the soup.
• Spicy Twist: Add a bit of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
• Dairy-Free: To make this soup dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use olive oil instead of butter.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh rosemary or sage in place of thyme for a slightly different flavor profile.

Final Words

Making your own Chicken and Wild Rice Soup at home is not only satisfying but allows you to customize it just the way you like. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out some creative variations, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves comfort food. The rich, creamy base, the tender chicken, and the nutty wild rice combine in a way that’s simply irresistible. And the best part? You control the ingredients, meaning you can make it healthier, heartier, or even a little more indulgent based on your preferences.