Are you craving a warm and filling dish that hits the spot? Look no further than Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup! This hearty soup combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a comforting lunch option, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds and provide the nourishment you need. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This soup comes together in just under an hour, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients on hand, or they’re easy to find at the store.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup always impresses.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of chicken, rice, and veggies makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The rich flavors and creamy texture will keep you coming back for seconds!
This soup stands out with its perfect balance of flavors and textures, bringing comforting warmth in every bite.
Ingredients Needed
For the soup:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 lb), diced
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by dicing thawed chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken (with salt and pepper) and cook until lightly browned, around 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in the diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté everything for 4-5 minutes until the veggies begin to soften and the onions are translucent.
- Stir in Rice and Broth: Add the wild rice blend and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Cover and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Add Cream: Slowly stir in the heavy cream or milk, allowing it to heat through for an additional 10 minutes.
- Season: Finally, season the soup with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve it hot for the best experience!
Serving and Storage Tips
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and consider topping it with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of pepper for an extra touch. You can pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
For storage, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
Helpful Notes
- Tips for Creaminess: For an even creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup and then mix it back in.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables such as peas, corn, or spinach.
- Storage Options: If you know you won’t finish the soup within a few days, consider freezing it in smaller portions for easy meals later.
Conclusion
In summary, Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting blend of flavors that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Its ease of preparation and delightful taste make it a recipe you’ll want to revisit time and again. If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! We would love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to share this delicious dish on your social media platforms—who knows, you might inspire someone else to try it out! What variations did you try? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just make sure to thaw them beforehand for easier dicing.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure your chicken broth and wild rice blend do not contain gluten.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should have a creamy, slightly thick consistency. If it’s too thick, you can always add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Print
Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A hearty soup combining tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a creamy broth, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 lb), diced
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice thawed chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until lightly browned, around 5-7 minutes.
- Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the veggies soften and the onions are translucent.
- Add the wild rice blend and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream or milk and heat through for an additional 10 minutes.
- Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
For an even creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in. Feel free to add or substitute vegetables to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg