Cozy Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe You’ll Love

The aroma of warm, creamy Panera chicken and wild rice soup wafts through the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. Each spoonful bursts with rich flavors and tender textures, creating an unforgettable experience that feels like a hug from the inside.

I remember the first time I tried this delightful soup on a chilly day; it felt like stepping into a warm cabin in the woods. Perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings, this recipe promises to elevate your soup game to new heights with its inviting warmth and incredible taste.

I still remember my family’s reaction when I served this dish for the first time; their eyes lit up, and requests for seconds came pouring in.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts; adjust based on your crowd size or hunger level.

• Wild Rice Blend: A mix of wild rice adds complexity; look for pre-packaged blends for ease.

• Carrots: Fresh, vibrant carrots bring sweetness and color; choose firm ones for best texture.

• Celery: Crunchy celery enhances flavor; opt for bright green stalks with leafy tops.

• Onion: A medium onion provides depth; yellow onions work best in soups.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the flavor profile; don’t skip it unless you’re facing a vampire invasion.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness and let other flavors shine.

• Heavy Cream: For luscious creaminess, use full-fat heavy cream instead of substitutes.

• Dried Thyme: This herb adds earthiness; feel free to adjust based on your preference.

• Salt & Pepper: Don’t forget these essentials—they’re vital in bringing out all the amazing flavors!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by dicing your carrots, celery, and onion into small pieces. Mince garlic finely to maximize its flavor release.

Cook the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté diced chicken breasts until they’re golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Aromatics: Toss in onions and garlic after the chicken is cooked. Stir until onions are translucent and aromatic—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Add Veggies & Rice: Incorporate diced carrots and celery along with the wild rice blend. Stir everything together so those beautiful colors mix well!

Pour in Broth: Add chicken broth to the pot while scraping up any brown bits stuck at the bottom—these add flavor! Bring it all to a gentle simmer.

Add Final Touches: Once everything is bubbling nicely, stir in heavy cream, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let simmer on low for another 15-20 minutes until thickened.

Enjoy every warm spoonful of this comforting Panera chicken and wild rice soup recipe! It’s not only delicious but also an easy way to gather friends or family around the dinner table.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic to build flavor, then add chicken and broth to create depth before incorporating the wild rice.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or add vegetables like carrots and celery for extra nutrition and crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of cozy nights with friends, who can’t resist asking for seconds—it truly warms the heart and stomach!

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, but adjust cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Is this panera chicken and wild rice soup recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.

What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread or a fresh salad pairs perfectly with this delicious soup.

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Creamy Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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Experience the comforting embrace of this creamy Panera chicken and wild rice soup. Bursting with rich flavors and tender textures, each spoonful is a warm hug for your soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this delightful recipe is easy to make and will quickly become a favorite in your household.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients: Dice carrots, celery, onion; mince garlic.
2. Cook chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Remove and dice.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add onions and garlic to the pot; cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
4. Add veggies: Stir in diced carrots, celery, and wild rice blend.
5. Pour broth: Add chicken broth; bring to a gentle simmer while scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Final touches: Stir in cooked chicken, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg