When you think about comforting dishes, Panera Bread’s Chicken Wild Rice Soup definitely comes to mind. But what do you serve with it? Picture this: a warm, crusty baguette or a slice of sourdough bread, perfect for dipping.
A light salad, with mixed greens and a zesty vinaigrette, complements the hearty soup beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a side of roasted vegetables. They can bring out the flavors of the soup while adding a nutritious punch. Alternatively, some crispy apple slices can add a refreshing crunch.
Now that you know what pairs well with this dish, let’s dive deeper!
There’s something special about a bowl of Chicken Wild Rice Soup from Panera Bread. Whether it’s a cold winter evening or a rainy afternoon, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy texture, the hearty chunks of chicken, and the wild rice blend create a cozy hug in a bowl.
You may have enjoyed this delight in the warm ambiance of a Panera café or perhaps brought it home. But what if you could recreate that magic in your own kitchen?
In this article, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about making your very own version of Panera Bread’s Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Remember, cooking is an adventure, and I’m here to share my experience and insights to ensure yours is a tasty one.
What is Panera Bread Chicken Wild Rice Soup?
Panera Bread’s Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a fan favorite, and for good reason. It showcases tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of vegetables, all swimming in a creamy broth. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own but also pairs well with other dishes.
The rich flavor comes from the combination of spices and chicken broth, which creates a soothing and satisfying eating experience.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Chicken Wild Rice Soups?
What sets Panera’s version apart is its creamy texture and depth of flavor. While many recipes provide a basic chicken and rice soup, Panera’s includes a careful balance of seasonings and a touch of milk that adds richness without being overwhelming.
Furthermore, using high-quality broth and fresh ingredients makes a notable difference. The inclusion of both diced veggies and wild rice adds to the complex texture, delivering a variety of flavors with each spoonful.
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How Does It Taste?
Imagine a warm hug after a long day. That’s how the taste of this soup feels. The creamy broth envelops tender chicken pieces, and the wild rice adds a delightful chewiness. Each bite is complemented by the subtle crunch of celery and carrots.
Seasoned just right, the soup balances savory notes with a hint of earthiness from the wild rice. It’s comforting without being too heavy, making it the perfect dish to savor any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish:
1. 2 large boneless chicken breasts – Cooked, shredded, or finely cubed.
2. ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves – For a hint of flavor.
3. ½ cup plain all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the soup.
4. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – Adds brightness and color.
5. 2 cups filtered water – Keeps the soup light.
6. ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – A seasoning essential.
7. 3 cloves fresh garlic – Finely minced, for depth.
8. ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika – For warmth.
9. 2 cups whole milk, divided – Adds creamy richness.
10. 1 dried bay leaf – For aromatic flavor.
11. ½ cup finely chopped carrots – Brings sweetness.
12. 32 oz low-sodium chicken broth – Forms the soup base.
13. Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings.
14. ½ cup diced celery stalks – For a fresh crunch.
15. Thinly sliced scallions – For garnish.
16. 4.3 oz box of Rice-a-Roni Long Grain & Wild Rice – Includes seasoning mix.
17. 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil – For sautéing.
18. 1 medium yellow onion – Minced for flavor.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken. You can either boil it, bake it, or use any leftovers you might have. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces or cubing it.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onions, diced celery, and carrots. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent and the veggies soften. The smells will start drawing you in!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook for another minute. This will release the garlic’s aroma, setting a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. This helps thicken the broth later on. Cook this mixture for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Pour in Broth and Water
Gradually whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth and filtered water, ensuring there are no lumps from the flour. Bring this to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Add Rice and Chicken
Once the broth is simmering nicely, add the Rice-a-Roni Long Grain & Wild Rice, including the seasoning mix. Then, stir in your shredded or cubed chicken.
Step 7: Let It Simmer
Allow the soup to simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This is when the flavors meld, and the wild rice cooks to tender perfection. Stir occasionally, adding extra water or broth if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 8: Finish with Dairy
In the last few minutes of cooking, slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously. This gives the soup its creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with low-fat milk or even a dairy-free alternative.
Step 9: Add Fresh Parsley and Season
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Stir in freshly chopped parsley and adjust salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step 10: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish it with thinly sliced scallions for a pop of color. Pair with your favorite bread. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks On Making Chicken Wild Rice Soup
- Use Leftover Chicken: Save time by using leftover rotisserie chicken. It adds great flavor without extra work.
- Thicker Soup: For an extra thick soup, blend a portion of it and mix it back in.
- Fresh Ingredients: Try to use fresh veggies rather than frozen for better texture and flavor.
- Aromatic Addition: Adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables can enhance the overall flavor.
- Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes well. Just leave out the milk and add it when reheating to maintain smoothness.
Nutrition Information
A typical serving of Chicken Wild Rice Soup contains:
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
Of course, nutritional values may vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
How Do I Store This Dish?
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you choose to freeze it, ensure you store it in a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months. Just remember to exclude the milk prior to freezing. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding milk back in for creaminess.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Chicken Wild Rice Soup?
- Quinoa: For a gluten-free option, substitute wild rice with quinoa. It cooks faster and adds protein.
- Vegetable Broth: Make it vegetarian-friendly by using vegetable broth instead of chicken.
- Cream: For a richer taste, add heavy cream instead of milk right before serving.
- Mixed Veggies: Use frozen mixed vegetables if you are short on fresh ingredients.
- Different Proteins: Try turkey or even tofu for a protein alternative.
Panera Bread Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Equipment
- large pot
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts – Cooked shredded, or finely cubed.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves – For a hint of flavor.
- ½ cup plain all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the soup.
- . 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – Adds brightness and color.
- 2 cups filtered water – Keeps the soup light.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – A seasoning essential.
- 3 cloves fresh garlic – Finely minced for depth.
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika – For warmth.
- 2 cups whole milk divided – Adds creamy richness.
- 1 dried bay leaf – For aromatic flavor.
- ½ cup finely chopped carrots – Brings sweetness.
- 32 oz low-sodium chicken broth – Forms the soup base.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings.
- ½ cup diced celery stalks – For a fresh crunch.
- Thinly sliced scallions – For garnish.
- . .3 oz box of Rice-a-Roni Long Grain & Wild Rice – Includes seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil – For sautéing.
- 1 medium yellow onion – Minced for flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by cooking the chicken. You can either boil it, bake it, or use any leftovers you might have. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces or cubing it.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onions, diced celery, and carrots. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent and the veggies soften. The smells will start drawing you in!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
- Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook for another minute. This will release the garlic’s aroma, setting a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. This helps thicken the broth later on. Cook this mixture for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Pour in Broth and Water
- Gradually whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth and filtered water, ensuring there are no lumps from the flour. Bring this to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Add Rice and Chicken
- Once the broth is simmering nicely, add the Rice-a-Roni Long Grain & Wild Rice, including the seasoning mix. Then, stir in your shredded or cubed chicken.
Step 7: Let It Simmer
- Allow the soup to simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This is when the flavors meld, and the wild rice cooks to tender perfection. Stir occasionally, adding extra water or broth if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 8: Finish with Dairy
- In the last few minutes of cooking, slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously. This gives the soup its creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with low-fat milk or even a dairy-free alternative.
Step 9: Add Fresh Parsley and Season
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Stir in freshly chopped parsley and adjust salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step 10: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish it with thinly sliced scallions for a pop of color. Pair with your favorite bread. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Leftover Chicken: Save time by using leftover rotisserie chicken. It adds great flavor without extra work.
- Thicker Soup: For an extra thick soup, blend a portion of it and mix it back in.
- Fresh Ingredients: Try to use fresh veggies rather than frozen for better texture and flavor.
- Aromatic Addition: Adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables can enhance the overall flavor.
- Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes well. Just leave out the milk and add it when reheating to maintain smoothness.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Certainly! Brown the vegetables and add them to a slow cooker along with the broth, chicken, rice, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
2. Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for a few days or can be frozen for later. Just make sure you add the milk once you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or use gluten-free rice.
4. How can I make this soup spicier?
If you’re a heat lover, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños will do the trick.
5. What can I serve with this soup for a complete meal?
Consider a side salad or crusty bread. A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully!
Conclusion
Making Panera Bread’s Chicken Wild Rice Soup at home is not just about replicating a popular dish. It’s about creating a comforting experience, one spoonful at a time. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can achieve a soup that warms the heart and fills the belly.
The joy of sharing this with friends or family is just icing on the cake—er, soup! Take the time to customize it to your liking, and don’t hesitate to express yourself in the kitchen. Happy cooking!
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Hi! I'm Mary Lee. I love helping people eat yummy and healthy food. I live in Oregon. Cooking is my happy place. Let's make tasty dishes together!
