Panera Breads Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Craving Comfort?

Ever have one of those days? You know, when only a big bowl of something warm and comforting will do? This Panera Chicken Soup recipe is IT.

Honestly, this Panera Bread Chicken And Wild Rice Soup is my go-to for a hug in a bowl. It's creamy, flavorful, and packed with goodness.

Brief Overview: Soup's On!

This creamy chicken soup recipe has origins in the American Midwest. People there needed hearty and flavorful soups to endure the harsh winters.

My copy cat Panera Creamy Chicken And Wild Rice Soup version is a medium difficulty recipe that takes about an hour.

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings. It's perfect for a family dinner or batch cooking.

Main Benefits: Goodness in Every Spoonful

Chicken soup is known for its comforting and healing properties. This Panera Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is packed with protein and nutrients.

I usually serve this best chicken soup recipe when someone's feeling under the weather or just needs a pick-me-up. What makes this recipe special? It's the perfect balance of creamy broth, tender chicken, and nutty wild rice.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this amazing Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Homemade . I once tried making this using instant rice, and let me tell you, it was a disaster.

Avoid my mistake, ok?

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Panera Chicken Soup Arsenal

Right, so you wanna make a cracking Panera Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe at home? Good on ya! First, you'll need to gather all your bits and bobs.

Think of it like prepping for a good ol' Sunday roast. You don't want to be caught short halfway through!

Main Ingredients

Alright, let's dive into what you'll actually need to make this Panera Chicken Soup sing.

• For the Chicken & Rice Crew:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Go for plump, juicy looking ones, not the sad, pale ones.
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth. The low sodium is important, you can always add salt later!
  • 1 cup (180g) wild rice blend, rinsed. Give it a good rinse!
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

• For the Soup Base Bonanza:

  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter. Real butter, not margarine, alright?
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced. Finely diced is best.
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced.
  • 2 celery stalks, diced.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is always better.
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour.
  • 3 cups (710 ml) low-sodium chicken broth. Again, low sodium is key.
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Don't skimp on the cream! This is what makes it a real Copy Cat Panera Creamy Chicken And Wild Rice Soup .
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) half and-half.
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) dry sherry. Sherry is optional, but it adds a touch of class!
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated. Nutmeg is optional, but lovely.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped. For garnish.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Honestly, the secret to a killer Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe isn't just about the ingredients, it's about the seasoning. Thyme and sage are essential, but don't be afraid to play around! A pinch of paprika can add a lovely warmth.

If you don't have sherry, a dash of apple cider vinegar can add a similar tang.

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy gadgets for this Panera Soup Recipe . Just the basics:

• A big pot or Dutch oven. Essential!
• A cutting board and sharp knife. Obviously.
• A wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Get those measurements right!

Don't stress if you don't have a fancy garlic press. Just mince the garlic finely with your knife. This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Homemade is all about simplicity.

Alright, let's talk Panera Chicken Soup ! Ever crave that warm, creamy goodness? The kind that feels like a hug from the inside? Yeah, me too.

We're making a copy cat Panera creamy chicken and wild rice soup that's so good, you'll ditch the bread bowl.

Trust me. I once tried ordering this soup on a date. Let's just say, things went south. At least I had the soup!

Mastering the Soup: A Cooking Expedition

Let’s dive deep into this Panera Bread chicken and wild rice soup . This is easier than doing your taxes, I promise.

Prep Steps: Your Launchpad

• Essential mise en place: Dice your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic! Measure out your rice, herbs, and spices. Get everything ready. Honestly, this part is key.
• Time saving organization tips: I like to chop my veggies while the chicken broth is heating up. Multi tasking, baby! It saves time. Also, if you are too tired, buy frozen chopped veggies from the supermarket to simplify this Panera chicken wild rice soup recipe .
• Safety reminders: Watch the heat when you're sautéing. No one wants a burnt face! Also, be careful when shredding the chicken. Hot chicken is, well, hot.

step-by-step Process: The Soup Symphony

1. Cook your chicken with 6 cups of broth and 1 cup of rice until done, about 20- 25 minutes .
2. Shred that cooked chicken. Fork power!
3. Sauté diced veggies in 4 tablespoons of butter for 5- 7 minutes . Soften them nicely.
4. Stir in minced garlic for a fragrant 1 minute .
5. Whisk in flour, then gradually add 3 cups of broth to avoid lumps.
6. Simmer until it thickens. Watch it! About 5- 7 minutes .
7. Stir in cream, half and-half and sherry to get that Copy Cat Panera Creamy Chicken And Wild Rice Soup style. Heat but don't boil!
8. Combine the chicken and rice with soup, and season to perfection.

Pro Tips: Soup Ninja Skills

• Don't let the rice get mushy! Nobody likes mush.
• Brown the veggies really well. Gives the soup deep flavor.
• If you want a Best Chicken Soup Recipe , use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra flavour. You know?

And that's it! You've conquered the Panera Soup Recipe . Now, go forth and enjoy your homemade bowl of liquid gold! This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Homemade will blow your mind.

If you want to try a Chicken Wild Rice Soup Instant Pot , it's a lot faster, but doesn't allow to develop the flavor very well.

Recipe Notes to Nail Your Panera Chicken Soup

Alright, let's chat about those little details that will make your Panera chicken soup sing! This isn't just about following the recipe; it's about making it yours .

Remember, cooking is a journey, not a destination, so don't sweat the small stuff! We're aiming for something even better than a Panera Bread Chicken And Wild Rice Soup .

Serving It Up Like a Pro

Okay, so presentation is key, right? Ladle your creamy chicken concoction into some rustic bowls. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley.

A swirl of cream always looks fancy. Crusty bread for dunking is a MUST. Honestly, I love serving mine with a toasted cheese sandwich.

It reminds me of being a kid again. And don't forget a cold glass of white wine. It’s a match made in heaven.

For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling cider.

Keepin' it Fresh: Storage Tips

Leftover Copycat Panera Chicken Wild Rice Soup Crockpot is a gift. Cool the soup completely. Then, pop it into airtight containers.

It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to freeze it? Go for it! Just be aware the cream might separate a bit upon thawing.

When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop. Give it a good stir every now and then. Microwaving works in a pinch, but isn't ideal.

Trust me on this.

Mix It Up: Variations on a Theme

Want to go dairy-free? No problem! Coconut milk is a fantastic substitute for heavy cream. Just be sure to buy the full fat kind for that creamy texture.

If you are a fan of spicy food you can add red pepper flakes. What about veggies? During autumn, roasted butternut squash would be divine.

This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Homemade is super versatile. In the summer, try adding some fresh corn kernels.

What's the Health Scoop?

Okay, let's talk nutrition. Each bowl of this amazing soup packs about 350-400 calories. You get a decent dose of protein (around 30g) from the chicken.

There is about 20g of fat. Wild rice adds fibre. Remember, these are just estimates. What I can tell you for sure is that Panera Soup Recipe is incredibly satisfying.

I swear, a bowl of this is like a hug from the inside. This truly is the Best Chicken Soup Recipe .

You can adjust the sodium by using low-sodium broth! You can use Chicken Wild Rice Soup Instant Pot and speed up the entire process.

So, there you have it! Your guide to nailing this Copy Cat Panera Creamy Chicken And Wild Rice Soup . Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! I cannot wait to see your creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this recipe really a good copycat of the famous Panera chicken soup?

Absolutely! This recipe aims to recreate that comforting, creamy flavour you love from Panera Bread's Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. We've carefully considered the ingredients and techniques to get as close as possible to the original, so you can enjoy it at home.

Think of it as bringing a bit of that cosy café feeling right to your kitchen table, without the hefty price tag!

Can I make Panera chicken soup ahead of time, like on a Sunday for the week?

You bet! In fact, the flavours often meld together even better after a day or two in the fridge. Just be aware that the rice may absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.

This makes it a great option for meal prepping, as you can simply portion it out into containers to grab and go, quicker than you can say "Bobs your uncle!"

How long does Panera chicken soup last in the fridge, and can you freeze it?

Properly stored in an airtight container, this soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freezing is an option, but be mindful that the creamy base may slightly change in texture upon thawing, it might become a bit grainy.

If freezing, it's best to use it within 2-3 months and consider using an immersion blender to smooth it out after defrosting and reheating. It's like giving it a bit of a spa day before serving!

I’m watching my weight is there a way to make this Panera chicken soup recipe healthier?

Definitely! You can lighten it up by using low-fat milk or half and-half instead of heavy cream. Using more vegetables and less cream will make the soup healthier, too! Also, be sure to use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.

It’s all about making smart swaps to enjoy the flavour without the extra calories, so you can have your cake and eat it too!

What are some good substitutions if I don't have wild rice on hand for this creamy chicken soup recipe?

No wild rice? No worries! Brown rice, quinoa, or even barley make excellent substitutes. Each will bring a slightly different flavour and texture to the soup, but all are great options.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different grains have varying cooking times, so keep an eye on them like a hawk!