Best Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
A warm and comforting bowl of hearty, creamy soup filled with wild rice, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables, replicating the beloved café-style taste of Panera.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth Best to use homemade or high-quality
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Leftover rotisserie chicken works well
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in wild rice and let it cook for 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Cooking
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken, heavy cream, thyme, and season with salt and pepper; stir well.
- Let the soup heat through for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a rustic experience, serve in a bread bowl. Consider adding croutons or grated cheese for an extra flavor boost. Let the soup sit for a bit after cooking for enhanced flavor.