Copy-Cat Panera Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
I literally crave this amazing, hearty soup from Panera when the weather begins to chill. This is the closest recipe I have found to theirs. The best part is, it's ready in less than an hour. I've found that the reviews are right and have lessened the amount of flour; originally 1 cup; just use 1/2 or a bit more depending on how thick you like your soup (Panera's is VERY thick).
I literally crave this amazing, hearty soup from Panera when the weather begins to chill. This is the closest recipe I have found to theirs. The best part is, it's ready in less than an hour. I've found that the reviews are right and have lessened the amount of flour; originally 1 cup; just use 1/2 or a bit more depending on how thick you like your soup (Panera's is VERY thick).
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 cup carrot diced
- 2 chicken breast halves (cooked boneless and cubed)
- 3/4 cup butter (12 tbsp. or a stick and a half)
- 1 package long grain and wild rice blend quick cooking version (you will use the seasoning packet. i used
- 3 cups light cream (can lighten by substituting part or
- Carbohydrate 869.829793369787 g
- Cholesterol 7858.5600019769 mg
- Fat 1719.04810854643 g
- Fiber 5.98995199652293 g
- Protein 1925.79127471453 g
- Saturated Fat 687.599223696925 g
- Serving Size 1 1 pot of soup, 6-8 serving(s) (15642g)
- Sodium 14603.4641294494 mg
- Sugar 863.839841373264 g
- Trans Fat 125.875813435864 g
- Calories 26911 calories
Step-by-step
- Open rice, pull out seasoning packet and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine pepper and flour. Set aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine broth and chicken. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice.
- Cover and remove from heat.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add carrots, celery and onion and saute for 5 minutes.
- Stir in contents of seasoning packet, and continue cooking vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes more.
- Add seasoned flour gradually while constantly stirring, to form a roux.
- Saute roux for 3-4 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
- Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Cook until thickened, 5 minutes.
- Stir cream mixture into broth and rice.
- Cook over medium heat until heated through and rice is done, 15-20 minutes.
- Alternatively, for those who cannot get the quick-cooking version of the rice, I have put the broth on to boil and cooked the 25-minute version of long grain and wild rice blend according to the directions, while sauteeing the veggies in the butter. I tend to cook the veggies longer this way, and I like them quite soft. I then follow the rest of the directions above, adding the rice/broth to the cream mixture.
- I've also used fat-free half and half with no appreciable difference in flavor. Enjoy!
My Panera Copycat Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding the time to cook delicious and comforting meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weekends are often jam-packed with errands and family activities, leaving precious little time for elaborate culinary creations. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both flavorful and quick to prepare. Lately, I’ve been utterly obsessed with Panera Bread’s Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. It’s the perfect blend of creamy richness and hearty grains, a comforting hug in a bowl. However, those frequent Panera runs can really add up, both financially and time-wise. So, I embarked on a mission: to recreate this beloved soup at home, without sacrificing quality or taste. And let me tell you, the journey was worth it!
This recipe is the culmination of my efforts, a testament to the power of a little kitchen experimentation and a whole lot of determination. It’s incredibly close to the Panera version, yet so much simpler to make. The best part? It’s ready in under an hour, a true lifesaver on a busy weeknight. I’ve adjusted the original recipe slightly, reducing the flour to achieve the perfect creamy consistency – just thick enough to coat the spoon but not so thick that it becomes heavy. I also experimented with different types of cream, finding that even fat-free half-and-half works beautifully, maintaining the luscious texture without impacting the taste. Trust me, your family will never guess this is a homemade version!
The ingredients are simple, pantry staples you likely already have on hand. I always keep chicken broth, carrots, celery, and onions stocked, the foundation of countless delicious soups and stews. And while the quick-cooking wild rice blend is my go-to, you can absolutely adapt this recipe using regular long-grain rice. Just adjust your cooking times accordingly, allowing extra time for the rice to cook through. This recipe is highly adaptable, truly catering to the busy lifestyle of a working professional. The flexibility is what makes it so perfect for a hectic schedule.
Beyond its convenience, this soup is bursting with flavor. The creamy base, infused with the savory notes of sautéed vegetables and perfectly cooked chicken, creates a harmony of textures and tastes that is simply irresistible. Each spoonful is a delightful exploration of flavors, a journey from the subtle sweetness of the carrots and celery to the hearty heartiness of the chicken and rice. I often find myself adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives just before serving, enhancing the overall vibrancy of the soup and adding a touch of freshness. The rich aroma alone is enough to transform any mundane weeknight into a warm and inviting moment.
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary adventure, this Copycat Panera Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipe is a must-try. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, a delightful dish that will effortlessly win over the hearts (and stomachs) of your family and friends. Embrace the simplicity of this recipe, and let the fragrant steam and delicious taste transport you to a cozy evening, even amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and get ready to experience the pure joy of creating something truly special in your own kitchen.
Pro-Tip: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick and easy meal on a future busy night. The soup freezes beautifully and tastes just as delicious upon reheating. You'll be glad you did, especially when you're short on time but craving a comforting, hearty meal.
This soup isn’t just about convenience; it's about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. It's about sharing a delicious meal with loved ones, making memories around the table, and savoring the simple pleasures of home-cooked food. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined to create something extraordinary. So go ahead, try it, and let me know what you think!
