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)
- 1 package long grain and wild rice blend quick cooking version (you will use the seasoning packet. i use
- 3/4 cup butter (12 tbsp. or a stick and a half)
- 3 cups light cream (can lighten by substituting part
- 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 Go-To Comfort Food: A Copycat Panera Soup Recipe
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, healthy meals can feel like an impossible task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the general chaos that comes with juggling a career and family. But even amidst the craziness, I crave comfort food – something warm, hearty, and satisfying. And for me, nothing hits the spot quite like a creamy, flavorful soup.
For years, I've been a devoted fan of Panera Bread's Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. It’s the perfect blend of creamy richness, savory chicken, and the satisfying chewiness of wild rice. But let's be honest, frequent Panera trips can quickly drain the bank account. So, I embarked on a quest to recreate this beloved soup at home, and after a few trial-and-error attempts, I finally perfected a copycat recipe that rivals the original in both taste and texture. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy and quick to make, even on the busiest of weeknights.
This recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a source of comfort and warmth. The aroma alone fills my kitchen with a cozy ambiance, easing the stress of the day. It’s the kind of soup that invites family and friends to gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying a delicious meal. I often find myself adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of flavor, but even without those additions, the soup is incredibly satisfying.
The secret to this recipe lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy base is rich and decadent, without being overly heavy. The chicken is tender and flavorful, and the wild rice adds a delightful nutty bite that complements the other ingredients perfectly. The vegetables, subtly sweet and savory, enhance the overall taste without overpowering the other elements. And the best part is, the entire recipe comes together in under an hour – a fact that’s particularly appealing to a busy homemaker like myself.
This isn't just a soup; it’s a culinary hug on a cold day, a comforting ritual at the end of a long week, a moment of quiet amidst the chaos of modern life. It’s a recipe that I treasure not just for its deliciousness, but for the memories it creates and the warmth it brings to our family table.
Beyond the deliciousness and ease, this recipe also offers a degree of flexibility. Feel free to experiment with different types of rice, or adjust the amount of cream to suit your preferences. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or peas, to create your own unique variation. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes and dietary needs.
I encourage you to try this recipe. It's a testament to the fact that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there's always time to savor the simple pleasures – like a warm bowl of delicious, homemade soup.
So, the next time you're craving a comforting and delicious meal, skip the expensive restaurant and try my copycat Panera Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. It’s a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your family’s table, one spoonful at a time.
