Panera Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Recipe – Easy Meal Recipe

Last Updated on March 18, 2025

Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a warm, comforting dish that becomes even more satisfying with the right pairings. A fresh, crusty baguette or rustic sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping, adding a delightful contrast in texture. 

A bright, tangy side salad, such as mixed greens or a Greek salad, introduces a refreshing crunch that balances the soup’s creamy richness. For an extra layer of flavor, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta enhances the savory depth of the dish. 

Crunchy, buttery crackers also make a great companion, offering a crisp bite that pairs beautifully with each spoonful. To round out the meal with a refreshing contrast, slices of ripe avocado provide a creamy touch, while fresh apple wedges add a subtly sweet and crisp balance. 

These thoughtful pairings transform a simple bowl of soup into a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

What is Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?

At its core, Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a creamy concoction that showcases tender chicken, wild rice, and a medley of aromatic vegetables. 

Think of it as comfort food in its finest form—rich, hearty, and utterly satisfying. The creamy base, made from milk and chicken broth, serves as the perfect canvas for flavors to swirl together.

Wild rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture that sets this soup apart from regular chicken soup. 

The careful marriage of garlic, onions, carrots, and celery balances the creaminess and infuses the dish with a fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen. It’s a simple recipe that yields something profound.

Why This Recipe Works?

This recipe works because it combines familiar elements seamlessly while keeping things simple. Each ingredient plays a specific role:

• Chicken: Provides protein and a hearty bite.
• Wild Rice: Offers a unique texture and flavor, elevating the soup from basic to extraordinary.
• Vegetables: Add color, nutrients, and a slight crunch that contrasts with the soup’s creaminess.
• Seasonings: Provide depth, enhancing every spoonful.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish

Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll gather to create this warm bowl of happiness:

• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ½ cup finely chopped carrots
• ½ cup finely chopped celery
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or diced
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups whole milk, divided
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 (4 oz) box of Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice, including seasoning packet
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Scallions, thinly sliced for garnish

How to Make Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?

Making this soup is as easy as pie. You’ll find it’s a straightforward process that brings a sense of accomplishment. Let’s break it down into simple steps.

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and chopped onion. Sauté these veggies until they begin to soften, around 5 minutes.

The aroma of garlic and onion cooking together creates a welcoming environment that draws everyone closer to the kitchen.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Once the veggies are softened, add cooked and shredded chicken to the pot. Let it mingle for a minute to absorb the flavors of your sautéed base. This will infuse the chicken with all the delightful notes of the mirepoix.

Step 3: Combine the Liquids

Pour in 32 ounces of chicken broth and 2 cups of water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld while keeping an eye on that bubbling pot.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Toss in the Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice along with its seasoning packet. Ensure it’s well mixed into the broth.

Step 5: Create Creaminess

Next, in a separate bowl, combine ½ cup of flour with 2 cups of whole milk. Whisk until smooth and without lumps. Slowly add this mixture to your pot, stirring continuously. The flour will help thicken the soup while the milk adds that beloved creaminess.

Step 6: Season and Simmer

Add in thyme, a bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This is the time to sit back, relax, and savor the tantalizing smells wafting through your kitchen.

Step 7: Final Touches

Before serving, stir in freshly chopped parsley. Discard the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary. Finally, serve the soup hot and garnish it with thinly sliced scallions for a fresh, crisp bite.

Tips

Creating the perfect bowl of soup is an art. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• For extra thickness: Consider reducing the amount of broth slightly. It’ll concentrate the flavors and make a heartier soup.
• Adding creaminess: For a richer taste, swap some milk for heavy cream. Just don’t tell the nutritionist!
• Spice it up: If you like a kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Make it a meal: Want more substance? Add cooked quinoa or another type of bean. They’re great sources of protein and make the meal more filling.
• Garnish wisely: A squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of cheese just before serving can elevate the flavor profile.

How to Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be a gift. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. 

Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It will keep well for about 2-3 months frozen.

How Would I Recommend Serving Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?

Here are some delightful suggestions to serve this soup, making your meal memorable:

• With a Side Salad: Toss together mixed greens with vinaigrette. This freshness complements the creamy soup nicely.
• Accompanied by Garlic Bread: The crunchiness of garlic bread paired with the soft soup creates a balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
• Topped with Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar or Parmesan melted on top gives a comforting touch that will delight cheese lovers.
• Paired with Roasted Vegetables: A platter of seasonal roasted veggies adds a splash of color while providing a healthful balance to your meal.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?

Sometimes, the right ingredient is hiding from you. Here are some alternatives that can work just as well:

• Chicken Alternatives: If you don’t have chicken breasts, shredded rotisserie chicken works just as well. Or, use chopped turkey for a Thanksgiving-inspired twist.
• Fresh Vegetables: You can swap the carrots and celery for frozen mixed vegetables. They’re convenient and still provide great flavor.
• Wild Rice Alternatives: If wild rice isn’t available, use brown rice or even quinoa for a different texture.
• Milk Substitutes: Almond milk or oat milk can work in place of whole milk, but be mindful of the flavor differences.

Conclusion

Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup often dreams of being made in the comfort of your home—and now you can fulfill that dream. Using a handful of ingredients, you can create a warm bowl of comfort that warms the body and soul.

Whether served as a weekday dinner or as part of a hearty gathering, this soup is sure to impress. With the right pairings and a few personal touches, it becomes more than just a dish; it’s a warm hug served in a bowl. 

So grab your ingredients, and let the culinary adventure begin! You’ll soon discover that homemade soup can be your new go-to for satisfying meals any time of the year. Enjoy your soup journey!

You’ll also like the following recipes!

• Panera Potato Soup Copycat Recipe
• How To Make Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie
• Best Panera Souffle Recipe

Print Recipe

Panera Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Recipe – Easy Meal Recipe

Author: Mary Siegel Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 55 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 186 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

If you’ve ever strolled into Panera Bread, the lure of warm, inviting aromas wraps around you like a favorite blanket. 

Among the array of enticing dishes, the Chicken and Wild Rice Soup beckons you with its promises of comfort and nourishment. From first glance, it looks like a bowl of pure warmth. The creamy consistency and the hint of herbs tease your taste buds into imagining a delightful experience.

But why stop at dreaming about it? With a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty version of this classic right in your kitchen. This soup isn't just about filling your stomach; it's an embrace on a chilly day, a gentle reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly special.

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup finely chopped carrots
• ¹⁄₂ cup finely chopped celery
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or diced
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups whole milk, divided
• ¹⁄₂ tsp tsp black pepper
• ¹⁄₂ tsp tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 box of Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice, including seasoning packet (4 oz)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Scallions, thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Start by heating a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and chopped onion. Sauté these veggies until they begin to soften, around 5 minutes.

   The aroma of garlic and onion cooking together creates a welcoming environment that draws everyone closer to the kitchen.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Once the veggies are softened, add cooked and shredded chicken to the pot. Let it mingle for a minute to absorb the flavors of your sautéed base. This will infuse the chicken with all the delightful notes of the mirepoix.

Step 3: Combine the Liquids

1. Pour in 32 ounces of chicken broth and 2 cups of water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld while keeping an eye on that bubbling pot.

Step 4: Add the Rice

1. Toss in the Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice along with its seasoning packet. Ensure it's well mixed into the broth.

Step 5: Create Creaminess

1. Next, in a separate bowl, combine ½ cup of flour with 2 cups of whole milk. Whisk until smooth and without lumps. Slowly add this mixture to your pot, stirring continuously. The flour will help thicken the soup while the milk adds that beloved creaminess.

Step 6: Season and Simmer

1. Add in thyme, a bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This is the time to sit back, relax, and savor the tantalizing smells wafting through your kitchen.

Step 7: Final Touches

1. Before serving, stir in freshly chopped parsley. Discard the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary. Finally, serve the soup hot and garnish it with thinly sliced scallions for a fresh, crisp bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 180kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 3.4g6%

Saturated Fat 1.6g8%

Cholesterol 8mg3%

Sodium 47mg2%

Total Carbohydrate 32g11%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 11g

Protein 5g10%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• For extra thickness: Consider reducing the amount of broth slightly. It’ll concentrate the flavors and make a heartier soup.
• Adding creaminess: For a richer taste, swap some milk for heavy cream. Just don’t tell the nutritionist!
• Spice it up: If you like a kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Make it a meal: Want more substance? Add cooked quinoa or another type of bean. They’re great sources of protein and make the meal more filling.
• Garnish wisely: A squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of cheese just before serving can elevate the flavor profile.

Keywords: panera chicken and wild rice soup recipe