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.
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.
This recipe works because it combines familiar elements seamlessly while keeping things simple. Each ingredient plays a specific role:
Here's a quick rundown of the ingredients you'll gather to create this warm bowl of happiness:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Toss in the Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice along with its seasoning packet. Ensure it's well mixed into the broth.
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.
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.
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.
Creating the perfect bowl of soup is an art. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
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.
Here are some delightful suggestions to serve this soup, making your meal memorable:
Sometimes, the right ingredient is hiding from you. Here are some alternatives that can work just as well:
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!
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.
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.
Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Mary Siegel is a registered dietitian from Texas and the heart behind Easy Meal Recipe, a blog dedicated to making healthy cooking simple and enjoyable. With a background in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Houston, she shares easy, flavorful recipes designed for busy lives. Growing up surrounded by family and food, she now blends her love of comfort food with a focus on balanced nutrition. Outside the kitchen, Mary loves exploring farmers' markets and spending time with her family in the Texas outdoors.