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Cozy Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: Easy 30-Minute Recipe

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A quick and easy copycat of Panera’s chicken and wild rice soup, ready in 30 minutes with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a velvety broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (about ½ cup)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1 cup quick-cooking wild rice
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and the onion is translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is pasty and clumpy.
  4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking or stirring vigorously. Continue stirring until the flour mixture is fully dissolved and the broth starts to thicken slightly, about 2 minutes. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  5. Add the shredded chicken, wild rice, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir together. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the rice is tender and starting to split open.
  6. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
  7. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and half-and-half. Warm through for 2–3 minutes, but do not let it boil.
  8. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, then adjust.
  9. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or buttery crackers.

Notes

Don’t skip the lemon juice—it brightens the flavors. Watch the heat when adding cream to prevent curdling. Use rotisserie chicken for best flavor. If soup thickens upon reheating, add a splash of broth or water. For freezing, freeze before adding cream and lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: Panera copycat, chicken and wild rice soup, creamy soup, 30-minute meal, fall soup, winter soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/cozy-copycat-panera-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-easy-30-minute-recipe/