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Kid-Approved Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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A creamy, hearty chicken and wild rice soup that tastes just like the beloved bakery-cafe version but is made with simple, affordable ingredients. Perfect for busy families and picky eaters, this comforting soup comes together in about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup uncooked wild rice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the wild rice: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup wild rice with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40 minutes until tender. Drain excess water and set aside.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and onion is translucent.
  3. Make the roux: Sprinkle 1/3 cup flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  4. Add broth gradually: Slowly pour in 4 cups chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
  5. Add chicken and rice: Stir in 2 cups shredded chicken, cooked wild rice, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Finish with cream: Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stirring gently. Heat for 2-3 minutes without boiling.
  7. Taste and adjust: Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve immediately: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, swap butter with olive oil and use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The soup tastes even better the next day. Freeze before adding cream for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and wild rice soup, copycat Panera soup, creamy chicken soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, family dinner, kid-friendly soup

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/kid-approved-copycat-panera-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-recipe/