Enjoy a comforting bowl of this copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. It’s a rich and creamy soup loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and wild rice, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup finely diced carrots
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 32 oz chicken stock
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk, divided
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Two large chicken breasts, cooked and either shredded or finely diced.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4.3 oz box of Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice + seasoning packet
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Scallions, to garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a sizable pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Toss in the diced carrots, celery, and onion, sautéing until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until it releases its aroma.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings:
- Pour in the chicken stock and water. Add the pepper, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the Chicken and Rice:
- Stir in the shredded or diced chicken breasts and the contents of the Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice box, including the seasoning packet. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Prepare the Creamy Base:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk and the all-purpose flour until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer and Finish:
- Add the remaining 1 cup of milk to the soup and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Spoon the soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped scallions for garnish.
Conclusion:
This homemade version of Panera’s Chicken and Wild Rice Soup offers a creamy, hearty dish ideal for a cozy meal at home. Featuring tender chicken, savory wild rice, and a rich broth, this soup is destined to become a family favorite. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Enjoy!