Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Panera (Restaurant-Style Recipe)

Recreate the comforting favorite with our Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Panera (Restaurant-Style Recipe) – a creamy, homemade delight perfect for cozy evenings. This copycat Panera recipe is easy to make and captures the same flavors that make their soups so popular. Whether you choose to make it on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for a comforting bowl of chicken and wild rice soup.

Key Takeaways:

This Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Panera recipe is a copycat of the popular restaurant-style soup.
It is homemade, creamy, and comforting.
You can prepare it using an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop.
This soup is the perfect meal for cozy evenings.
Create a restaurant experience in the comfort of your own home with this delicious recipe.

Continue reading to discover the secret ingredient for a flavorful soup and learn how to make homemade chicken stock to elevate this recipe even further.

Table of Contents

The Secret Ingredient for Flavorful Soup

The key to making this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup taste like Panera’s version is the use of Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice. This boxed rice mixture, along with its seasoning packet, adds a unique and delicious flavor to the soup. Combined with homemade chicken stock or broth, carrots, celery, onions, and seasonings like dried oregano and bay leaf, the result is a flavorful and comforting bowl of soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

The Perfect Rice Blend

Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice is the secret ingredient that gives this soup its distinctive taste. The blend of long grain rice, wild rice, and a flavorful seasoning packet perfectly complements the other ingredients, creating a depth of flavor that mimics Panera’s soup. The rice absorbs the savory flavors of the chicken stock and seasonings, making every bite a delight.

Making Flavorful Chicken Stock

To enhance the taste of this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup even further, consider making your own homemade chicken stock. While store-bought chicken stock will work fine, the homemade version adds a richer and more robust flavor to the soup.

Here’s a simple recipe for homemade chicken stock:

Ingredients	Instructions
1 whole chicken, roasted	In a Dutch oven or roasting pan, roast the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and set it aside. Place the chicken carcass, bones, and any skin or drippings into a slow cooker. Add water until the bones are fully submerged. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours. Once the stock has finished cooking, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids. Allow the stock to cool before using it in the soup.

Ingredients

Instructions

1 whole chicken, roasted

In a Dutch oven or roasting pan, roast the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool.
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and set it aside.
Place the chicken carcass, bones, and any skin or drippings into a slow cooker.
Add water until the bones are fully submerged.
Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours.
Once the stock has finished cooking, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
Allow the stock to cool before using it in the soup.

This homemade chicken stock adds a depth of flavor to the soup, elevating it to restaurant-quality. The combination of the flavorful stock, Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice, and the aromatic vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying soup that will keep you coming back for more.

Making Homemade Chicken Stock

To take this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup to the next level, consider making your own homemade chicken stock. While store-bought chicken stock will work just fine in this recipe, homemade stock adds a depth of flavor and freshness that can’t be beaten. If you have the time, roast a whole chicken in a Dutch oven and then use the leftovers to make chicken stock in a slow cooker. This homemade stock is healthier and allows you to control the sodium content, making your soup even more delicious.

Homemade chicken stock is a simple and versatile recipe that forms the foundation of many delicious dishes. Not only does it add a rich flavor to soups, stews, and sauces, but it also provides a nutritious base packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

“Making your own chicken stock is a game-changer. The depth of flavor you’ll achieve is unmatched, and the process is surprisingly easy. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your stock.”

Here is a basic recipe for making homemade chicken stock using a slow cooker:

Ingredients	Instructions
Chicken carcass or leftover chicken bones Vegetables (carrots, celery, onions) Herbs and spices (bay leaf, thyme, peppercorns) Water	Place the chicken carcass or bones in a slow cooker. Add vegetables, herbs, and spices. Cover with water. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or overnight. Strain the stock, discarding the solids. Allow the stock to cool before transferring it to containers for storage.

Once you have prepared your homemade chicken stock, you can use it immediately in your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup or store it in the refrigerator or freezer for future use. The flavorful stock will enhance the taste of the soup, elevating it to restaurant-quality.

Cooking Methods for the Soup

This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup can be cooked using various methods, depending on your preference and available appliances. Whether you’re a hands-on chef, looking for a quick meal, or prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach, there’s a cooking method that suits your style.

Stovetop

If you enjoy being in control of the cooking process, making the soup on the stovetop is the way to go. This method allows you to closely monitor the soup as it simmers, ensuring that each ingredient is cooked to perfection.

Instant Pot

For those who are short on time, the Instant Pot is a game-changer. This multi-functional appliance uses pressure cooking to rapidly cook the soup, resulting in a flavorful dish in a fraction of the time. Simply set the cooking time and let the Instant Pot work its magic.

Slow Cooker

If you prefer a hands-off approach to cooking, the slow cooker is your best friend. With this method, you can throw all the ingredients into the pot in the morning and come home to a warm and comforting bowl of soup in the evening.

No matter which method you choose, the end result will be a creamy and satisfying bowl of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, perfect for any occasion.

Serving and Garnishing the Soup

Once your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and garnish it. This soup pairs well with fresh scallions, which add a pop of color and a slight crunch to each spoonful. You can also get creative with your garnishes and add other toppings like crispy bacon, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve the soup alongside some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Garnish Ideas:

Fresh scallions
Crispy bacon
Shredded cheese
Dollop of sour cream

Serving Suggestions:

To enhance the dining experience, consider pairing your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with the following:

Crusty bread: Serve slices of warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping into the creamy broth. A baguette or sourdough loaf works great.

Side salad: Add freshness and crunch to your meal by serving a side salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite dressing will complement the hearty flavors of the soup.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of Panera Bread or simply enjoy a comforting bowl of chicken and wild rice soup, this copycat recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. With its creamy texture, flavorful broth, and hearty ingredients, this homemade version captures all the elements that make Panera’s soup so beloved.

Plus, with the flexibility to cook it on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker, you can choose a method that fits your schedule and cooking preferences. No matter which method you choose, the end result will be a bowl of comfort food that warms your soul.

So why not skip the trip to Panera and enjoy a comforting bowl of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup right in the comfort of your own home? This easy-to-make, restaurant-style recipe is the perfect way to indulge in the flavors of Panera without leaving your kitchen. Gather the ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to a delicious and satisfying meal today.

FAQ

Can I make this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup on the stovetop?

Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Simply follow the instructions provided in the recipe and cook the soup on medium heat until the rice is tender and the flavors are well blended.

Can I use an Instant Pot to make this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?

Yes, you can use an Instant Pot to make this soup. The Instant Pot will pressure cook the ingredients, resulting in a quicker cooking time. Follow the instructions for using an Instant Pot in the recipe to achieve the perfect soup.

Can I make this soup using a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can make this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup in a slow cooker. Simply place all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for several hours until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.

What garnishes go well with this soup?

Fresh scallions are a great topping for this soup, adding a pop of color and a slight crunch to each spoonful. Additionally, you can get creative with your garnishes and add crispy bacon, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

What can I serve with this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad. The bread can be used to dunk into the soup, while a side salad adds an extra freshness and variety to the meal.

Can I make my own chicken stock for this soup?

Yes, you can make your own homemade chicken stock for this soup. While store-bought chicken stock will work fine, making your own stock adds a depth of flavor and freshness. You can roast a whole chicken in a Dutch oven and use the leftovers to make chicken stock in a slow cooker. This homemade stock is healthier and allows you to control the sodium content, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.