Copycat Panera Chicken

Savor the Cozy Elegance: Mastering Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup at Home

Dive into the soul-soothing goodness of a beloved classic with our Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup recipe. Recreate the comforting elegance of Panera’s renowned soup in the comfort of your kitchen. This recipe is a culinary journey that combines tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and aromatic herbs to deliver a bowl of warmth and flavor. Join us as we unravel the secrets to mastering this iconic soup, bringing the essence of Panera straight to your table.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

  • 1 cup wild rice blend
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups half-and-half

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Wild Rice

  1. Cook the wild rice blend according to package instructions. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large pot, cook the chicken breasts in boiling water until fully cooked.
  3. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks. Set aside.

Step 3: Saute the Vegetables

  1. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Saute until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4: Create the Roux

  1. Sprinkle flour over the sauteed vegetables, stirring to create a roux. Cook for a few minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 5: Add Broth and Herbs

  1. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  2. Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Step 6: Simmer and Combine

  1. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook until the vegetables are tender.
  2. Add the cooked wild rice and shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 7: Introduce Creaminess

  1. Pour in the half-and-half, stirring to combine.
  2. Allow the soup to simmer gently for an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t come to a boil.

Step 8: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

  1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  2. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
  3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Cook Notes:

  • To enhance the flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or a high-quality store-bought option.
  • For a time-saving option, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and cooked wild rice.

Variations:

Vegetarian Twist:

  • Replace chicken with tofu cubes or your favorite plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.

Creamy Dreamy:

  • Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or add extra half-and-half for a creamier texture.

Keto Versions:

Cauliflower Comfort:

  • Substitute wild rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative.

Keto-Friendly Thickener:

  • Use xanthan gum or almond flour to thicken the soup instead of all-purpose flour.

Low-Carb Versions:

Veggie Power:

  • Increase the vegetable content by adding more celery, carrots, and even spinach for a low-carb option.

Cauliflower Creaminess:

  • Puree cauliflower and blend it into the soup for added creaminess without the carbs.

A Bowl of Comfort Beyond Compare

As we conclude our culinary journey through the Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, it’s evident that this recipe is a bowl of comfort beyond compare. The tender chicken, the wholesome wild rice, and the aromatic herbs come together to create a soup that embodies the essence of warmth, coziness, and pure culinary delight.

Whether you follow the classic recipe, experiment with creative variations, or opt for keto and low-carb adaptations, this soup stands as a testament to the versatility and joy that a well-crafted bowl of soup can bring. Each spoonful is an invitation to savor the richness, the elegance, and the comforting embrace of this Panera-inspired masterpiece.

So, set the stage for a cozy evening, gather your ingredients, and immerse yourself in the joy of creating a Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup that will transport you to a world of culinary sophistication. It’s not just a soup—it’s a celebration of comfort, a symphony of flavors, and a moment to relish the simple pleasures of a well-deserved bowl. Get ready to savor the warmth and richness in every comforting spoonful!