Cozy Kitchen Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Panera Copycat
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort Food?
Ever get that feeling where only a big bowl of somethin' warm and comforting will do? Honestly, that's how this panera chicken and wild rice soup journey began for me.
It's like a warm hug on a blustery day, packed with flavour and totally satisfying. If you are a fan of cozy soup recipes then you have landed in the right place.
The Story Behind the Soup
This creamy chicken and wild rice soup is inspired by that iconic Panera version we all know and love. Think of it as a classic American comfort food with a bit of Scandinavian influence.
Ready in about 1 hour 20 minutes, it makes roughly 6-8 servings. You will definitely get an amazing homemade chicken and wild rice soup experience!.
Why You'll Love This Soup
Let's be real. This recipe is special. Not only is it a perfect excuse for a cozy night in with crusty bread, but it is also a secretly healthy chicken and wild rice soup option, packed with protein and good stuff.
This is great comfort food recipes winter . Plus, the chicken and wild rice soup copycat recipe is surprisingly simple to whip up - easy chicken and wild rice soup recipe , even on a busy weeknight.
Let's dive right into what we need.
Ingredients You'll Need
You probably have most of the chicken and wild rice soup ingredients sitting in your fridge already, which is always a bonus, right? From chicken breasts and wild rice, to yummy veggies and creamy broth, let's get everything sorted.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing Cozy Kitchen Chicken and Wild Rice Soup , our take on the Panera Chicken and Wild Rice .
Honestly, getting the right stuff makes all the difference. This is going to become one of your favorite comfort food recipes winter .
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g), boneless, skinless. Look for plump breasts that spring back when touched. This ensure they are fresh.
- Salt: 1 tsp (5ml).
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml).
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15ml).
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , diced (about 1 cup).
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and diced (about 1 cup).
- Celery stalks: 2 , diced (about 1 cup).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115g).
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g).
- Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4L), low sodium. Using low sodium means you can control the salt.
- Half and-half: 1 cup (240ml).
- Cooked wild rice blend: 1 cup (200g). Cooked seperately.
- Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp .
- Dried sage: 1/4 tsp .
- Dried marjoram: 1/4 tsp .
- Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup (5g), chopped.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
I learned that cooking the rice separately is key. Otherwise, it steals all the broth. You end up with a thick, gloopy mess.
This prevents it from soaking up too much broth. Typically, 1/2 cup of uncooked wild rice yields about 1 cup cooked.
Seasoning Notes
This creamy chicken and wild rice soup recipe depends on getting the seasonings right. Thyme, sage, and marjoram is the core mix.
It gives it that classic flavour. No marjoram? Use Italian seasoning. It works a treat. For flavor enhancers and aromatics , don’t skimp on the garlic!
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot. Essential for even cooking.
- Cutting board. Keep it clean, yeah?
- Knife. A sharp one makes life easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring, innit?
- Instant read thermometer. Chicken needs to hit 165° F ( 74° C).
If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large, heavy bottomed pot will do. Honestly, getting this easy chicken and wild rice soup recipe just right makes all the difference on a cold evening.
Why don't you make it homemade chicken and wild rice soup today and tell me about it. I bet that is healthy chicken and wild rice soup .
I even made a chicken and wild rice soup copycat that tastes just like panera chicken and wild rice soup recipe .
Cozy Kitchen Chicken and Wild Rice Soup (Panera Copycat)
Right then, fancy a bit of comfort? We are going to make a dead ringer panera chicken and wild rice soup! It’s proper lush on a cold day, like a hug in a bowl, right? I wanted something as close as possible to panera chicken and wild rice soup recipe .
This is inspired by all the best cozy soup recipes .
Prep Like a Pro
Essential mise en place is key, darling. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic. Measure out your spices.
Have your chicken and wild rice soup ingredients ready to go! Honestly, getting everything prepped saves a heap of time.
Time saving organization tips : Get one of those little prep bowls, you know? Put each chopped ingredient in its own bowl.
It keeps things tidy and speeds up cooking. For me, this makes it an easy chicken and wild rice soup recipe to nail.
step-by-step: Soup Magic
- Cook the Chicken: Season 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts with 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper. Sear in a Dutch oven with 1 tbsp of olive oil until browned and cooked through (165° F / 74° C ). Shred or dice it.
- Sauté: Melt 1/2 cup of butter in the same pot. Add 1 cup diced onion, 1 cup diced carrots, and 1 cup diced celery. Cook until soft, about 5- 7 minutes. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute.
- Roux Time: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the veggies. Cook, stirring, for 1- 2 minutes. This thickens the creamy chicken and wild rice soup.
- Broth Bonanza: Gradually whisk in 6 cups of chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pot. Add 1/2 tsp of thyme, 1/4 tsp of sage, and 1/4 tsp of marjoram.
- Simmer Down: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Get those flavours melding!
- Chicken & Rice: Stir in the shredded chicken and 1 cup of cooked wild rice. Heat it through.
- Cream It Up: Stir in 1 cup of half and-half. Do not boil ! Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped parsley and serve it hot.
Pro Tips for Soup Perfection
Want to elevate your homemade chicken and wild rice soup ? Toast your wild rice in the pot before adding the broth. It brings out a nutty flavour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don't overcook the rice! Mushy rice is a soup downer. And don't let the half and-half boil curdled soup is a no-no.
make-ahead Option: You can make the soup base a day ahead. Just add the chicken and half and-half when you’re ready to serve.
I do this when I plan this as one of my comfort food recipes winter time.
So there you have it, that's my take on the famous panera chicken and wild rice soup copycat . Now, grab a spoon and tuck in, mate.
Enjoy your healthy chicken and wild rice soup .
Alright, let's talk about making this cozy soup recipes even more you ! This homemade chicken and wild rice soup is pretty awesome as is, but a few tweaks can really take it over the top.
Honestly, one of my favorite things about comfort food recipes winter like this is how flexible they are.
Recipe Notes
This section is all about those little extras. It's about making the panera chicken and wild rice your very own. It’s also about tackling common questions. Let's dive in, shall we?
Plating Like a Pro & Delicious Pairings
Presentation matters, right? Ladle your creamy panera chicken and wild rice soup recipe into a nice bowl. A sprinkle of fresh parsley goes a long way.
Oh my gosh, a swirl of cream looks fantastic too. Want to take it up a notch? Grab a hunk of crusty bread.
Sourdough is amazing for dipping. A simple side salad balances the richness. A grilled cheese is always a winner with creamy chicken and wild rice soup .
I swear, dipping is half the fun.
Leftover Love: Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This healthy chicken and wild rice soup is even better the next day. Pop it in an airtight container.
Into the fridge it goes. It's good for 3-4 days , max. Freezing is an option too. Portion it out first.
Thaw overnight. Reheat gently on the stove. Don’t boil after adding dairy! It could split. Trust me, nobody wants that.
This one-pot chicken and wild rice soup is amazing, don't ruin it!
Remixing the Recipe
Want to shake things up? I am here for it! Sub with roasted mushrooms or chickpeas. Making it vegetarian has never been easier.
You could also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Coconut milk or cashew cream is good for dairy-free. A pinch of red pepper flakes? Adds a fun kick.
Change is good, innit? The chicken and wild rice soup ingredients are easy to swap.
Nutrition Nuggets
Let's break it down. This easy chicken and wild rice soup recipe has about 350-400 calories per serving. It's packed with protein.
About 30-35g, which is great. It is also fairly moderate in fat. (15-20g.) The wild rice adds good carbs, about 25-30g.
It's a well rounded meal. This chicken and wild rice soup copycat is so healthy for you! Remember, these are estimates.
The chicken and wild rice soup copycat is what it is thanks to good ingredients!
So, there you have it. Loads of little tricks to help you make this awesome panera chicken and wild rice even more amazing.
Experiment, have fun, and don't be afraid to get creative. Honestly, that's what cooking is all about. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe difficult to make? I'm not exactly Gordon Ramsay!
Don't worry, you don't need Michelin star skills to make this Cozy Kitchen Chicken and Wild Rice Soup! While it involves a few steps, each one is straightforward. Just follow the instructions, and you'll have a delicious, Panera inspired soup in no time.
Think of it as a gentle cooking challenge you've got this!
How can I make sure my wild rice isn't mushy in this panera chicken and wild rice soup?
Mushy rice is a soup killer, right? The key is to cook the wild rice separately, according to the package directions, until it's just tender al dente, like pasta. This prevents it from absorbing too much broth and becoming overcooked in the soup. Add it right at the end, just to heat through.
Can I make this Panera chicken and wild rice soup vegetarian or dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with roasted mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it dairy-free, replace the half and-half with coconut milk or a cashew cream sauce. Just remember that coconut milk will add a slight coconutty flavor!
How long does this Cozy Kitchen Chicken and Wild Rice Soup (Panera Copycat) last in the fridge?
This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When reheating, do so gently over medium low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, especially after you've added the half and-half, as it could curdle.
Any tips for making the most flavorful Panera chicken and wild rice soup possible?
Definitely! Don't skimp on browning the chicken - that extra sear adds depth. Also, taste and season frequently; the salt level in chicken broth can vary. And finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end will really brighten the flavors, taking it from "nice" to "spot on, mate!"
Cozy Kitchen Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Panera C
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |