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Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup - chicken wild rice - Chicken wild rice soup: master this creamy, comforting Panera copycat recipe. Enjoy tender chicken, wild r

Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Chicken wild rice soup: master this creamy, comforting Panera copycat recipe. Enjoy tender chicken, wild rice, and veggies in a rich broth.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 medium carrots (finely chopped)
  • 2 ribs celery (finely chopped)
  • 1 shallot or small yellow onion (chopped)
  • salt and pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 6 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 1 lb chicken breasts (~2 chicken breasts, sliced in half)
  • 1 cup wild rice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, and shallots or onions. Season with salt and pepper then saute until the vegetables are tender, 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme then saute until very fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add the chicken stock or broth to the pot then bring to a boil. Add the chicken breast halves, cover, and simmer on low until cooked through, 10-12 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board, chop or shred when cool enough to handle, then refrigerate.
  3. Meanwhile, add the wild rice to the pot and stir to combine. Cover and simmer until the rice is al dente, 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. When the rice has about 10 minutes left, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and whisk for 1 minute. Slowly drizzle in the milk while whisking to create a smooth sauce, then cook while stirring until thick and creamy, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Once the rice is al dente, slowly stream in the butter/flour/milk mixture while constantly whisking the soup. Add the chopped chicken then cook for 5 more minutes, stirring frequently, or until the soup has thickened and the rice is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and let sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

- For the most tender vegetables, saute them until they are truly soft, not just slightly tender. A splash of chicken stock and a lid can speed up this process.
- Ensure chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before removing them from the pot to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- This soup stores beautifully. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of extra chicken stock or water to thin if it's too thick.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.