Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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There’s just something about Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup that hits differently—especially on those days when the couch, fuzzy socks, and a warm blanket are all calling your name. Maybe it’s the rich, velvety broth. Maybe it’s the tender bites of chicken and wild rice. Or maybe it’s because it tastes like a hug in a bowl. Either way, we’re recreating that comforting favorite at home—minus the drive-thru wait and with all the cozy, homemade love.

Whether you’re battling a chilly day, nursing a cold, or just want dinner that doesn’t require 47 dirty pans, this soup is your go-to. And yep—it tastes just like Panera’s version (some even say better, but we’re trying to be humble here).

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Quick comfort: It’s ready in under an hour, but tastes like it simmered all day.
Weeknight friendly: You can use leftover chicken or even rotisserie for extra speed.
Family approved: Even picky eaters (looking at you, kids) usually ask for seconds.
Budget win: Cheaper than going out, and you control the ingredients.

Honestly, once you make this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into making this creamy, dreamy bowl of goodness:

1 cup cooked wild rice
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
½ cup onion, diced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste

Tip: You can use a wild rice blend too, if that’s what you’ve got on hand. No judgment here.

How to Make Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

1. Sauté the Veggies

In a big ol’ pot (your favorite soup pot works great), melt butter over medium heat. Toss in the carrots, celery, and onion, and cook them down until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. Your kitchen will already start smelling like comfort.

2. Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over your veggie mix and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This roux is what gives the soup its creamy thickness, so don’t skip it! Just don’t let it brown too much—we want golden, not toasted.

3. Add Broth & Water

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and water, whisking the whole time to keep it nice and smooth. Keep stirring for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken like magic.

4. Season the Soup

Add in your garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a little salt and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You’re in control now, chef!

5. Add Chicken & Rice

Now toss in the shredded chicken and cooked wild rice. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. The flavors will cozy up together beautifully.

6. Stir in the Cream

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir it in and let the soup simmer another 5-10 minutes until everything’s creamy and delicious.

7. Serve & Savor

Ladle it into bowls and serve with crusty bread (preferably something you can tear with your hands—extra points for rustic vibes). Then pat yourself on the back—you just made Panera-level comfort food at home.

Tips for a Creamy, Flavor-Packed Soup

Rotisserie chicken hack: Out of time? Shred up a rotisserie chicken. No one will know (and everyone will love it).
Make it dairy-free: Swap the cream with canned coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Let it rest: This soup is even better the next day after the flavors have had time to party overnight.
Freeze-friendly? Absolutely! Just skip the cream until you reheat it—then add it fresh for the best texture.

This Soup Has a Backstory…

Let me tell you—this soup saved my sanity during one crazy week where all three of my kids got sick, work deadlines were piling up, and our thermostat decided to take a vacation. I threw this together with what I had in the fridge, and it instantly became a family favorite. It’s now our official “rainy day dinner” and sometimes our “just because it’s Tuesday” meal.

Bowl of creamy Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup served with carrots, wild rice, and shredded chicken — Enjoy a warm bowl of Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup—a comforting classic paired perfectly with soft, crusty bread.

FAQs About Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s very forgiving. Just be sure it’s wild rice (or a blend) for that authentic Panera vibe.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Just skip the roux step, toss everything except the cream in the crockpot, and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stir in the cream at the end.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats like a dream. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months (add cream after reheating).

Can I make it vegetarian?

Sure thing—use veggie broth and swap the chicken for cannellini beans or mushrooms for a hearty alternative.

Cozy Up with This Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your favorite takeout dish at home—especially when it turns out this good. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a hug-in-a-bowl moment, this Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup brings all the warmth without the restaurant bill.

Grab your spoon, your favorite fuzzy socks, and dig in. You deserve it.

Want more comfort food recipes like this? Be sure to follow along at Chicken Magic Recipes for more soul-warming chicken favorites, inspired by cozy kitchens and real-life chaos. ❤️🍲

More Cozy Meals You’ll Crave Next

If you loved this Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, don’t stop here—your next comforting, flavorful favorite might be just a click away! Here are a few more crave-worthy recipes from Chicken Magic that pair perfectly with today’s soup or make a great next meal:

Feeling creamy and cozy? Try this ultra-satisfying creamy chicken noodle soup—it’s like a warm blanket on a spoon, perfect for those extra-chilly nights.
Need a crockpot wonder for a busy weekday? Don’t miss this crock pot chicken and gravy—minimal effort, maximum comfort.
Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Transform it into a delicious dinner with this cheesy rotisserie chicken zucchini casserole—a weeknight winner.
Looking to spice things up? These chili lime chicken tacos with grilled pineapple salsa bring a bright, zesty twist that’s totally worth taco night all over again.

Keep exploring, experimenting, and enjoying the magic—because comfort food should always come with a side of joy (and maybe a second helping).