18 Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Ideas That Will Warm Your Soul!
When the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to soothe your soul.
Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a creamy, hearty dish that brings comfort with every spoonful.
In this listicle, we present 18 delightful variations and creative ideas that elevate this classic soup, perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings.
Get ready to warm your heart and your home with these nourishing recipes!
1. Classic Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Start with the timeless classic that made this soup famous. This version combines tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and wild rice in a creamy broth.
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, and parsley.
Sauté the veggies until soft, add the chicken and broth, and let it simmer until the flavors meld beautifully. Finish with heavy cream for that rich, comforting texture.
Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for added flavor and color.
2. Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Add a cheesy twist to your traditional soup with this delightful recipe. The melted cheese creates a rich and velvety texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients: everything from the classic version plus shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese.
Prepare the base as usual, but stir in the cheeses towards the end of cooking for a creamy, cheesy finish. This variation is perfect for cheese lovers!
Top with crispy bacon bits and chives for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
3. Spicy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
For those who enjoy a kick, this spicy version is a must-try! The addition of jalapeños or red pepper flakes adds a vibrant heat to the creamy goodness.
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, jalapeños, onions, garlic, chicken broth, cream, and spices like cumin and paprika.
Start by sautéing the onions and jalapeños for a flavor-packed base, then add the remaining ingredients and let it simmer. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
Serve with a dollop of sour cream to balance the heat.
4. Lemon Herb Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Brighten up your soup with zesty lemon and fresh herbs! This refreshing twist is perfect for spring and adds a bright flavor profile.
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, carrots, celery, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, and parsley.
Cook the vegetables and chicken as usual, then add the lemon juice and zest at the end for a fresh taste. The herbs provide a fragrant aroma that complements the dish perfectly.
Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.
5. Creamy Coconut Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
For a tropical twist, try using coconut milk instead of cream! This version adds a unique flavor and creaminess that is irresistible.
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and cilantro.
Sauté the garlic and ginger for a fragrant base, add the chicken and coconut milk, and let it simmer for a dish that transports you to a tropical paradise.
Serve garnished with lime wedges and cilantro for a refreshing finish.
6. Mushroom and Wild Rice Chicken Soup
Mushrooms bring an earthy depth to this comforting soup. This version combines the classic flavors with the rich umami of mushrooms.
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, assorted mushrooms (like cremini and shiitake), garlic, chicken broth, cream, and thyme.
Sauté the mushrooms until golden before adding the other ingredients, allowing their flavors to develop. The result is a hearty, satisfying soup that’s perfect for mushroom lovers.
Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
7. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Kale
Incorporate some greens into your soup for added nutrition! Kale is a perfect addition that wilts beautifully into the broth.
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, kale, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, and cream.
After preparing the base, stir in the kale towards the end of cooking so it retains some texture and color. This soup is not just comforting but also packed with vitamins!
Top with freshly grated Parmesan for a touch of indulgence.
8. Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Let your slow cooker do the work with this hands-off approach to a classic dish. Perfect for busy days!
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and cream.
Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it simmer for hours. The long cooking time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting bowl of soup ready when you are.
Serve with a side of fresh bread for dipping.
9. Panera-Inspired Chicken and Wild Rice Soup in Bread Bowls
Take your soup experience to the next level by serving it in bread bowls! This fun and tasty presentation is perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients: classic Chicken and Wild Rice Soup ingredients plus bread bowls made from sourdough or artisan bread.
Prepare the soup as usual, then hollow out the bread bowls and fill them with the warm soup. The bread absorbs the flavors, making each bite delicious.
Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for presentation.
10. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Quinoa
For a protein-packed twist, substitute quinoa for wild rice! This version is hearty and filling while still being nutritious.
Ingredients: chicken breast, quinoa, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and cream.
Prepare the soup as you normally would, but add the quinoa along with the broth and let it cook until fluffy. This creates a delightful texture and adds a nutty flavor.
Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
11. Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Make this delicious soup in a fraction of the time with your Instant Pot! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and cream.
Sauté the vegetables, add the remaining ingredients, and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes. Let it naturally release for a flavorful and quick meal.
Serve hot with a sprinkle of green onions for added freshness.
12. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes bring a subtle sweetness and extra nutrients to this comforting dish.
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and cream.
Sauté the onion and garlic, then add diced sweet potatoes and cook until tender before adding the other ingredients. The sweet potatoes add a lovely color and flavor to the soup.
Finish with fresh thyme for an aromatic touch.
13. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Spinach and Almonds
Add a crunch and a burst of color to your soup with spinach and sliced almonds!
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, spinach, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, cream, and sliced almonds.
Sauté the vegetables, then add the chicken and broth. Stir in the spinach just before serving for a vibrant color and texture. Top with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch.
This version is not only delicious but also visually stunning.
14. Thai-Inspired Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Bring some international flair to your soup with Thai flavors! This version is aromatic and full of zest.
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, coconut milk, lemongrass, ginger, cilantro, lime juice, and chili paste.
Sauté the lemongrass and ginger for a fragrant base, then add the chicken and coconut milk. Stir in lime juice and chili paste for a spicy finish. This soup is a delightful departure from the traditional!
Serve with a wedge of lime and sprinkle of cilantro for freshness.
15. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Roasted Garlic
Roasted garlic adds a sweet and mellow flavor to the soup, enhancing its richness.
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, roasted garlic, carrots, celery, onion, chicken broth, and cream.
Roast the garlic until caramelized, then blend it into the soup for a deep flavor. The result is a luxurious, comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Serve with a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
16. Mediterranean Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, chicken broth, cream, and feta cheese.
Sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then add the chicken and broth. Stir in olives and top with crumbled feta before serving for a burst of flavor.
This twist is both hearty and refreshing, perfect for a warm gathering.
17. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Corn
Sweet corn adds a delightful sweetness and texture to the soup, making it even more comforting.
Ingredients: chicken breast, wild rice, corn, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and cream.
Add corn to the base as it simmers, allowing the sweetness to infuse the soup. This version is perfect for those who love a touch of sweetness in their savory dishes!
Serve with a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
18. Vegan Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
A plant-based version that retains all the comforting flavors without the chicken. Perfect for vegans or anyone looking for a lighter option!
Ingredients: chickpeas, wild rice, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and coconut cream.
Sauté the onion and garlic, add the chickpeas and broth, and stir in the wild rice for a hearty meal. The coconut cream adds creaminess without dairy.
Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a colorful finish.
Conclusion
With these 18 delightful variations of Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, you can enjoy this comforting dish in countless ways.
Whether you prefer classic flavors or adventurous twists, there’s something here for everyone. So grab your ingredients, warm up that kitchen, and let the soothing aromas fill your home!
