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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
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

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

Instructions
 

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.