Copycat Panera Chicken And Wild Rice Soup

How to make Copycat Panera Chicken And Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients:

½ cup finely diced carrots

½ cup finely diced celery

1 medium onion finely diced

1 teaspoon olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

32 ounces chicken stock

2 cups water

2 cups milk, divided

½ teaspoon pepper

½ teaspoon dried oregano

1 bay leaf

2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or finely diced

½ cup all-purpose flour

4.3-ounce box of Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice + seasoning packet

salt and pepper, to taste

scallions, to garnish

Instructions:

Place the carrots, celery, onion, and olive oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven to the soup pot. Allow the carrots, celery, and onion simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes or until the onions are translucent.

Add the garlic cloves, chicken stock, water, and 1 cup of milk to the mixture and mix.

Add the pepper, dried oregano, bay leaf, and chicken. Mix until combined. Allow the soup to simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes.

Whisk together the other 1 cup of milk with the ½ cup flour until smooth. Place into the soup mixture and whisk until combined.

Place the long grain and wild rice and the seasoning packet into the soup and mix until combined.

Allow the soup to simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and garnish with fresh scallions.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cup

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe.

It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breasts.

Simply shred or finely dice the pre-cooked chicken and add it when indicated in the instructions.

Can I use a different type of rice instead of the specified brand?

While the recipe calls for a specific brand of long grain and wild rice with a seasoning packet, you can substitute it with other long grain and wild rice blends.

Just be aware that the flavor may vary slightly depending on the brand and seasoning used.

Is the soup gluten-free?

No, this soup is not gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour to thicken it.

If you need a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

To make this soup vegetarian, you can substitute vegetable stock for the chicken stock and omit the chicken.

To make it vegan, you can use plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) instead of dairy milk and omit the chicken.

Additionally, ensure that the rice blend you choose is vegan.

Can I freeze leftovers of this soup?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this soup.

Allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.

Label and date the containers, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When reheating, you may need to add a bit of water or milk to adjust the consistency.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken as a convenient and flavorful alternative to cooking chicken breasts.

Simply shred or finely dice the rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup when indicated in the recipe.

Is it necessary to use a Dutch oven, or can I use a regular soup pot?

You can use a regular soup pot instead of a Dutch oven for this recipe.

The key is to have a pot large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.

A Dutch oven is often preferred for even heat distribution, but a soup pot works well too.

Can I use other types of rice instead of long grain and wild rice?

While the recipe specifically calls for long grain and wild rice, you can experiment with other types of rice if you prefer.

Keep in mind that different rice varieties may require varying cooking times and may affect the overall flavor and texture of the soup.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this soup by substituting non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, for the dairy milk.

Additionally, consider using a non-dairy butter or oil instead of butter for sautéing the vegetables.

Ensure that your chosen substitutions align with your dietary preferences or restrictions.

How long can I store leftovers of this soup?

Leftovers of this soup can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup for extended storage.

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave.