Table of Contents: Crockpot Panera Wild Rice Soup
Crockpot Panera Wild Rice Soup
Introduction: Crockpot Panera Wild Rice Soup
Nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of Crockpot Panera Wild Rice Soup—creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor. This cozy classic is a favorite from Panera Bread’s menu, and making it at home in a crockpot just takes things to the next level. In this article, you’ll learn how to recreate this cult-favorite recipe from scratch using simple ingredients and a slow cooker. From ingredient breakdowns to crockpot tips, healthy variations to expert storage tricks, we’ve covered every angle of this dish.
Don’t miss our Peach Ice Cream – The Best 9-Step Guide to Creamy Homemade Flavor for a perfect dessert to go with your cozy soup!
What Is Crockpot Panera Wild Rice Soup?
Origins of the Popular Dish
The creamy chicken and wild rice soup gained popularity at Panera Bread as a hearty lunchtime staple. The blend of tender chicken, long grain wild rice, and savory vegetables in a velvety, creamy broth made it a fan favorite. What truly makes this dish stand out is the combination of wholesome ingredients and a rich, balanced texture.
What Makes It a Panera Copycat Favorite?
People crave this Panera classic because it’s satisfying, flavorful, and hits all the right nostalgic notes. The crockpot version of Panera wild rice soup lets you recreate the same taste at home without needing constant attention in the kitchen. All the flavors slowly meld together for hours, creating a depth that’s hard to beat.
Why Make This Soup in a Crockpot?
Benefits of Crockpot Cooking for Soups
Crockpots, or slow cookers, allow ingredients to simmer gently, intensifying the flavor and texture. Meats become tender, vegetables stay vibrant, and spices bloom slowly. Making creamy chicken and wild rice soup in a crockpot guarantees the creaminess doesn’t curdle and the rice absorbs flavors over time.
Is Soup Better in a Crockpot?
Yes, especially for soups that benefit from long cooking times. Crockpots are excellent for hands-free cooking. The extended simmer time enhances richness while maintaining nutrient content. Plus, you don’t need to stand over a stove.
Discover great ideas like Grilled Peaches – The Ultimate Summer Dessert that pair perfectly with this warm bowl of comfort.
Ingredient Breakdown for the Perfect Crockpot Panera Wild Rice Soup
What Are the Ingredients in Panera Bread Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?
To nail the Panera copycat flavor, here’s what you need:
- Chicken breast (cubed or shredded)
- Wild rice blend (with seasoning packet if included)
- Carrots, celery, and onion
- Garlic and poultry seasoning
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Butter and flour (for roux or thickener)
Choosing the Right Wild Rice and Cream Base
Use a long-grain wild rice blend for a mix of texture and nutty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. The soup still turns out rich and indulgent.
Step-by-Step Crockpot Cooking Instructions: Crockpot Panera Wild Rice Soup
Preparing Ingredients for Slow Cooking
Chop the vegetables, season the chicken, and rinse the wild rice. Add everything except the cream and thickener to the crockpot. Let it cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
Cooking Timeline and Tips for Best Flavor
| Time | Step |
|---|---|
| 0 min | Add chicken, veggies, rice, broth |
| 4 hrs | Check rice and chicken |
| 6 hrs | Stir in cream and roux |
| 6.5 hrs | Soup is ready to serve |
To prevent curdling, always add cream toward the end. And for extra richness, sauté the veggies before adding them to the crockpot.
Crockpot Tips: Rice Cooking & Adjustments
Can I Put Uncooked Rice in Crockpot Soup?
Yes. Wild rice is sturdy and perfect for slow cooking. It won’t turn mushy like white rice. But always check texture near the end—if undercooked, let it go 30–45 mins longer.
Adjusting Cooking Time Based on Rice Texture
Cooking time depends on the rice brand. Some wild rice blends cook faster. If you want slightly chewy rice, lean toward a 5–6 hour cook on LOW. For softer texture, aim for 7+ hours.
Learn more about Peach Fritter Recipe – Best Summer Dessert as a sweet follow-up to this savory dish.
How to Thicken Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup
How Do You Thicken Up Chicken Wild Rice Soup?
Use a butter-flour roux or cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts butter and flour in a pan, then whisk in soup broth before adding back to the crockpot. Alternatively, mix cornstarch with cold water.
Dairy and Dairy-Free Thickening Options
You can thicken with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Blended cauliflower
- Arrowroot powder (gluten-free)
These methods keep the soup creamy without adding extra dairy.
Healthy Variations & Dietary Swaps
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Alternatives
Swap all-purpose flour for rice flour or cornstarch. Use coconut cream or oat milk instead of heavy cream. This keeps the soup creamy and indulgent without allergens.
High-Protein and Low-Carb Soup Adjustments
For a low-carb version, skip the rice and add extra shredded chicken and riced cauliflower. Add bone broth for extra protein and collagen support.
Check out Cheesy Mashed Potatoes – Comfort Food Classic for another hearty side.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips:
How Long Will It Last in the Fridge or Freezer?
Store in an airtight container:
- Fridge: 4–5 days
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
Let it cool completely before freezing. Use freezer bags laid flat for faster thawing.
Best Ways to Reheat Without Losing Texture
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring gently. Avoid boiling—it can break the cream. You can also microwave in intervals, stirring every 30 seconds.
Serving Suggestions & Pairing Ideas: Crockpot Panera Wild Rice Soup
Perfect Sides to Serve with Panera-Style Soup
Pair with:
- Crusty sourdough bread
- Garlic parmesan croutons
- Simple side salad with vinaigrette
Making a Full Comfort Meal
Add dessert and a drink:
- Tangy Deviled Eggs with Relish
- Sparkling apple cider
- Shortbread cookies or peach cobbler
People Also Ask: Crockpot Panera Wild Rice Soup
Is soup better in a crockpot?
Yes, especially creamy soups. Slow cooking enhances flavor and ensures ingredients are fully tender.
What are the ingredients in Panera Bread creamy chicken and wild rice soup?
Chicken, wild rice, carrots, celery, onion, broth, and cream are the core components.
Can I put uncooked rice in crockpot soup?
Absolutely. Wild rice holds up well in slow cooking and doesn’t get mushy.
How do you thicken up chicken wild rice soup?
Use a butter-flour roux, cornstarch slurry, or dairy-free thickeners like blended cauliflower.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes. Add it in the last hour since it’s already cooked.
What vegetables go best in wild rice soup?
Carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, and even kale work well.
Conclusion: Crockpot Panera Wild Rice Soup
Whether you’re trying to replicate your favorite Panera dish or looking for a new weeknight staple, Crockpot Panera Wild Rice Soup delivers on taste, texture, and ease. It’s the perfect comfort food to warm your soul and simplify your dinner routine. Don’t forget to try our Grilled Peaches for a sweet finishing touch!
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Crockpot Panera Wild Rice Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and creamy wild rice soup inspired by Panera, slow-cooked to perfection with tender chicken, vegetables, and warm spices.
Ingredients
- ½ cup finely diced carrots
- ½ cup finely diced celery
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 32 oz chicken stock
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk, divided
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or finely diced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4.3 oz box of Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice + seasoning packet
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Scallions, to garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the crockpot.
- Add chicken stock, water, 1 cup of milk, pepper, oregano, bay leaf, and the seasoning packet from the rice mix.
- Add the shredded or diced chicken and rice to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk flour into the remaining 1 cup of milk until smooth.
- Stir the flour-milk mixture into the crockpot, mix well to thicken the soup.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Notes
For extra creaminess, substitute one cup of milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: crockpot, wild rice soup, Panera, creamy chicken soup