Instant Pot Panera Bread Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This Instant Pot Panera Bread Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe Copycat is perfect for an easy dinner at home that the family will love! It’s a rich, creamy soup that is full of flavor and perfect for fall or winter when you’re wanting something warm and hearty. Make some today and enjoy the Panera taste at home!

There’s nothing better than a cozy bowl of chicken wild rice soup and now you can make Panera Bread’s famous recipe in your Instant Pot.

This knockoff version is creamy, comforting and loaded with tender chicken, wild rice and veggies — all finished in half the time. Ideal for cool nights, weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s a soup the entire family can get behind.

If you love an easy Instant Pot Soup Recipe, try my recipe for instant pot copycat bistro panera french onion soup, instant pot italian wedding soup, instant pot chicken enchilada soup, instant pot panera creamy tomato soup copycat recipe, or instant pot curried pumpkin soup.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Fast & Easy – All made in the Instant Pot for a speedy weeknight dinner.
• Comforting Creaminess – Silky, velvety soup with soft chicken, rice and veggies.
• Copycat Perfection – If you’re a fan of Panera Bread’s baked egg souffles, this is the perfect copycat recipe for you!
• Family-Friendly – A heartwarming soup that even the kids will love.
• Freeze & Make-Ahead – Can be made and frozen.

Panera Bread Chicken Wild Rice Soup Ingredients

• Butter – unsalted, for sautéing vegetables and adding flavor richness
• Onion, diced – adds natural sweetness and aromatic depth to soup
• Carrots– provides sweetness and texture for hearty soup
• Celery – classic mirepoix vegetable for flavor and crunch
• Garlic – aromatic flavor to enhance the savory broth
• Chicken broth – rich, flavorful liquid base for creamy soup
• Long-grain white rice or wild rice blend – nutty, tender rice for hearty texture
• Chicken – rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly here
• Dried thyme – subtle earthy herb to complement vegetables and chicken
• Black pepper – mild seasoning to balance and enhance flavors
• Salt – essential seasoning to bring out all flavors
• Half-and-half or heavy cream – adds creaminess and smooth texture to soup
• Optional: fresh parsley, chopped – garnish for color, freshness, and visual appeal

How To Make Instant Pot Panera Bread Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Step One: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook the vegetables until tender and fragrant, about five minutes.

Step Two: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine evenly. Add the rice, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure.

Step Three: Allow a natural pressure release for ten minutes, then quick release remaining pressure. Stir in shredded chicken and half-and-half or heavy cream.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken wild rice soup instant pot: For a classic rendition, opt for Chicken Wild Rice Soup in the Instant Pot, where tender chunks of chicken blend with aromatic herbs, hearty vegetables, and nutty wild rice for a comforting and nourishing meal.
• Instant Pot Wild Boar Wild Rice Soup: Elevate your soup game with succulent wild boar meat in this hearty variation of the classic wild rice soup, perfect for adding a rich and gamey flavor profile.
• Instant Pot Tomato Rice Soup: For a tangy twist, incorporate diced tomatoes and a splash of tomato juice into your wild rice soup, enhancing its flavor with a hint of acidity and vibrant color.
• Instant Pot Lemon Rice Soup: Brighten up your meal with the zesty freshness of lemon in this variation, where lemon zest and juice add a refreshing citrus kick to complement the earthiness of wild rice.
• Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Dairy-Free: Enjoy the creamy goodness of chicken wild rice soup without dairy by substituting coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, ensuring a luscious texture and dairy-free indulgence.
• Instant Pot Turkey Rice Soup: Utilize leftover turkey meat from holiday feasts to create a flavorful and comforting soup, where tender turkey mingles with wholesome wild rice for a satisfying meal.

Instant Pot Panera Bread Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe Tips

• Opt for a mix of wild rice and brown rice for added texture and depth of flavor in your Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup, creating a more complex and satisfying dish.
• For a creamier consistency, blend a portion of the soup before adding the cream, creating a velvety base while still retaining some chunky texture.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor profile of your soup to your liking.
• Enhance the richness of the soup by adding a splash of white wine or a dollop of sour cream just before serving, elevating the flavors and adding a touch of luxury.
• Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals on busy days, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade soup whenever the craving strikes.

Instant Pot Panera Bread Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe Faqs

Can I use different types of rice in this recipe? Absolutely! While wild rice is traditional, you can experiment with other varieties like brown rice, jasmine rice, or even a rice blend for different textures and flavors.

How long does this soup last in the refrigerator? Properly stored in an airtight container, Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup can last for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Can I make this soup dairy-free? Yes, you can easily make this soup dairy-free by substituting coconut cream or a plant-based milk alternative for the heavy cream, maintaining its creamy texture and delicious flavor without the dairy.

Can I add additional vegetables to this soup? Of course! Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables such as spinach, kale, peas, or bell peppers to enhance the nutritional content and add extra flavor and color.

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Southern sweet tea
• instant pot sopa de chicharos

Equipment Used:

• Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Sterilizer, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer, 6 Quart, 14 One-Touch Programs