Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic American dish made with a flavorful chicken broth, tender chicken pieces, carrots, celery, and egg noodles. It’s seasoned with a perfect balance of herbs and spices, including thyme and parsley, providing a rich taste. This soup is made to be both comforting and nourishing, offering a healthy option for those looking for a light yet filling meal.
To prepare Panera Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll need around 30-40 minutes. This includes the time to sauté vegetables, cook the noodles, and allow the soup to come together. It’s a simple yet efficient recipe that delivers comforting results quickly. Whether making it for yourself or for a family meal, you can have it ready in no time.
Many people find that making Panera Chicken Noodle Soup at home offers an even better taste than store-bought versions. The freshness of the ingredients and the ability to control the seasoning adds to its charm. Using cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken speeds up the process, making it easy to prepare on a busy day. The soup feels like a homemade hug in a bowl, with its satisfying texture and flavorful broth.
Why You’ll Love It Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
- Rich Flavor: Panera Chicken Noodle Soup offers a comforting, hearty taste with a blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory broth. The balance of flavors creates a delicious, satisfying experience that leaves you craving more.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, vitamins, and minerals, this soup supports a balanced diet. It’s low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a healthy choice for a quick meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re feeling under the weather or need a cozy lunch, Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for all occasions. Its warmth and heartiness make it ideal for any time of year, bringing comfort to your day.
Ingredient Notes for Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables, adding a rich flavor to the base of the soup. It’s a healthy fat that enhances the overall taste while keeping the dish light.
- Onion: Onion adds a sweet and savory depth to the soup. When cooked, it softens and releases a natural sweetness, giving the soup a comforting base.
- Carrots: Carrots are an essential ingredient in Panera Chicken Noodle Soup. They add natural sweetness and a pop of color to the dish. They also provide extra nutrients and fiber.
- Celery Stalks: Celery contributes a fresh, crisp texture and a mild, slightly peppery flavor. It’s an essential component for balancing the richness of the broth and enhancing the soup’s depth.
- Garlic Cloves: Garlic adds a punch of flavor that complements the savory broth. Its aroma and taste create a hearty base for the soup, infusing the entire dish with warmth.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is the liquid foundation for this soup. It’s rich and savory, providing the perfect backdrop for the other ingredients. Opting for a high-quality broth adds depth and a homemade feel.
- Cooked Chicken: Cooked chicken is the main protein in the soup, making it hearty and satisfying. It adds flavor and texture, while providing a protein boost. Rotisserie chicken works well for ease and flavor.
- Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are classic in chicken noodle soup, offering a soft and comforting texture that absorbs the delicious broth. They are quick to cook and add substance to the soup.
- Dried Thyme: Dried thyme gives the soup an earthy and slightly floral flavor. It enhances the savory profile and adds a layer of complexity without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Dried Parsley: Dried parsley brings a fresh, mild herb flavor that balances the stronger flavors in the soup. It adds a touch of brightness and is a great complement to the other herbs.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a slight heat and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. It’s a common seasoning that brightens the soup without overpowering it.
- Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning. It helps bring out the natural flavors of the chicken, vegetables, and broth. Adjust the salt to your taste for the perfect balance.
- Bay Leaf: A bay leaf adds a subtle, aromatic flavor. It infuses the broth with a mild herbal taste that complements the chicken and vegetables.
- Fresh Parsley or Thyme: Fresh parsley or thyme is a great garnish to finish the soup. It adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note that brightens the entire dish, making it visually appealing and delicious.
Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
If you’re a fan of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup, you can easily make it at home. Start by selecting high-quality chicken and fresh vegetables. Use homemade or store-bought broth to enhance the soup’s flavor. Cooking on low heat will bring out the best taste, giving it a slow-simmered feel.
For extra flavor, season your Panera Chicken Noodle Soup with herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary. You can also add a dash of garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick. Don’t forget to taste-test before serving to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
If you want a creamier version, consider adding a bit of heavy cream or milk. You can also try using gluten-free noodles if you’re looking to cater to dietary restrictions. Experimenting with different noodles can also change the texture and make the soup feel more filling.
Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Variation
While the classic Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is a fan favorite, there are some variations you can try. You can swap out the chicken for other proteins like turkey or even add some spinach or kale for extra nutrition. If you’re looking for a bit more flavor, you could also try adding garlic or herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the broth.
For a more substantial meal, try adding some rice or beans, which will give you more texture and a fuller taste. You can also adjust the level of seasoning to match your preferences, such as adding more salt, pepper, or a touch of lemon juice for a fresh burst of flavor.
How to Serve Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It can be enjoyed in a bowl on its own or paired with a side, such as a fresh salad, crusty bread, or a sandwich. For a light meal, serve it with a side of crackers or some fresh fruit.
For a complete comfort food experience, you could top the soup with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. You can also serve it with a squeeze of lemon or fresh herbs like parsley for an added touch of freshness.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers of your Panera Chicken Noodle Soup, storing it properly is key to maintaining its freshness. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. To freeze, place the cooled soup in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving a little room for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQs About Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
Is Panera Chicken Noodle Soup healthy?
Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is a relatively healthy option, with a good balance of protein from chicken and nutrients from vegetables. It is also lower in calories compared to many other soup choices at restaurants.
How many calories are in Panera Chicken Noodle Soup?
A typical serving of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup contains about 280 calories. The exact calorie count may vary depending on portion size and any modifications made to the soup.
Can I customize my Panera Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, Panera allows some customization of their Chicken Noodle Soup. You can add extra chicken, adjust the salt level, or even choose a different side to go with your soup.
Is Panera Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free?
No, Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is not gluten-free due to the egg noodles in the recipe. However, Panera offers other gluten-free soup options that may be more suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Then, sprinkle in the dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The vegetables should be tender by now.
- Add Chicken and Noodles: Stir in the shredded chicken and noodles. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the noodles are cooked through and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the soup from heat. Discard the bay leaf if used. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve your homemade Panera Chicken Noodle Soup with a side of crusty bread, and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors!
Notes
