When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot like Panera Chicken Noodle Soup. Whether you’re battling cold weather, seeking a meal after a long day, or simply craving a nostalgic dish that brings warmth, this soup has a place in the hearts of many. It’s not just a regular bowl of soup — Panera Chicken Noodle Soup has become iconic for its balance of tender chicken, hearty noodles, and rich broth. This guide explores everything there is to know about this beloved dish, including its background, how to make it at home, creative twists, and the best pairings.
The Rise of Panera Bread and Its Famous Soups
Panera Bread is known for its freshly prepared, comforting dishes that combine high-quality ingredients with simple preparation methods. Founded as a small bakery-café, Panera grew into a household name for its focus on good food served in a relaxed atmosphere. Among their offerings, soups have always stood out as customer favorites. The Chicken Noodle Soup is one of the mainstays of Panera’s soup menu, regularly drawing praise for its simplicity and taste.
This beloved dish is a reflection of Panera’s ethos: providing wholesome, straightforward meals. Whether you enjoy it in a bread bowl or as part of a You Pick Two combo with a sandwich or salad, this soup stands out for its light but filling nature.
What Makes Panera Chicken Noodle Soup So Special?
At its core, Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is simple, but it’s the quality and balance of ingredients that elevate it to a classic comfort food. The basic recipe includes:
- Tender pieces of all-natural chicken
- Perfectly cooked egg noodles
- Freshly sliced carrots and celery
- A flavorful chicken broth simmered to perfection
The result is a dish that warms the body and satisfies hunger without overwhelming the senses. The chicken is cooked just right, offering a juicy texture that pairs well with the soft but still al dente noodles. The broth provides a subtle richness that carries all the other flavors together.
This combination creates a meal that is not only delicious but comforting — the very definition of comfort food. It’s no wonder that so many people turn to Panera’s Chicken Noodle Soup when they want something that reminds them of home. But what if you want to replicate that experience in your kitchen?
Making Panera Chicken Noodle Soup at Home: Copycat Recipes
If you’re someone who enjoys cooking, recreating Panera Chicken Noodle Soup at home can be a rewarding experience. There are several copycat recipes available that offer you a way to enjoy this classic dish from the comfort of your own home, often with ingredients you already have in your pantry.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make a copycat version of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup at home. This recipe has been carefully crafted to give you a soup that tastes remarkably similar to the one you’d find in Panera, with plenty of room for customization to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of sliced carrots
- 1 cup of sliced celery
- 1 ½ cups of egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes so the vegetables can fully cook through.
- Once the vegetables are tender, add the shredded chicken and egg noodles to the pot. Cook until the noodles are soft but still hold their shape — about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh finish.
- Serve hot with your choice of side dish. For an authentic Panera experience, consider serving the soup in a bread bowl.
With this recipe, you can bring the magic of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup to your dining table without leaving home. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to adjust based on your preferences. Want more chicken? Add an extra cup! Prefer thicker soup? Use less broth. The options are endless.
Elevating the Flavor: Creative Twists on the Classic
While Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is delicious on its own, there are several creative ways to elevate the dish. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting, these twists can take your soup from basic to extraordinary.
Add Dumplings:
One fun twist on this classic dish is to incorporate dumplings. This creates a hybrid between chicken noodle soup and chicken and dumplings, offering a richer, heartier meal. Simply mix a basic dumpling dough using flour, baking powder, salt, and milk, and drop spoonfuls into the simmering soup. The dumplings cook in the broth, absorbing its rich flavors.
Experiment with Different Noodles:
While egg noodles are the traditional choice for this soup, feel free to experiment with other types of pasta. For a more rustic feel, you might opt for wide pappardelle or even gnocchi for added texture. Alternatively, udon noodles or soba noodles can give the soup an Asian-inspired twist.
Incorporate Seasonal Vegetables:
For a more substantial soup, consider adding seasonal vegetables. Butternut squash, kale, or zucchini can add extra depth and flavor to the soup, making it even more filling and nutritious.
Spice Things Up:
If you like a bit of heat in your dishes, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can give your soup a delightful kick. Alternatively, you can mix in freshly grated ginger or even a spoonful of curry powder to provide a completely different flavor profile.
Bread Bowls:
Another classic Panera touch is serving the soup in a bread bowl. You can recreate this experience by hollowing out a round loaf of sourdough bread or French boule. The bread soaks up the delicious broth, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
The Perfect Pairings for Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
Panera’s Chicken Noodle Soup is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Depending on the meal you’re looking to create, you can enhance the experience by choosing from these complementary sides:
Crusty Bread:
A loaf of crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Whether it’s sourdough or a classic baguette, the bread can be used to soak up every last drop of that flavorful broth.
Biscuits:
For a more indulgent side, serve the soup with buttery biscuits. You can try making Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs, which add a cheesy, garlicky twist to the meal.
Salad:
A light salad is a great complement to the heartiness of chicken noodle soup. Whether it’s a simple Caesar salad or something more adventurous, like a kale and apple salad, the refreshing flavors offer balance to the richness of the soup.
Grilled Cheese:
If you’re looking for a more classic combo, you can’t go wrong with pairing the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The crispy, buttery bread and melty cheese provide a nice contrast to the warm, savory soup. For something extra special, try adding bacon or tomato to your grilled cheese for additional layers of flavor.
Customer Reviews: Why Everyone Loves It
Over the years, Panera’s Chicken Noodle Soup has developed a loyal following. Fans of the dish praise its simplicity, noting that the balance of ingredients makes it both light and satisfying. Many turn to this soup when they’re feeling under the weather or simply want something that tastes homemade without the hassle.
One frequent observation is the soup’s versatility. Whether enjoyed on its own, paired with a sandwich, or as part of a You Pick Two combo, it consistently delivers in terms of flavor and satisfaction. Customers appreciate that while the dish is simple, it never tastes bland. Instead, it offers a harmonious blend of chicken, noodles, and vegetables that makes every bite comforting.
Some regulars have even compared Panera’s Chicken Noodle Soup to their grandmother’s recipe, which is high praise for any dish. Despite the competition from other soups, this one remains a fan favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup, but it’s best to cook the noodles separately and only add them when reheating. This prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy. Store the soup in an airtight container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove.
What Type of Chicken Should I Use for the Soup?
You can use rotisserie chicken, boiled chicken breast, or even leftover roasted chicken. For a more flavorful soup, you can also try using chicken thighs, which are more tender and add richness to the broth. For an extra level of flavor, consider adding some smoked chicken.
Can I Make a Vegetarian Version?
While this is traditionally a chicken-based soup, you can easily make a vegetarian version by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth and using tofu or a variety of hearty vegetables as a substitute for the chicken. Add mushrooms for a meaty texture, and don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts: A Bowl of Comfort
Few dishes offer the level of comfort that Panera Chicken Noodle Soup does. Its simple ingredients come together in a way that warms both the body and soul. Whether you’re picking up a bowl from your local Panera or whipping up a homemade version using a copycat recipe, this soup never disappoints. With the right pairings, creative twists, and the flexibility to adapt the recipe to your taste, Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is a dish that will continue to be loved for years to come.
For a more detailed guide, you can follow Mashed’s full copycat recipe, which goes into even greater detail about perfecting the broth and chicken.
So next time you’re in the mood for something warm, why not try making this classic at home? You might find that you enjoy your version just as much as the original, especially with a few creative twists along the way.