Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat

Take one bite of our Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat, and you won’t want canned soup anymore! It’s so warm and cozy that it’s perfect for sick days, cold nights, and weeknight meals. You’ll love the chunks of chicken, tender egg noodles, and warm veggies. This recipe is also gluten-free friendly, making it a versatile choice for everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The rich chicken broth pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables, creating a soothing taste that warms the soul.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, whipping up this delicious soup is a breeze for anyone in the kitchen.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a light lunch or pair it with a salad for dinner. It’s great any time!
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from veggies, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
• Feeds a Crowd: With generous servings, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather these essential tools before starting your Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Meat thermometer
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large heavy-bottomed pot: This ensures even heat distribution, preventing burning while cooking the mirepoix.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface and scraping up fond for added flavor.
• Meat thermometer: Guarantees your chicken reaches safe cooking temperatures, ensuring a juicy outcome.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup onion (diced)
– 3/4 cup carrots (chopped)
– 1/2 cup celery (thinly sliced)
– 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
– 2 bay leaves
– 8 cups chicken broth (reduced sodium)
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
– 1.3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
– 4 cups dried wide egg noodles or gluten free noodles
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– 3 tablespoons fresh Italian flat leaf parsley (chopped)

How to Make Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot set over medium-high heat, melt the butter until foamy.
2. Add the mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery) and stir frequently until the onions are soft and light golden brown, about 6 minutes.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

1. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add the dried thyme and bay leaves; bloom the spices by stirring constantly for about one minute.

Step 3: Build Flavor

1. Pour in 1/4 cup of broth into the pot.
2. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom—this adds depth to your soup’s flavor.

Step 4: Combine Broth Ingredients

1. Pour in the remaining broth and stir well.
2. Cover and bring to a boil for roughly five minutes before reducing to a simmer.
3. Taste the broth; then stir in sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, and turmeric.

Step 5: Cook Chicken

1. Submerge two chicken breasts into the broth so they are covered completely.
2. Cover the pot again and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Check Chicken Temperature

1. Remove the chicken from the pot onto a plate.
2. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 165°F; let cool for about ten minutes.

Step 7: Prepare Egg Noodles

1. In a separate pot, cook egg noodles in salted water according to package directions.
2. Drain them then toss with olive oil to prevent sticking; set aside.

Step 8: Shred Chicken & Finalize Soup

1. Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces then stir back into the pot.
2. Taste again and adjust spices as needed; remove bay leaves.
3. Stir in chopped parsley just before serving.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy

1. Place half a cup of noodles at the bottom of each bowl before ladling hot soup on top.
2. Serve with fresh bread or salad to complete your meal!

How to Serve Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat

Serving your homemade Panera chicken noodle soup copycat can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to complement this comforting dish.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread – The flavors of garlic bread enhance the savory notes of the soup.

Pairing with Salads

• Caesar Salad – The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a nice contrast.
• Garden Salad – A light garden salad adds freshness and balances out the richness of the soup.

Adding Fruits

• Sliced Apples – Crisp apples offer a sweet crunch that pairs well with the warm soup.
• Mixed Berries – A bowl of mixed berries brings a burst of freshness and color to your meal.

For Extra Flavor

• Sprinkle with Cheese – Topping each bowl with Parmesan or cheddar cheese adds creaminess and enhances flavor.
• Lemon Wedges on the Side – A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens up each bite.

How to Perfect Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat

To achieve the best results with your Panera chicken noodle soup copycat, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs make a significant difference in flavor.
• Cook Noodles Separately – Cooking noodles separately prevents them from becoming mushy in the broth.
• Adjust Seasonings – Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to match your preference.
• Let it Simmer Longer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer enhances depth and richness in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat

A delicious side dish can round out your meal nicely. Here are some great options to serve alongside your Panera chicken noodle soup copycat.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich – This classic pairing offers melty goodness that complements the soup perfectly.
2. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
3. Potato Chips – Crunchy potato chips provide texture and an easy snack option alongside your soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Hearty stuffed peppers make for a filling side that pairs well with soup.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies enhance nutrition and provide vibrant colors on your plate.
6. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad adds protein and freshness, balancing out the meal nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Panera chicken noodle soup copycat at home can be fun, but avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sauté them until just tender for a better texture.
• Using Too Much Salt: Adding too much salt can overpower the flavors. Start with less and adjust to taste before serving.
• Not Blooming the Spices: Skipping the blooming step means missing out on deep flavors. Always sauté spices with the aromatics to enhance their taste.
• Neglecting the Chicken Temperature: Undercooking chicken can lead to food safety issues. Always check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Using Regular Noodles in Gluten-Free Recipes: If you need a gluten-free dish, ensure you use gluten-free noodles. Regular egg noodles will not work for gluten-free diets.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in airtight containers.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat

• Freeze in single-serving portions for easy meals later.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat healthier?

You can use low-sodium broth and add more vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrients.

Can I substitute ingredients in this Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out vegetables or use different types of noodles based on your preferences.

How long does it take to prepare Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat?

This recipe takes about 25 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 60 minutes.

What are some good sides to serve with Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat?

Fresh bread, a light salad, or fruit make great accompaniments that round out your meal perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Panera chicken noodle soup copycat is warm, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows for various customization options based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. We encourage you to try making this delicious soup at home!