Do you love the taste of Panera Bread’s chicken noodle soup? Want to make it at home? This guide will show you how to make a delicious copycat version. You’ll learn about the key ingredients and cooking methods to get that Panera flavor.
Whether you use the stovetop or slow cooker, this recipe is a comforting and affordable meal. Your whole family will love it.
Key Takeaways
- Unlock the secrets to replicating Panera Bread’s signature chicken noodle soup flavor at home
- Explore the pros and cons of stovetop vs. slow cooker methods for perfect results
- Discover how to adjust the recipe to accommodate dietary needs and preferences
- Learn the techniques for cooking tender chicken and al dente noodles every time
- Maximize the cost-effectiveness and shelf life of your homemade soup
Replicating Panera’s Signature Flavor
Ingredient List and Preparation
To make a chicken noodle soup like Panera’s, knowing the key ingredients is crucial. By looking at Panera’s ingredient list and making your own recipe, you can get close to their taste.
The recipe starts with chicken broth, water, and chicken breasts. It also includes carrots, celery, onion, and special spices. These spices, like thyme and turmeric, make the soup taste like Panera’s.
How you prepare the soup matters a lot. First, sauté the veggies in chicken fat or olive oil. This makes them sweet and adds flavor to the whole soup.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken broth | 8 cups |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 breasts |
| Carrots, diced | 4 medium |
| Celery, diced | 4 stalks |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Thyme | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Rosemary | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Turmeric | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
By carefully preparing and following this recipe, you can make a chicken noodle soup that tastes like Panera’s. Enjoy the comforting taste of their soup in your own kitchen.
Stovetop vs Slow Cooker Methods
Making a stovetop chicken noodle soup or a slow cooker chicken noodle soup is both rewarding. The stovetop method lets you enjoy the smell of sautéed veggies and chicken broth. The slow cooker method is great for those who like to set it and forget it. Both ways lead to a tasty easy chicken noodle soup recipe that tastes like Panera Bread’s.
The stovetop method means sautéing veggies, simmering chicken, and adding noodles last for the right texture. It lets you control the cooking and check the soup’s consistency. The slow cooker method is simpler. Just add all ingredients, except noodles, and cook for 6 to 8 hours. This way, the chicken is tender, and the broth is rich.
Choosing either method, you’ll end up with a Panera Bread chicken noodle soup that’s comforting. Both methods make a delicious soup that warms your heart and makes you want more.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Accommodations
Panera’s chicken noodle soup is a healthy choice, with 170 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 13 grams of protein. Our homemade version is similar but has less sodium. We use low-sodium chicken broth and season it right to keep sodium at 274 milligrams per serving.
This recipe is great for different diets, like gluten-free or dairy-free. It’s perfect for the whole family. Panera Bread now offers more dairy-free choices without extra cost. They have dairy-free options for breakfast, lunch, and coffee.
| Nutrition Information | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panera’s Chicken Noodle Soup | 170 | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 13 |
| Our Copycat Recipe | 170 | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 13 |
If you need gluten-free or dairy-free options, our recipe is easy to adjust. Just use gluten-free noodles and replace dairy with plant-based options. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy chicken noodle soup that suits your diet.
Enhancing Flavor with Aromatics and Spices
The secret to making Panera’s chicken noodle soup is in the mix of aromatic ingredients and spices. By choosing the right ingredients and when to add them, you can get the authentic taste of Panera’s soup.
Choosing the Right Spice Blend
We’ve picked a mix of garlic, thyme, celery seed, onion powder, turmeric, and a bay leaf for Panera’s soup. These chicken noodle soup spices blend together to give the soup its unique aroma and taste.
The garlic, thyme, and celery seed are cooked with the veggies to bring out their flavors. The bay leaf, turmeric, and onion powder add a milder, balanced taste to the best spices for chicken noodle soup.
Adding these chicken noodle soup seasoning elements at the right time helps you get the real Panera flavor. This makes the soup both comforting and tasty.
| Spice | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Garlic | Adds depth and complexity to the broth |
| Thyme | Provides a warm, earthy note |
| Celery Seed | Enhances the savory, herbal flavors |
| Onion Powder | Contributes a subtle, mellow onion taste |
| Turmeric | Lends a vibrant yellow color and subtle sweetness |
| Bay Leaf | Imparts a subtle, aromatic complexity to the broth |
Using this special blend of chicken noodle soup spices, you can make Panera’s soup at home. Try different amounts and timing to find the flavor you like best.
Cooking Techniques for Perfectly Tender Chicken
Creating the ultimate chicken noodle soup starts with cooking the chicken right. We suggest using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this Panera recipe. Add the chicken to the broth and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until it’s tender. Then, remove it, shred it, and put it back in the soup.
This way, the chicken stays moist and full of flavor. It perfectly matches the other soup ingredients.
It’s important to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes sure the chicken is cooked but still juicy and tender. This method helps you make perfectly tender chicken noodle soup that tastes like Panera.
For the best chicken noodle soup with shredded chicken, cut the chicken into small pieces before cooking. This makes it cook faster and more evenly. It also makes the chicken tender and easy to shred.
Remember, the secret to tender chicken in your homemade Panera-style soup is to watch the cooking time and temperature. By doing this, you’ll make a comforting and tasty soup that everyone will enjoy.
The Secret to Al Dente Noodles
Enjoying a delicious chicken noodle soup means having the right noodle texture. No one likes a bowl of mushy, soggy noodles. To keep noodles just right, cook egg noodles separately and add them just before serving.
Avoiding Mushy Noodles in Leftovers
This way, the noodles stay al dente. They won’t get too wet and fall apart, especially in leftovers. If you’re saving the chicken noodle soup for later, keep the noodles and soup apart. This keeps the noodles perfect.
- Cook egg noodles separately from the soup
- Add noodles to individual bowls just before serving
- Store leftover noodles and soup components separately
- Reheat noodles and soup components individually to prevent sogginess
By following these steps, your chicken noodle soup will have tender, al dente noodles in every bite. Enjoy the comforting flavors without losing the perfect texture, even with leftovers.
panera bread chicken noodle soup recipe
Do you love Panera Bread’s chicken noodle soup but hate the price? This panera bread chicken noodle soup recipe is a budget-friendly version. It captures the same delicious taste without the high cost.
With a few simple steps, you can make a homemade panera chicken noodle soup in your kitchen. Choose between stovetop or slow cooker. Either way, you’ll get a tasty, comforting soup that everyone will love.
Ingredient List and Preparation
To make the copycat panera chicken noodle soup, you need some basic items:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (such as rotisserie)
- 64 ounces (8 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
This panera bread chicken noodle soup recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or when you’re feeling under the weather.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 314 |
| Protein | 29g |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Calcium | 46mg |
This recipe makes 6 servings. You can enjoy panera bread chicken noodle soup all week. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months. It’s a great choice for meal prep.
Customizing with Additional Ingredients
This Panera chicken noodle soup recipe is tasty on its own. But, you can make it even better by adding your favorite ingredients. Try adding extra veggies like parsnips, corn, or peas. Or, swap out the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or ham.
Vegetable Variations and Protein Alternatives
The soup’s base is perfect for mixing in new flavors. Here are some add-ins for chicken noodle soup to boost nutrition and taste:
- Diced parsnips or celery root for an earthy, slightly sweet flavor
- Frozen peas or corn for a pop of color and texture
- Shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick protein boost
- Cooked turkey or ham for a heartier, more savory option
- Sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra nutrient kick
Customizing this chicken noodle soup is all about trying new things. Experiment with different ingredients to create your ideal flavor and texture mix.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Enjoying your homemade Panera-style chicken noodle soup is best when you store and reheat it right. Leftover soup can stay in the fridge for up to 4 days, says the USDA. To keep noodles from getting mushy, store them apart from the soup. This makes reheating and adding noodles easy.
Having too much leftover soup? No worries, it freezes well for up to 3-4 months. Cool the soup down before freezing it in airtight containers or bags. To thaw and reheat, just let it sit in the fridge overnight and then warm it up on the stovetop.
Reheating the soup gently is key, whether it’s fresh or frozen. Heat it on medium, stirring now and then, until it’s hot all the way through. This keeps noodles al dente and chicken tender.
| Storage Method | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Chicken Noodle Soup | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Cooked Chicken (separate from soup) | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Cooked Noodles (separate from soup) | 3-4 days | 1-2 months |
By using these tips, you can enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup for days. It will always taste fresh and comforting.
Cost-Effective and Comforting Meal
Making this budget-friendly chicken noodle soup at home saves a lot of money. It’s cheaper than eating out or buying pre-made soup. You can make a high-quality meal for less by buying ingredients in bulk.
By making it yourself, you control what goes into the soup. This means you can make it healthier and more affordable for your family.
This cheap chicken noodle soup recipe cooks in about 20 minutes. It takes another 15 minutes to prepare the noodles. The soup includes chicken, carrots, celery, onions, noodles, broth, and herbs.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose Flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Egg, beaten | 1 |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Butter, softened | 1/2 tablespoon |
Using bone-in chicken and drying noodles ahead of time can save money. High-quality chicken broth, like Better Than Bouillon Chicken paste, also improves the taste.
This homemade chicken noodle soup is both comforting and affordable. It’s a great choice for families looking for a tasty, budget-friendly meal. Making it from scratch lets you enjoy a restaurant-quality soup without the high cost.
Conclusion
This easy chicken noodle soup recipe is a simple way to enjoy Panera Bread’s signature soup at home. It’s both affordable and delicious. By following the steps and using the right techniques, you can make the soup just like Panera’s. It has tender chicken and al dente noodles.
Whether you make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, it will be a hit with your family. It’s a comforting and healthy meal for any time of year.
You can also make it your own by choosing gluten-free, low-carb, or vegetarian options. This makes the soup a great choice for many different tastes and diets. Adding aromatics and spices can make your homemade soup taste just like Panera’s.
So, why not try making Panera chicken noodle soup at home? It’s comforting, nourishing, and won’t break the bank. With the right recipe and a bit of effort, you can enjoy Panera’s signature soup without leaving your kitchen.
