Imagine curling up with a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup that tastes just like Panera’s classic favorite. I’ve always found comfort in its rich broth and tender noodles, especially on a chilly day.
Recreating this beloved dish at home is easier than you might think. With fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy the same hearty flavors without stepping out the door. I’m excited to share my copycat recipe that brings Panera’s signature soup right to your kitchen table.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Tools and Equipment
To master Panera’s chicken noodle soup at home, I always ensure I have these essential tools and equipment on hand:
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: Perfect for simmering the soup and allowing flavors to develop fully.
- Cutting Board: Provides a safe and sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
- Chef’s Knife: Essential for slicing onions, carrots, celery, and garlic with precision.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Guarantees accurate measurements of broth, spices, and herbs for balanced flavors.
- Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: Ideal for stirring the soup without scratching the pot.
- Ladle: Makes serving the soup easy and ensures each bowl has the perfect portion.
- Colander: Useful for draining any excess liquid from cooked chicken or rinsing noodles before adding them to the soup.
- Timer: Helps keep track of cooking times to avoid overcooking ingredients and maintain the soup’s texture.
- Stove or Cooktop: The primary heat source needed to bring all the ingredients together and simmer the soup to perfection.
- Knife Sharpener: Keeps your knives in top condition, making prep work faster and safer.
Having these tools ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, allowing me to focus on creating a comforting and delicious chicken noodle soup that rivals Panera’s famous version.
Instructions
Recreating Panera’s Chicken Noodle Soup is a rewarding process. Let me walk you through each step to achieve that perfect bowl of comfort.
Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the Vegetables
- Dice 1 large onion into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Slice 3 carrots into thin rounds.
- Chop 3 celery stalks into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Mince 3 garlic cloves finely to release their flavor.
- Measure the Herbs and Spices
- Measure out 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Measure 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
- Set aside 1 bay leaf for depth of flavor.
- Prepare the Chicken and Noodles
- Shred 2 cups of cooked chicken breast using two forks.
- Measure 2 cups of egg noodles, ensuring they’re ready to add later.
- Gather Other Ingredients
- Have 8 cups of chicken broth on hand.
- Prepare salt and black pepper to taste.
- Chop fresh parsley for garnish.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
- Sauté the Base
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Incorporate the sliced carrots and chopped celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Garlic and Herbs
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried parsley.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Introduce the Chicken Broth
- Pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Add the bay leaf, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add Noodles and Simmer
- Incorporate the Noodles and Chicken
- Once the soup is boiling, add the 2 cups of egg noodles and shredded chicken breast.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing the soup to cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
- Season to Taste
- Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper according to your preference, stirring well to distribute the flavors.
- Final Touches
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Make-Ahead Instructions
I love preparing this chicken noodle soup ahead of time to ensure you always have a comforting meal ready to go. Here’s how you can make and store the soup for later use.
Preparing for Storage
First let the soup cool completely to bring down the temperature. Then transfer it into airtight containers or sturdy freezer bags. Make sure to label each container with the date to keep track of freshness.
Storage Guidelines
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Freezing the Soup
Divide the soup into portion-sized containers to make reheating easier. Leave some space at the top of each container if using freezer bags to allow the soup to expand as it freezes.
Reheating the Soup
When you’re ready to enjoy the soup follow these steps to reheat it without losing its delicious flavor:
- Thawing
Move the soup from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
- Stovetop Reheating
Pour the thawed soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat until it comes to a simmer stirring occasionally.
- Microwave Reheating
Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
By following these make-ahead instructions you can savor a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup anytime without the extra effort.
Serving Suggestions
Enhancing your Panera Chicken Noodle Soup experience is all about thoughtful accompaniments and delightful presentation. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this comforting bowl of goodness:
Perfect Pairings
- Crusty Bread: Serve slices of artisan baguette or sourdough alongside the soup. The crunchy texture complements the soft noodles beautifully.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic grilled cheese pairs perfectly, adding a melty, savory element to your meal.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Garlic Bread: For an extra burst of flavor, indulge in some homemade garlic bread. The buttery, garlic-infused slices are irresistible.
Delicious Garnishes
- Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
- Grated Parmesan: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the savory depth of the soup.
- Cracked Black Pepper: A dash of freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle kick and elevates the overall flavor.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon can brighten up the soup, adding a zesty contrast to the rich broth.
Presentation Tips
- Warm Bowls: Preheat your serving bowls by rinsing them with hot water. This keeps your soup warm longer and enhances the dining experience.
- Ladling Technique: Use a ladle to gently pour the soup into bowls, ensuring an even distribution of noodles, chicken, and vegetables.
- Layering Ingredients: For a visually appealing presentation, layer the ingredients in the bowl, starting with the noodles, followed by vegetables, and topping with shredded chicken.
- Herb Arrangement: Arrange a sprig of fresh parsley or a twist of thyme on top for an elegant finish.
Additional Touches
- A Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add richness and a silky texture to the soup.
- Croutons: Homemade croutons provide a delightful crunch and can be seasoned with garlic or herbs for extra flavor.
- Spice Options: Offer red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Conclusion
Making Panera’s chicken noodle soup at home has been a delightful journey for me. There’s something special about savoring a warm bowl that feels both comforting and satisfying. I love how easy it is to whip up with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to recreate a favorite memory or simply want a delicious meal, this soup never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Cheers to cozy dinners and homemade goodness!
