Easy Panera Chicken Noodle Soup

Panera’s chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort dish that you can easily make at home. It’s hearty, warm, and perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want something cozy, this recipe will do the trick. get started with how you can recreate this delightful soup at home.

Ingredients for Panera Chicken Noodle Soup

You’ll need simple ingredients to bring this soup to life. Most of them you probably already have in your pantry or fridge.

Chicken breast (about 1 pound) – Carrots (2 large, sliced) – Celery (2 stalks, chopped) – Onion (1 medium, diced) – Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Chicken broth (6 cups) – Egg noodles (2 cups) – Olive oil (1 tablespoon) – Salt and pepper (to taste) – Bay leaf (1) – Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Panera Chicken Noodle Soup

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking. The steps are easy to follow, so don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen. This soup comes together in no time.

Preparing the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken. You can either boil or sauté it until fully cooked. Once done, shred the chicken into small pieces or chop it into chunks. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the soup.

Sautéing Vegetables

Next, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. This step builds the flavor base of the soup, so don’t rush it!

Adding Broth and Seasoning

Once the veggies are soft, pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaf for extra flavor, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to combine.

Cooking the Noodles

While the broth is simmering, cook the egg noodles separately according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and set them aside. This prevents them from getting too soft or mushy in the soup.

Bringing Everything Together

After the soup has simmered and developed flavor, add the shredded chicken and cooked noodles. Stir gently and let the soup warm through for another 5 minutes. If it’s too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.

Garnishing the Soup

Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the soup to see if it needs more salt or pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like a pop of color and a fresh flavor. Now your soup is ready to enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Panera Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a slice of warm bread or a light salad. Crackers also work great if you want a little extra crunch in each bite.

Tips for the Best Panera Chicken Noodle Soup

Want to make your soup even better? Try these tips:

– Use homemade chicken broth for deeper flavor. – Don’t overcook the noodles; keep them al dente. – Add more veggies like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.

Storing Panera Chicken Noodle Soup

Got leftovers? No problem. Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a little broth or water to refresh the soup. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This easy Panera chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect for when you need something warm and comforting. It’s simple to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Give it a try, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade soup in no time!

FAQs