Making a comforting bowl of soup can sometimes feel like a complex task, especially when you’re craving the delightful flavors of your favorite diner or restaurant. One beloved classic is the Panera Chicken Noodle Soup. It brings warmth and a sense of home with every spoonful. This Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup recipe allows you to replicate that savory experience right in your own kitchen. With aromatic herbs, tender chicken, and hearty noodles, you can easily enjoy this crowd-pleaser that epitomizes cozy dining.
Why We Love This Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it captures the robust flavors and creamy texture of the original, allowing you to indulge in a bowl of goodness any day of the week. Additionally, it’s a fantastic way to warm up on chilly evenings or serve as a nourishing meal when you’re feeling under the weather. Made with wholesome ingredients, this soup is not only delicious but also straightforward to prepare. Plus, it’s a hit with family members of all ages, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients about Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
To create your Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
These ingredients come together to form a balanced and hearty soup that is sure to delight your taste buds.
How to Make Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Directions
Creating this delicious soup is a step-by-step adventure, and you’re in for a treat once you follow along.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Before you begin cooking, it’s essential to have all your fresh ingredients ready. Start by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, slicing the carrots, and chopping the celery. Lastly, shred your cooked chicken. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process smoother.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion until it turns translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic, and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning. The aroma will be irresistible!
- Add More Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Cook these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender. This step adds extra flavor and texture to your soup, enhancing its heartiness.
- Combine the Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot, making sure to scrape any bits that may have stuck to the bottom. This will incorporate all those delicious flavors into your soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season the Soup: Now it’s time to elevate your soup with seasoning. Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook the Noodles: In a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. This ensures they remain perfectly al dente and don’t become mushy in the soup.
- Finish with Cream: Lower the heat on your soup and gently stir in the heavy cream. This adds richness and a velvety texture to your concoction.
- Combine Noodles and Soup: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and then add them to the soup. Mix everything together gently, allowing it to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Your Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
When serving your Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup, presentation can elevate the dining experience. Consider using deep bowls to highlight the rich, comforting colors of the soup. You can add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only for a burst of vibrant green but also for that delightful herbal flavor.
Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread or a simple side salad to create a complete meal. If you have leftovers, store them separately from the bread so everything remains fresh. This way, you can enjoy the same comforting taste of the soup the next day—if there are any leftovers!
Expert Tips: Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
To ensure that your Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup turns out perfectly every time, try implementing these expert tips:
- Use Homemade Chicken Broth: If time allows, homemade chicken broth will elevate the flavor. The richness of homemade broth is unmatched and can be customized to your liking.
- Noodle Texture: If you prefer your noodles with a bit more bite, consider cooking them separately and adding them to each bowl just before serving. This prevents the noodles from soaking up too much broth.
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even use a dairy-free cream alternative. However, be mindful that this may alter the consistency and flavor.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to customize the vegetables in the soup according to your preferences or what you have on hand. Peas, green beans, or bell peppers can be excellent additions.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
Storing your Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup correctly will ensure its freshness for future meals. Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It’s best to store it in the refrigerator if you plan on consuming within 3-4 days. For extended storage, freeze the soup in appropriate containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion as it freezes. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.
Variation of Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
Switching up your Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup can keep things exciting. Here are a few variations to try:
- Add More Protein: Besides chicken, adding shredded rotisserie turkey or even diced tofu can boost the protein content and satisfy your needs.
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy version of the soup.
- Herbal Twist: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or dill for a unique flavor profile. Fresh herbs added at the end can provide an aromatic garnish.
- Mediterranean Touch: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and olives to give your soup a Mediterranean flair, making it distinctly different while maintaining comfort.
- Creamy Mushroom Variation: Add sliced mushrooms to the original sautéed vegetables for a rich, umami flavor that blends beautifully with chicken and noodles.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need for Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup?
To make this delightful soup, you will need olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, chicken broth, cooked shredded chicken, thyme, salt, black pepper, egg noodles, heavy cream, and parsley for garnish.
How long does it take to make Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup?
The overall time to prepare this soup is about 45 minutes, including prep and cooking. It’s a quick dish that can fit into your busy schedule!
Can I make Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, it can taste even better the next day as flavors meld. Just be sure to store it properly.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use cooked lentils or chickpeas in place of chicken for protein.
Is Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup healthy?
This soup is a wholesome meal option packed with vegetables and protein. You can also reduce the cream or use low-fat alternatives for a lighter meal.
Enjoy creating and indulging in this comforting Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup, bringing warmth to your kitchen with every delicious spoonful!
Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth Homemade is recommended
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use rotisserie or leftover chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste
- 3 cups egg noodles Cook according to package directions
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version
- to taste Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather and prepare all your ingredients: dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, chop the celery, and shred the cooked chicken.
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any bits from the bottom and bring to a simmer.
- Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
- In a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Lower the heat on your soup and gently stir in the heavy cream.
- Combine the drained egg noodles with the soup and mix gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
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