This Easy Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and comforting, just like the one from your favorite café! It has tender chicken, soft noodles, and tasty veggies in a rich broth.
I love how simple this recipe is. Just toss everything in the pot and let it simmer! It’s perfect for chilly days and brings back those cozy café vibes. Grab a bowl and enjoy! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its flavor and health benefits. If you want, you can use vegetable or canola oil instead for a neutral taste.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level. If you’re in a pinch, water with bouillon cubes works too, or try vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for its convenience and extra flavor. You can also use leftover chicken or even turkey! Just make sure it’s cooked before adding.
Noodles: I recommend egg noodles for their tenderness, but you can substitute with whole wheat noodles or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust cooking times based on pasta type.
How Do I Get the Veggies Just Right?
Cooking the veggies until they’re soft is key for a tasty soup. Start by heating the olive oil and adding onions, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally, so they cook evenly without browning too much.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they become tender.
- Adding garlic after softening the other veggies helps keep its flavor strong—just 1 more minute will do!
This step sets a delicious foundation for your soup, making sure every spoonful is packed with flavor!
Easy Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 ounces egg noodles or wide egg pasta noodles
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to enjoy your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a lovely flavor base for your soup!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. You want it to become fragrant but not browned—just a gentle sauté will do!
3. Combine the Broth:
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil; you’ll hear it bubbling away which means you’re on the right track!
4. Stir in Chicken and Seasonings:
Add the shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything together and enhance the flavors. Bring this back to a gentle simmer.
5. Let It Simmer:
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This is your moment for the flavors to meld together deliciously!
6. Cook the Noodles:
Now, add the egg noodles to the pot and cook them according to the package instructions (usually about 6-8 minutes). Keep an eye on them to make sure they’re just tender; you don’t want mushy noodles!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before you finish, taste your soup! Adjust the seasonings, adding a bit more salt or pepper if needed to suit your preference.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a nice pop of color. Serve this warm with some crusty bread or your favorite crackers!
Enjoy your cozy, homemade Panera-style chicken noodle soup—it’s a comforting hug in a bowl!
FAQ for Easy Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen mixed vegetables like peas and carrots can be used. Just add them when you stir in the cooked chicken and broth, and cook a couple of extra minutes until they’re heated through.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Soup Using Raw Chicken?
Yes, you can! Simply add raw, diced chicken to the pot during the sautéing step. Cook until it’s no longer pink, then proceed with adding the broth and other ingredients. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before serving!
What Can I Serve With This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a fresh garden salad. Feel free to get creative with sides that complement the warm, comforting flavors of the soup!