There’s something about chicken noodle soup that just feels like home. It’s the meal my mom used to make when the rain wouldn’t stop pouring, or when I had a cold that just wouldn’t quit. So, when I stumbled upon a recipe that promised to bring back those comforting vibes with a Panera Bread flair, I knew I had to give it a whirl – and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill canned soup; this is a bowl brimming with nostalgia. Picture this: chicken so tender it practically melts in your mouth, noodles with just enough bite, and veggies steeped in an herb-infused broth that tastes like it’s been simmering on grandma’s stove all day.
Crafting the Ultimate Comfort Food
Let’s talk shop for a second. The secret to any killer chicken noodle soup is starting with quality ingredients. For me, it’s all about those thighs – they’re juicier and more flavorful than breasts. But hey, you do you!
Chopping up the veggies can be kind of therapeutic. Don’t get too hung up on making them look pretty; rough cuts add character to your soup and save you from fussing too much.
Now onto herbs – if you can pluck them fresh from your garden or snag some at the market, go for it! There’s nothing quite like fresh thyme leaves releasing their magic into the pot.
Broth Is Everything
A good broth brings everything together. If you’ve got time on your hands (and who does these days?), homemade broth is worth its weight in gold. But let’s be real – sometimes shortcuts are necessary. Just promise me you’ll grab the good stuff off the shelf if you’re not making it from scratch.
Noodle Talk
Noodles are personal; I’m partial to egg noodles for their slurp-worthy texture and taste, but whole wheat noodles have found their way into my pot on more health-conscious days.
Let’s Get Cooking
Here we go:
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Chicken Noodle Soup: A Panera-Inspired Comfort Classic
This Panera-Inspired Chicken Noodle Soup is the epitome of comfort. Packed with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and nourishing vegetables, it’s simmered in a savory broth seasoned with just the right herbs and spices.
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of whatever cooking oil floats your boat
- 1 onion (chop it however you’re feeling in the moment)
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced; they don’t need to be perfect)
- 2 stalks celery (slice ’em however thick or thin tickles your fancy)
- Salt and pepper (just eyeball it)
- About a pound of cooked chicken (shredded or cubed – honestly, leftovers work great here)
- 8 cups of really good chicken broth
- A couple of bay leaves
- Fresh thyme sprigs (or dried if that’s what’s in your pantry)
- Egg noodles (or any pasta that makes you happy) – about two handfuls should do
- Some chopped parsley because we’re fancy like that
Instructions
- Grab a big pot and warm up that oil over medium heat.
- Throw in your onions, carrots, and celery along with a pinch of salt and pepper; cook ’em until they start looking translucent or until you get bored.
- Add in the chicken along with another little sprinkle of salt for luck.
- Pour in the broth—watch out for splashes! Toss in bay leaves and thyme.
- Bring everything to a low boil then knock back the heat so things can simmer down for about half an hour.
- When there’s about 10 minutes left on the timer—or whenever you remember—add those noodles.
- Once they’re done doing their thing (you want ’em tender but not mushy), fish out those bay leaves & thyme stems.
- Give it a taste test—needs more salt? More pepper? Trust your gut!
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley because we eat with our eyes first right?
Notes
Add a squeeze of lemon for a tangy twist
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: (Estimations per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Panera, Chicken Noodle Soup, Comfort Food
And there you have it—a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup inspired by Panera but infused with all the comforts of home.
Serving Up Some Extra Love
Sure this soup can stand alone but why not throw some crusty bread into the mix? Dip, soak, enjoy—it’s comfort food after all.
Leftovers? No Problem!
If by some miracle there are leftovers—and let’s be honest there probably won’t be—they’ll keep nicely in the fridge for a few days or freeze well if you’re planning ahead.
Let’s answer some questions asked by many people :
What are the ingredients in Panera’s chicken soup?
Panera Bread is known for its commitment to using quality ingredients without artificial additives. While I can’t provide their proprietary recipe, a typical Panera chicken noodle soup includes ingredients such as:
- Diced chicken, usually white meat
- Chicken broth or stock
- Egg noodles
- Carrots and celery
- Onions
- Herbs like parsley and thyme
- Spices such as salt and pepper
It’s worth noting that recipes can vary by location and over time, so for the most current ingredient list, it would be best to check directly with Panera Bread or on their website.
Is Panera Bread chicken noodle soup healthy?
Panera’s chicken noodle soup can be considered a healthier option compared to other fast-food choices. It contains lean protein from the chicken, vegetables which provide vitamins and minerals, and a broth-based liquid which is hydrating. However, “healthy” is subjective and depends on individual dietary needs and preferences. For someone watching their sodium intake, for example, it might be less suitable due to its salt content.
Is Panera chicken noodle soup salty?
Like many restaurant soups, Panera’s chicken noodle soup may have a higher sodium content than homemade versions. Restaurants often use salt to enhance flavor. If you’re concerned about sodium intake, it might be wise to consume it in moderation or ask for nutritional information at the restaurant to make an informed decision.
What makes chicken noodle soup so healthy?
Chicken noodle soup has several components that contribute to its reputation as a healthy dish:
- Hydration: The broth provides fluids which are especially important when you’re sick or dehydrated.
- Lean Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein essential for repairing tissues and maintaining muscle mass.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, and any other added veggies offer fiber along with various vitamins and minerals.
- Warmth: The warmth of the soup can soothe sore throats and may help clear nasal congestion.
- Comfort: There’s also psychological comfort in eating something warm and nourishing that can make one feel better emotionally.
Remember though that while homemade soups allow full control over what goes into them – including levels of sodium – store-bought varieties like those from Panera are prepared with general tastes in mind.
In summary, while there are certainly health benefits associated with traditional ingredients found in chicken noodle soups like those served at Panera Bread, considerations around aspects like sodium content should be taken into account depending on your personal health goals or dietary restrictions.
Closing Thoughts
Making this soup always takes me back to simpler times—even if just for dinner time—and I hope it does the same for you too.
So next time life throws curveballs or sniffles your way—or heck, even if you just want some darn good soup—give this recipe a shot and watch as each spoonful brings back memories and creates new ones around your table.
Until next time—stay cozy my friends!