When you order Panera Chicken Soup at any Panera Bread location, you're getting a carefully crafted recipe that's been perfected over years. The restaurant chain prides itself on using high-quality ingredients without artificial additives, which explains why so many customers seek out this comforting classic. Unlike many commercial soups, Panera's version skips the artificial flavors and preservatives while maintaining that rich, satisfying taste we all crave on a chilly day.
What Makes Panera Chicken Soup Special
Panera's Chicken Noodle Soup stands out in the fast-casual dining market for several reasons. The soup uses only all-natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives, flavors, orMSG. Each batch starts with white meat chicken that's slow-simmered to extract maximum flavor while keeping the meat tender. The vegetables aren't just add-ins—they're carefully selected for freshness and cut to uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
The broth forms the foundation of Panera chicken soup flavor profile. Unlike many restaurant soups that rely on heavy salt content, Panera achieves depth through proper technique—simmering bones and vegetables for extended periods to extract natural gelatin and flavors. This process creates a rich mouthfeel without needing artificial thickeners.
Nutritional Profile of Panera Chicken Soup
Understanding the nutritional content helps when incorporating Panera chicken noodle soup into your regular diet. The standard serving size (16 fl oz cup) contains:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | 7% |
| Total Fat | 3.5g | 4% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 760mg | 33% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Sugars | 2g | |
| Protein | 5g |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Compared to many canned soups, Panera chicken soup nutrition offers a better balance with moderate sodium levels and no artificial ingredients. The soup provides a good source of protein and contains vegetables that contribute fiber and vitamins. While not extremely low in sodium, it's significantly better than many processed soup alternatives.
Key Ingredients in Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
The ingredient list for Panera chicken soup reveals why it tastes so distinctive:
- Chicken broth - Made from simmering chicken bones and vegetables
- White meat chicken - Diced into consistent bite-sized pieces
- Carrots - Cut uniformly for even cooking
- Celery - Fresh stalks providing aromatic notes
- Onions - Yellow onions for sweetness and depth
- Egg noodles - Made without artificial preservatives
- Canola oil - Used sparingly for sautéing vegetables
- Garlic - Fresh garlic for complexity
- Herbs and spices - A proprietary blend including parsley and thyme
Notably absent are artificial flavors, preservatives, andMSG—key differentiators from many commercial soups. The soup's texture comes from the natural gelatin in the broth rather than thickeners or starches.
How to Make Panera Chicken Soup at Home
While Panera doesn't publish their exact recipe, you can create a remarkably similar version at home with these ingredients and steps. This copycat Panera chicken noodle soup recipe captures the essence of the restaurant version without artificial additives.
Homemade Panera-Style Chicken Soup Recipe
Makes approximately 6 servings (about 8 cups)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken broth base: In a large stockpot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add aromatics: Stir in garlic, thyme, and dried parsley. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the broth: Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Cook the chicken: While broth simmers, place chicken breasts in a separate pot with enough water to cover. Poach chicken for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Remove, let cool slightly, then dice into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Add noodles: Return to the main pot and bring broth back to a gentle boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 6-8 minutes).
- Combine ingredients: Add diced chicken to the pot along with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 more minutes to blend flavors.
- Final seasoning: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
Tips for Authentic Panera Chicken Soup Flavor
- Don't skip the vegetable sauté: Properly cooking the "holy trinity" (onions, carrots, celery) creates the flavor foundation
- Simmer time matters: Let the broth develop for at least 20 minutes before adding other ingredients
- Noodle timing is crucial: Add noodles late in the process to prevent them from becoming mushy
- Use quality broth: Low-sodium broth gives you control over the final salt content
- Fresh herbs enhance flavor: The combination of dried and fresh herbs mimics Panera's approach
Serving and Storage Recommendations
For the most authentic Panera chicken soup experience, serve hot in a pre-warmed bowl. Many customers enjoy it with a side of Panera's artisan flatbread or a small salad. The soup pairs particularly well with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which brightens the flavors.
When storing leftovers, keep these tips in mind:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days
- Freeze without noodles for up to 3 months (add fresh noodles when reheating)
- Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat
- Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore proper consistency
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Panera chicken soup contain dairy?
No, Panera Chicken Noodle Soup does not contain any dairy ingredients. The soup is made with chicken broth, vegetables, chicken, and egg noodles. However, always check the most current ingredient list on Panera's website as recipes may change.
Is Panera chicken soup gluten-free?
No, Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is not gluten-free because it contains egg noodles made from wheat flour. Panera does offer a gluten-free chicken soup option called Modern Chicken Salad, but their traditional chicken noodle soup contains gluten.
How does Panera keep their chicken soup so tender?
Panera prepares their chicken using a poaching method rather than boiling, which keeps the meat moist and tender. They also dice the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking, and add it to the soup at the proper stage to prevent overcooking.
Can I buy Panera chicken soup to take home?
Yes, Panera offers their Chicken Noodle Soup in various sizes for takeout, including cups (16 fl oz) and bowls (30 fl oz). Some grocery stores also carry Panera soups in the refrigerated section, though availability varies by location.
Why does my homemade Panera chicken soup copycat taste different?
Several factors affect the taste of homemade Panera-style chicken soup: the quality of your broth, proper vegetable-to-broth ratio, cooking time for flavor development, and the specific herb blend. Professional kitchens also use commercial equipment that affects texture and flavor extraction. Our tested recipe gets you 90% of the way to authentic Panera chicken soup flavor.
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