In this article, I will be sharing a quick and easy copycat recipe for Panera’s famous chicken noodle soup. As a writer who specializes in recipes and food, I find it imperative to provide my readers with comprehensive details about the ingredients, nutritional information, and cooking time in each post. Join me as we delve into recreating this delicious and comforting soup that will warm both your body and soul.
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Overview of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. It is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for those cold winter days or whenever you need a warm and comforting meal. This soup is made with tender chicken, egg noodles, and a variety of vegetables, all simmered together in a rich and flavorful broth. It is a simple and delicious soup that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a crusty bread for a complete meal. In this article, I will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to make this delicious Panera Chicken Noodle Soup at home.
Ingredients
To make Panera Chicken Noodle Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken
The chicken is the star of this soup. It provides a rich and meaty flavor, as well as a good source of protein. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.
Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are the perfect choice for this soup. They add a delicate and comforting texture to the dish. You can use store-bought egg noodles or make your own from scratch if you prefer.
Carrots
Carrots are a classic vegetable in chicken noodle soup. They add a touch of sweetness and a vibrant orange color to the dish. Be sure to peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Celery
Celery adds a subtle crunch and freshness to the soup. It also helps to balance out the flavors and adds a nice aroma. Slice the celery stalks thinly for an even distribution throughout the soup.
Onion
Onions add depth and flavor to the soup. They can be diced or sliced, depending on your preference. Choose a sweet or yellow onion for this recipe.
Garlic
Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the soup. It is best to mince the garlic to ensure that it is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is the base of the soup and provides a rich and savory flavor. You can use store-bought chicken broth or make your own homemade broth for an even more flavorful soup.
Dried Thyme
Dried thyme is an herb that pairs well with chicken and adds an earthy, slightly floral flavor to the soup. Use a small amount to enhance the overall taste.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves add a subtle herbal note to the soup. They can be left whole and removed before serving or chopped finely for a stronger flavor.
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the soup. Use them to taste and adjust as needed throughout the cooking process.
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Preparation
Before you begin making Panera Chicken Noodle Soup, it is important to properly prepare all the ingredients. This includes cooking the chicken, preparing the vegetables, making the soup base, and assembling the soup.
Cooking the Chicken
To cook the chicken, you can either boil it or use leftover cooked chicken. If using raw chicken, place it in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Preparing the Vegetables
Prepare the vegetables by chopping the carrots into bite-sized pieces, slicing the celery thinly, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic. These steps ensure that the vegetables cook evenly and add flavor throughout the soup.
Making the Soup Base
To make the soup base, sauté the prepared vegetables in a large pot until they become tender and fragrant. Season the base with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Next, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Assembling the Soup
Finally, assemble the soup by adding the cooked chicken and prepared vegetables to the simmering broth. Boil the egg noodles separately in salted water until al dente, then drain and add them to the soup. Adjust the seasonings as needed and allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking the Chicken
To ensure tender and flavorful chicken in your Panera Chicken Noodle Soup, it is essential to properly cook and shred the chicken.
Boiling the Chicken
If using raw chicken, place it in a pot of water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the chicken until it is cooked through. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts or thighs.
Shredding the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This can be done by pulling the forks apart in opposite directions, which will help to create strands of tender chicken.
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Preparing the Vegetables
Properly preparing the vegetables ensures that they cook evenly and add flavor to every bite of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup.
Chopping the Carrots
Begin by peeling the carrots and chopping them into small bite-sized pieces. This allows the carrots to cook evenly and ensures that they are easy to eat in the soup.
Slicing the Celery
Slice the celery stalks thinly to add a subtle crunch to the soup. The thin slices of celery will also distribute evenly throughout the soup and enhance the overall flavor.
Dicing the Onion
Dice the onion into small pieces for even cooking and flavor distribution. The onion adds depth and aroma to the soup and will become tender and flavorful when sautéed.
Mincing the Garlic
Mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure that the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the soup. Finely minced garlic will also become tender when sautéed, adding a subtle yet delicious flavor to the dish.
Making the Soup Base
The soup base is the foundation of the Panera Chicken Noodle Soup and provides the majority of the flavor.
Sauteing the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat some oil or butter over medium heat. Add the prepared vegetables – carrots, celery, onion, and garlic – and sauté until they become tender and fragrant. This process helps to bring out the natural flavors in the vegetables and enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Seasoning the Base
Season the sautéed vegetables with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaves. These seasonings add depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Adding Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, which serves as the liquid base of the soup. The chicken broth adds a savory and rich flavor to the soup, complementing the other ingredients. Bring the broth to a simmer and allow the flavors to meld together.
Simmering the Base
Once the base is seasoned and the chicken broth has been added, allow the soup to simmer for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a tasty and well-balanced chicken noodle soup.
Assembling the Soup
Once the base is ready, it is time to assemble the soup by adding the cooked chicken, prepared vegetables, and delicious egg noodles.
Adding Chicken and Vegetables
Add the shredded chicken and prepared vegetables to the simmering soup base. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Boiling the Egg Noodles
While the soup is simmering, cook the egg noodles separately in a pot of boiling salted water. Cook the noodles until they are al dente, which means they are cooked but still have a slight bite to them. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Incorporating the Noodles into the Soup
Once the noodles are cooked and drained, add them to the simmering soup. Stir well to ensure that the noodles are fully incorporated into the soup. This adds a delightful texture and completes the classic chicken noodle soup experience.
Adjusting Seasonings
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. The flavors may have become diluted during the cooking process, so adding a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of pepper, or a dash of dried thyme may be necessary to enhance the overall taste of the soup.
Serving and Garnishing
Once the soup is fully assembled and seasoned to perfection, it is ready to be served. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or a sprinkle of dried thyme. Serve the Panera Chicken Noodle Soup with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is not only delicious but also a nutritious option for a meal.
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Calories: The exact calorie count may vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but on average, a serving of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup contains around 200-250 calories.
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Protein: A serving of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup usually provides around 15-20 grams of protein, making it a good source of this essential nutrient.
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Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is typically around 20-30 grams per serving. These carbohydrates come from the noodles and vegetables in the soup.
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Fiber: The fiber content of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is relatively low, usually around 2-4 grams per serving.
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Fat: A serving of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup typically contains around 5-10 grams of fat. However, this may vary depending on the type of chicken and broth used.
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Sodium: The sodium content of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, it is important to note that canned broths and pre-packaged chicken can be high in sodium.
Tips and Variations
While the basic recipe for Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is delicious on its own, there are several tips and variations you can try to elevate the flavors and make it your own.
Adding Extra Vegetables
Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables in the soup. Some popular choices include peas, corn, green beans, or even spinach. These vegetables can be added along with the carrots and celery during the sautéing process.
Using Rotisserie Chicken
If you’re looking to save time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of boiling and shredding raw chicken. Simply remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat and add it to the soup during the assembly process.
Using Homemade Chicken Broth
While store-bought chicken broth works well for this recipe, you can also make your own homemade chicken broth for an even richer and more flavorful soup. Simply simmer a whole chicken or chicken bones with water, vegetables, and herbs for a few hours, then strain the broth before using.
Making it Creamy
For a creamy twist on traditional chicken noodle soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the finished soup. This adds a luxurious and velvety texture to the dish.
Adding Fresh Herbs
If you enjoy the taste of fresh herbs, consider adding them as a garnish to your Panera Chicken Noodle Soup. Chopped parsley, dill, or thyme can enhance the overall flavor and add a vibrant touch to the soup.
Conclusion
Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless classic that is loved by many. With its flavorful broth, tender chicken, and comforting noodles, it is the perfect choice for a comforting and nourishing meal. By following this comprehensive guide, you can now recreate the delicious Panera Chicken Noodle Soup in your own kitchen. Whether enjoyed on a cold winter day or whenever a comforting dish is needed, this homemade version of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to satisfy and warm your soul. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a delicious bowl of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup today.
