Craving the legendary Panera chicken noodle soup but don't want to leave your home? Prepare to unlock the secret to the most incredible, restaurant-quality soup that will have your family begging for seconds! This homemade copycat recipe captures all the comforting flavors and heartwarming goodness of the classic Panera soup, with a delicious twist you can create right in your own kitchen. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this simple yet extraordinary chicken noodle soup that promises to become your new go-to comfort meal!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the vegetable mixture. Sauté for another 30-45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken to the broth. Reduce heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for 10-12 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Sprinkle dried thyme into the soup and stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to further develop.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or additional black pepper.
Tips
- Use high-quality chicken broth for the most robust flavor - homemade is best, but a good store-bought brand works wonderfully.
- For extra tender chicken, use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time and add more flavor.
- Don't overcook the egg noodles - add them towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy and losing their texture.
- For a richer soup, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter just before serving.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the soup's flavor profile, so don't skip the garnish!
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator - the soup often tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
