The smell of this soup takes me right back to rainy Tuesdays after schoolwet socks, warm bowls, and too much chatter at the table. This panera chicken noodle soup recipe brings all that cozy chaos home. It’s popping up all over Pinterest because hello, we love comfort in a bowl.
This one’s loaded with tender egg noodles, shredded chicken (leftover or rotisserie, your call), and that savory golden broth that hugs your insides. It’s like your grandma’s version, but on a weeknight timeline. Full details in the blog!
Tested this one after a wild Tuesday dance recital and it held upeven with instant noodles and leftover chicken. I tweak classic recipes to fit the “oops-I-forgot-to-defrost” kind of nights. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
If you love cozy, nostalgic meals that come together effortlessly, this recipe has your name written all over it. Imagine a warm, hearty soup packed with tender chicken, soft egg noodles, and flavorful brothit’s everything you crave on a chilly day. And here’s the best part: it only takes 30 minutes. Yep, this is weeknight dinner perfection!
This recipe is also super versatile. Got leftover chicken that needs a home? Perfect. A rotisserie chicken from the store? Absolutely. It’s comforting, kid-approved, and feels fancy enough for company, even though it’s wonderfully simple. You’ll also save a pretty penny by skipping takeout and making this copycat Panera chicken noodle soup at home.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the simple, yet flavorful ingredients that make this soup magic:
Butter: Adds a bit of richness and helps sauté those veggies to perfection.
Veggies: Classic onion, celery, and carrots provide a savory and slightly sweet base.
Chicken Broth/Bouillon: The soul of this soup! Use a good-quality broth for the best flavor.
Egg Noodles: Curly, tender, and perfect for soaking up all that broth.
Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded and ready to go, it’s the ultimate shortcut for a hearty, protein-packed soup.
Seasonings: Bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper keep it cozy without overcomplicating.
Shortcut: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken works wonderfully. Or, cook raw chicken directly in the broth for a more hands-on option.
Ingredient
Amount
Possible Swaps
Butter
3 tbsp
Olive oil
Chicken Broth
6 cups
Vegetable broth
Egg Noodles
6 cups
Any pasta you love
Rotisserie Chicken
3 cups
Cooked chicken breasts or thighs
Simple Steps to Make It
This is truly a one-pot wonder. Get your stockpot or Dutch oven ready, and let’s make it happen:
Sauté the veggies: Melt the butter in your pot, then cook the onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and smell amazing, about 5 minutes. This step builds heaps of flavordon’t skip it!
Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring it to a boil. Tossing in a spoon of Better-Than-Bouillon will take things up a notch.
Cook the noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and cook just until al dente. Keep an eye out; overcooking can lead to mushy noodles, and we want them perfectly tender.
Add the chicken: Stir in your shredded rotisserie chicken, give it all a quick taste, and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy every cozy, comforting bite!
Pro Tip: Remove the pot from heat as soon as the noodles are tenderthey’ll keep softening as the soup cools.
Step
Time
Sauté veggies
5 minutes
Simmer broth
5 minutes
Cook noodles
6–8 minutes
Add chicken/serve
2 minutes
Pro Tips & Variations
This dish is as flexible as your busy schedule. Here’s how to make it work even better for you:
Chicken options: No rotisserie chicken? No problem. Use leftover baked, grilled, or roasted chicken. Or, cook raw chicken right in the broth by simmering it until done, then shred.
Noodle swaps: No egg noodles on hand? Any pasta will do. Try ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even broken spaghetti for a fun twist.
Make it gluten-free: Sub gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free as well.
Thicker broth: Use less broth or stir a slurry of cornstarch and water into the pot for a creamier soup.
How to Serve & Store
To really embrace the cozy vibes, serve this soup with soft dinner rolls, crusty bread, or crackers. Want to channel Panera at home? Pair it with a light salad for balance.
Leftovers: Store your chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days. When reheating, warm it in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid.
Storage Method
Timeframe
Tips
Fridge
4–5 days
Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Freezer
Up to 3 months
Freeze without noodles to avoid mushiness.
Pro Tip: If freezing, cook and add fresh noodles when reheating for better texture.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
The Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe strikes a perfect balance between comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients. Using fresh herbs and tender chicken enhances the depth of the broth, while the homemade noodles provide a satisfying texture that distinguishes it from canned versionsmaking it a nourishing and genuinely restorative meal.
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How I Finally Nailed My Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
After several rounds of too-salty broth and overcooked noodles, I finally landed on the Panera chicken noodle soup recipe that feels just like a warm hug. It took patience, a few taste-test emergencies, and lots of love, but today I’m sharing the version that’s truly cozy, balanced, and family-approved.
FAQs ( Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe )
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This meal takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. Simmering the broth and cooking the vegetables and noodles usually requires around 30 minutes. Using cooked or leftover chicken can shorten prep time, making this a quick and comforting option for busy days.
Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. It saves time and adds flavor without sacrificing quality. Just shred the cooked chicken and add it near the end of cooking to warm through without drying it out.
What noodles are best for this dish?
Egg noodles are traditional and hold up well in the broth without becoming mushy. Cook them separately or add them to the soup during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering. This helps prevent overcooking and keeps noodles tender but firm.
How can I make the broth more flavorful?
Use homemade chicken stock if possible, as it adds depth and richness. Sautéing the vegetables before adding broth releases more aroma, and seasoning with a touch of fresh herbs like thyme and parsley brightens the soup naturally. Taste and adjust salt gradually for the best balance.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store soup in airtight containers but keep noodles separate if possible, as they can become mushy after thawing. Reheat gently on the stove and add fresh noodles to preserve texture if needed.
Conclusion
This Panera Chicken Noodle Soup recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, delivering that warm, comforting hug in a bowl you’ve been craving. You’ll love how the tender chicken and perfectly cooked egg noodles melt into the savory brothjust like the ones from your favorite café, but way cozier at home. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with memories and your belly with pure comfort.
Here’s a little kitchen wisdom: swap in leftover chicken or rotisserie for speed, and add a splash of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of thyme for a bright twist. When reheating, I always add a touch of broth to keep those noodles from getting too mushya trick I picked up from my mom’s crowded fridge experiments. It’s all about making this recipe fit your rhythm, without the fuss.
Did this take-you-back flavor remind you of family dinners or rainy afternoons? I’d love to hear your cozy chicken soup stories or see your homemade versionssnap a pic and share! Pin this recipe, so the next chilly day calls for a bowl of warm, simple goodness made just the way you like it.
This copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is comforting and hearty with tender rotisserie chicken and fresh veggies. Learn How To Make Panera Chicken Noodle Soup in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and easy meal using leftover chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 celery ribs diced
3 large carrots diced
1 large onion chopped (white or yellow)
6 cups or 1.4 l or 48 fl oz chicken broth (or chicken stock)
1 tsp salt or to taste
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste
1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 tsp dried)
3 bay leaves
1 tsp Better-Than-Bouillon (chicken flavor)
6 cups or 300 g or 10.5 oz curly egg noodles
3 cups or 420 g or 15 oz rotisserie chicken shredded
Instructions
Sauté vegetables by adding butter, diced onion, carrots, and celery to a large stock pot or Dutch oven and cooking for 5 minutes over medium-high heat.
Add chicken broth, then season with salt, pepper, bay leaves, thyme, and Better-Than-Bouillon.
Bring to a boil and cover with lid.
Add noodles once boiling and cook until al dente, then remove from heat.
Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve hot garnished with herbs and with roasted bread or dinner rolls if desired.
Notes
Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to go
It’s already cooked and will save you some time
You can also use leftover cooked chicken
You can also use raw chicken breast, thighs, or tenders to make Panera soup at home
Add them right at step 3 when you bring the broth to a boil
Then cook for about 5 to 8 minutes before adding the noodles
The cooking time will vary depending on the type of chicken you use
Tenders are ready after 4 to 5 minutes, chicken breast needs 5 to 6 minutes, and chicken thighs require 7 to 8 minutes
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
