Delicious old panera chicken noodle soup recipe copycat

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Let's be honest, sometimes you just need a big bowl of comforting chicken noodle soup, and Panera's classic version often hits the spot. There's something about that familiar, savory broth and tender noodles that just feels right. But hitting up the cafe every time the craving strikes? Your wallet probably disagrees. What if you could recreate that exact feeling, that perfect bowl, right in your own kitchen?

Gathering Ingredients for the Old Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Getting the Core Players Lined Up

Alright, so you're ready to dive into this old Panera chicken noodle soup recipe quest? Excellent choice. The beautiful thing about this soup is that the ingredient list isn't intimidating. We're talking about pantry staples and things you can easily grab at any grocery store. Think of it like assembling your culinary dream team for maximum comfort.

You'll need your standard soup base heroes: good quality chicken broth (low sodium is smart if you're watching salt, you can always add more), some water to get the volume right, and the aromatic veggies – carrots, celery, and onion. This trio is the backbone of so many great soups for a reason. Don't forget the chicken, of course. Boneless, skinless chicken breast is easy to work with here.

Picking the Right Noodles and Seasonings

Now, let's talk flavor and texture. For that classic feel of the old Panera chicken noodle soup recipe, egg noodles are non-negotiable. They plump up nicely and have that comforting chew. Don't go crazy with the amount initially; you can always add more if you like a denser soup, but too many will soak up all your broth.

Seasoning is straightforward but crucial. Thyme and a bay leaf give it that signature herby depth. Garlic salt is a quick way to add both garlic flavor and salt, but separate garlic powder/minced garlic and salt works too. You'll definitely need plain old salt and pepper to taste. Tasting and adjusting is key as you go.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1-1.5 lbs)
Chicken broth (6-8 cups, low sodium recommended)
Water (2-3 cups)
Carrots (2-3 medium, chopped)
Celery stalks (2-3, chopped)
Onion (1 medium, chopped)
Dried thyme (1 tsp)
Bay leaf (1)
Garlic salt (1 tsp, or adjust with garlic and salt)
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Egg noodles (about 1 cup dry to start)

Cooking Up Your Old Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (Stovetop & Slow Cooker)

ingredients gathered? Fantastic. Now comes the fun part: transforming those simple items into that soul-warming bowl we're aiming for with this old Panera chicken noodle soup recipe. We'll tackle the classic stovetop method first, which is pretty quick and gives you control. You'll start by sautéing those chopped carrots, celery, and onion in a little oil or butter in a big pot until they soften up a bit – this builds a crucial flavor base. Then, you'll add your chicken, broth, water, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring it to a simmer, let the chicken cook through and the flavors meld. Once the chicken is cooked, pull it out, shred it, and set it aside. Easy enough, right? For the slow cooker fans out there, don't worry, we'll cover that laid-back approach too, because sometimes you just want to set it and forget it.

Making the Old Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Even Better: Tips & Variations

so you've got the basic old Panera chicken noodle soup recipe down, which is fantastic on its own. But maybe you're feeling a little adventurous? Or perhaps you just want to use up those extra veggies in the fridge? This recipe is super forgiving and easy to tweak. Want more vegetables? Go for it! Toss in some chopped zucchini, peas, or even a handful of spinach right at the end. If you're short on time, using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a total game-changer – just shred it and add it towards the end of the cooking process to heat through. Feeling fancy with herbs? A sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley before serving adds a bright, fresh note that complements the savory broth beautifully. Don't be afraid to play around with the spices too; a pinch of poultry seasoning can deepen the flavor profile nicely.

Storing and Enjoying Your Homestyle Panera Soup Copycat

Keeping Your Comfort in the Fridge (and Freezer)

so you've successfully whipped up a big batch of this glorious old Panera chicken noodle soup recipe. Chances are, you won't devour the whole pot in one sitting, which is fine. This soup actually holds up pretty well for leftovers, but there's one crucial thing to remember: the noodles.

Egg noodles, like tiny delicious sponges, will continue to soak up broth the longer they sit. If you plan on having leftovers for more than a day, or if you're freezing portions, it's genuinely better to cook the noodles separately or undercook them slightly when you first make the soup and add them to individual bowls when serving. Otherwise, you'll end up with a very thick, noodle-heavy stew instead of a lovely, brothy soup. Store the soup base (broth, chicken, veggies) in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Let it cool down completely before sealing it up.

Reheating and Serving Your Panera-Style Creation

When you're ready for another dose of comfort, reheating is simple. If you stored the soup base separately, bring the desired amount to a simmer on the stovetop or heat it gently in the microwave. Cook a fresh small batch of egg noodles to toss in just before serving. If your noodles were already in the soup, just heat it through, stirring occasionally. Be gentle when reheating soup with noodles already in it to avoid them breaking down too much.

Now, how to enjoy this masterpiece? A classic pairing is a crusty piece of bread for dipping – a baguette or a rustic loaf works wonders. A simple side salad is also a nice touch to add some freshness. Or, you could just grab a spoon and stand over the pot, nobody's judging.

Crusty bread or baguette slices
Simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
Crackers (saltines or oyster crackers)
Grilled cheese sandwich (because why not?)
A quiet corner and a good book

Wrapping Up Your Homemade Panera Chicken Noodle Soup

So there you have it. You've navigated the simple steps, gathered the right stuff, and now you've got a pot of soup that actually tastes like the one you crave from Panera. It wasn't rocket science, just decent ingredients and a bit of time on the stove or in the slow cooker. Enjoy that comforting bowl you made yourself – it probably cost less and tastes just as good, maybe even better because you didn't have to leave the house for it. That’s a win in our book.