Panera-Style Chicken Noodle Soup | Warm Family Dinner Idea

I stumbled onto this Panera-style chicken noodle soup after a long shift and an empty fridge. With only a few pantry staples on hand, I tried to recreate that same warm, peppery broth and soft noodles from memory. That first batch turned out so good, it became a regular in my kitchen. After a few tweaks, this recipe now tastes just like the one you’d get in a Panera booth, only fresher, heartier, and way more budget-friendly.

It’s the kind of soup you can whip up after work and still feel like you’re eating something special. Everything comes together in one pot, and the flavors deepen with every spoonful.

It’s the ultimate go-to on chilly evenings or when you just need a comforting, homemade bowl of something good. If you’ve loved creamy chicken noodle soup or any of our other easy soups, this one’s a keeper too.

Why You’ll Love This Panera-Style Chicken Noodle Soup

• Tastes like your favorite restaurant bowl
  With tender noodles, seasoned broth, and plenty of chicken, it rivals the original.
• Quick to make with simple ingredients
  This version comes together in under an hour and uses just one pot.
• Perfect for leftovers
  Great way to use rotisserie or cooked chicken without feeling like leftovers.
• Flexible and customizable
  Make it your own with veggies, spices, or even a gluten-free noodle swap.
• Family-approved comfort food
  Kids love it, and it reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.

Looking for a hands-off version? Try the slow cooker chicken noodle soup for an easy set-it-and-forget-it meal.

Ingredients for Copycat Panera Chicken Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups wide egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the chicken, use rotisserie, grilled, or even leftover baked chicken. The wide egg noodles give it that signature texture, but chicken noodle soup crock pot style noodles work too. Don’t skip the lemon juice if you love a fresh finish, it lifts the flavor without overpowering it.

Want a completely from-scratch base? Check out this chicken noodle soup from scratch.

How to Make Panera Chicken Noodle Soup at Home

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add shredded cooked chicken and egg noodles. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
5. Taste the broth and adjust salt if needed. Stir in lemon juice just before serving, if using.

This version keeps everything straightforward. It’s fast, foolproof, and loaded with flavor. If you love homestyle recipes, try home made chicken noodle soup next.

What to Serve with This Cozy Chicken Soup

• Toasted sourdough or garlic bread pairs perfectly for dunking.
• Cheddar biscuits or buttered rolls make it more filling.
• A crisp green salad balances the warmth with crunch.

Serving Tips:
Pour it into a thermos for lunch. Add parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for extra kick. Pair with half a sandwich or fresh fruit for a full meal.

You can also serve small bowls of this soup as a starter before dinner or family brunch.

Variations for Panera-Inspired Chicken Soup

• Switch the protein
  Use shredded turkey or grilled chicken for something new.
• Add more veggies
  Toss in spinach, zucchini, or frozen peas toward the end.
• Make it gluten-free
  Swap egg noodles for rice or gluten-free pasta.
• Boost the flavor
  Add a pinch of smoked paprika or stir in a splash of cream for richness.
• Keep it low-carb
  Use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of noodles.

Want a bold twist? Our chicken tortilla soup stove top is packed with southwest flavor and just as comforting.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To Store:
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:
Use freezer-safe containers and leave space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, cook noodles separately and add after reheating.

To Reheat:
Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding broth if it thickens too much. In the microwave, heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.

Soups like this get better the next day, and that’s why it’s perfect for meal prep.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

• Use high-quality broth
  Taste your broth before adding salt. Some are already seasoned.
• Cook noodles just until tender
  Overcooked noodles can turn mushy, especially if storing leftovers.
• Add fresh herbs last
  Finish with parsley or dill right before serving for brightness.
• Layer your seasoning
  Taste as you go. Don’t add too much salt early on.
• Add lemon juice at the end
  It wakes up the entire bowl without overpowering.

These small details help turn a good soup into a truly craveable one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Chicken Noodle Soup

• Starting with bland broth
  Don’t let the soup rely only on vegetables for flavor.
• Adding noodles too early
  They’ll overcook and soak up all the broth.
• Overseasoning upfront
  Simmering concentrates flavors. Adjust seasoning near the end.
• Skipping the aromatics
  Sautéed onions and garlic create the flavor base. Don’t rush this part.
• Not letting it rest
  After cooking, let the soup sit 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Avoiding these missteps ensures a pot of soup that’s balanced, flavorful, and never soggy.

Panera-Style Chicken Noodle Soup Conclusion

You’ve now got a warm, homemade version of your favorite restaurant soup, all without leaving your kitchen. This Panera-style chicken noodle soup delivers big comfort in every bite, using simple ingredients and one easy method.

It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a tradition. So go ahead and pin it, share it with friends, and save it for the next time you’re craving something cozy.

FAQs About Panera-Style Chicken Noodle Soup

What kind of chicken does Panera use in their chicken noodle soup?

Panera uses white meat chicken breast. For this version, any cooked chicken works well including shredded breast, thigh, or leftover grilled chicken.

Can I make this Panera-style chicken soup ahead of time?

Yes. This soup is excellent for meal prep. Cook it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

What kind of noodles are used in Panera-style chicken soup?

Panera uses wide, ribbon-style egg noodles. Traditional wide egg noodles are the best match for this copycat recipe.

Is this copycat Panera chicken noodle soup freezer-friendly?

It is. For the best texture, store the soup without noodles and add freshly cooked ones when reheating.

How can I make this Panera-style chicken noodle soup gluten-free?

Swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta, cooked rice, or quinoa. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Panera-Style Chicken Noodle Soup | Warm Family Dinner Idea

Author: Ellie Courses: Soups