CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting bowl filled with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a flavorful broth that tastes just like the one from your favorite café. It’s packed with warm, cozy flavors and has a nice mix of soft vegetables that make every spoonful satisfying and soothing. This soup feels like a warm hug on a chilly day or when you just need a little extra comfort in your lunch or dinner.
I always love making this soup when I want something familiar and simple but totally delicious. The trick to getting that Panera taste is in slow cooking the broth with lots of herbs and adding the perfect balance of chicken and noodles. I like to use homemade stock if I have it on hand, but store-bought works just fine, too. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it makes the kitchen smell amazing and tastes even better the next day.
Serving this soup with some crusty bread or a fresh green salad turns it into a complete meal that feels special but is super easy to put together. Whenever I share this recipe with friends or family, it’s always a hit because it’s warm, familiar, and just plain good. I find myself making enough to have leftovers because this soup disappears fast—packed with flavor and comfort in every bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend rotisserie chicken for quick prep and great flavor. You can use cooked chicken breast or thighs. For a lighter version, try turkey breast instead.
Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional here and give a nice bite. If you can’t find them, use any medium pasta like gemelli or small shells. Gluten-free pasta works well to make it allergy-friendly.
Chicken Broth: A good-quality chicken broth makes all the difference. I prefer low-sodium so I can control seasoning. Homemade broth adds extra depth but store-bought is fine in a pinch.
Vegetables: Onion, celery, and carrots are the classic mix for chicken noodle soup. If you want, add a pinch of frozen peas or green beans near the end for extra color and nutrients.
How Do You Get the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup Texture?
The key is cooking ingredients just right so nothing gets mushy or tough. Here’s what works for me:
- Sauté the veggies gently until tender but not browned—that keeps their flavor fresh and bright.
- Simmer the broth with herbs slowly to build flavor without boiling off liquid too fast.
- Add shredded chicken near the end just to warm up; overcooked chicken can dry out.
- Cook noodles directly in the soup at the end so they soak up the broth’s taste and stay tender, not mushy.
- Watch noodle cooking time carefully and test often. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large stockpot – perfect for cooking all the soup ingredients evenly and holding plenty of broth.
- Wooden spoon – helps stir the soup without scratching your pot.
- Chef’s knife – sharp and reliable for chopping vegetables and shredding chicken.
- Ladle – makes serving hot soup easy and mess-free.
- Cutting board – a safe, sturdy place to prep all your veggies and chicken.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked turkey for a festive twist or leftover turkey.
- Add fresh or frozen peas near the end for a pop of sweetness and color.
- Use rice noodles instead of egg noodles for a gluten-free or lighter option.
- Mix in a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a gentle spicy kick.
CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley, plus more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 3 cups egg noodles (wide or medium egg noodles)
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare your vegetables and chicken, plus 15 minutes simmering the broth to develop the flavors. Cooking the noodles in the broth will take another 6-8 minutes. Overall, plan for about 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and comforting meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring from time to time, until the veggies are soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Make the Broth:
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Pour in the chicken broth and add bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce heat so it simmers gently for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully.
3. Add Chicken and Noodles:
Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir in the shredded chicken. Then add the egg noodles and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they’re tender but still have a bit of bite. Follow the package directions if needed.
4. Finish and Serve:
Taste and add more seasoning if you like. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of flavor. Serve warm with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete, comforting meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Soup?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before adding it to the soup. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave to speed things up.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The flavors actually deepen when the soup sits. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent the noodles from getting mushy, consider storing the noodles separately and adding them when reheating.
What Can I Substitute for Egg Noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles, you can use any pasta like small shells, penne, or even rice noodles for a gluten-free option. Just adjust cooking time based on the package instructions.
