CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Name: CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 4 cups chicken broth; 4 cups water (may adjust as needed); 4 carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1/2 onion, diced; 2 cups egg noodles; Seasonings: thyme, bay leaf, garlic salt, salt, pepper

Published: February 9, 2026

by Ezra

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This soup can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Flavorful Comfort: Enjoy the rich taste of homemade broth with tender chicken and fresh vegetables.
Versatile Meal: Great as a standalone dish or served with crusty bread for dipping.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables and lean protein, this soup is both wholesome and delicious.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizing basic pantry staples makes this an economical choice for feeding a crowd.

Tools and Preparation

To create your CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup, having the right tools on hand can make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without spilling over.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop your veggies, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes cutting easier and safer, preventing slips while preparing ingredients.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients needed to prepare your CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe:

For the Soup Base

2 boneless skinless chicken breast
4 cups Chicken Broth
2 cups water (may need to add more)

Vegetables

4 Carrots (peeled and diced into bite size pieces)
2 Stalks Celery (diced into bite size pieces)
1/2 Onion (diced)

Seasonings

1 tsp Thyme
1 Bay Leaf
1 tsp Garlic Salt
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper

For the Noodles

2 cups Egg noodles

How to Make CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion into bite-size pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot over medium heat, add 4 cups of chicken broth along with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a simmer.
1. Add the chicken breasts to the pot.
2. Let them cook for about 15 minutes or until they are fully cooked through.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasoning

Once the chicken is cooked:
1. Remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly before shredding.
2. Add diced carrots, celery, onion, thyme, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and bay leaf into the broth.
3. Allow these ingredients to simmer together for about 10 minutes until they are tender.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Cook Noodles

While your vegetables are cooking:
1. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
2. Add egg noodles to the pot with vegetables.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 5: Final Simmer

Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes or until noodles are cooked al dente. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Now your CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is ready! Enjoy this hearty bowl of comfort any day of the week!

How to Serve CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Serving this comforting CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a delightful experience. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or quick lunches, and there are various ways to enjoy it.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Baguette – Pair the soup with a warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
Dinner Rolls – Soft dinner rolls can soak up the delicious broth.

Topped with Herbs

Chopped Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.
Green Onions – Sliced green onions introduce a mild onion flavor.

Accompanied by Salads

Caesar Salad – The crispness of a Caesar salad complements the warmth of the soup.
Garden Salad – A light garden salad provides a refreshing balance.

With Crackers

Saltine Crackers – Classic saltines add crunch and saltiness.
Herbed Crackers – Flavored crackers enhance the overall taste experience.

How to Perfect CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

To make your CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe even better, consider these helpful tips:

Use Homemade Broth – Making your own chicken broth can elevate the flavor significantly.
Add More Vegetables – Include peas or corn for extra nutrition and texture.
Season Gradually – Taste and adjust seasonings as you cook for optimal flavor balance.
Cook Noodles Separately – Cooking noodles apart prevents them from becoming mushy in the soup.

Best Side Dishes for CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Enhance your meal by pairing this tasty soup with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent options:

Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A warm, gooey grilled cheese pairs perfectly with soup.
Pasta Salad – Cold pasta salad adds a nice contrast to the hot soup.
Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness to your meal.
Quinoa Salad – A healthy quinoa salad brings additional nutrients to the table.
Stuffed Peppers – Stuffed bell peppers provide a hearty addition to your dinner.
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks – These breadsticks are great for dipping into your delicious soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making this CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to success.

Using cold chicken: Always start with cooked or room temperature chicken. This helps the meat cook evenly in the broth.
Skipping the vegetables: Don’t omit carrots and celery. They add flavor and nutrition to your soup.
Overcooking noodles: Be cautious with egg noodles; they cook quickly. Add them last to prevent mushiness.
Ignoring seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning. This recipe relies on spices for a flavorful result.
Using low-quality broth: Invest in good quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Homemade broth is even better!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store the soup in an airtight container.
It lasts for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Use freezer-safe containers to store portions of soup.
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring often until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe that you might find helpful.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.

How can I make it gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.

What if I don’t have thyme?

If you don’t have thyme, oregano or Italian seasoning can be good substitutes.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans for more variety.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

This CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is not just comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Try making it today for a warm bowl of goodness that’s perfect any time of year!

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