Copycat Panera Lemon Chicken Soup
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There's something about a good soup that touches the soul, especially during the cold, winter months.
One such soul-soother is the Lemon Chicken Soup from the popular fast-casual restaurant chain,
Panera Bread. Perfectly balanced between tangy and savory, this soup has gained a significant fan base.
This article aims to help you recreate this delightful dish in your kitchen, ensuring you can relish it
anytime you crave it.
Understanding the Panera Lemon Chicken Soup
Before diving into the recipe, let's understand what makes Panera's Lemon Chicken Soup so unique and
satisfying. The soup is a blend of shredded chicken, fine-cut vegetables, rice, and a lemony chicken
broth. The key ingredient is lemon juice, which adds a refreshing tanginess, balancing the hearty
flavors of chicken and vegetables.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup of uncooked white rice
Juice of 2 lemons
2 large eggs
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic,
diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 5
minutes.
Add the dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to ensure the spices are
evenly distributed among the vegetables.
Next, add the chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a
simmer and let it cook until the chicken is cooked through approximately 20 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice according to its package instructions.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool. Then, shred the chicken into
bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the cooked rice to the soup.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and eggs until well combined. This mixture
provides the soup with its distinctive lemony flavor and creamy texture.
Slowly add a cup of the hot soup broth to the lemon and egg mixture, whisking constantly. This
process, known as tempering, gradually heats the eggs to prevent them from scrambling when added to
the hot soup.
Pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture into the soup pot, stirring well to combine.
Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions about Copycat Panera Lemon Chicken Soup
1. Can I add more lemon to the soup?
Absolutely! The lemon in the soup is what gives it its unique, bright burst of citrus flavor. If you prefer
a stronger lemon taste, you can add more lemon juice to the broth or garnish each bowl with a little bit
of extra lemon zest.
2. Can I substitute the vegetables in the soup?
Yes, you can. While the recipe calls for carrots and celery, you can swap out these vegetables for others
if you prefer. Good alternatives include Swiss chard or kale. Just be aware that these sturdier greens
will require a longer cooking time in the broth, so you'll want to add them when you still have about
20-30 minutes left to simmer the soup.
3. How long does it take to prepare this soup?
This soup doesn't require much prep work and simmers on the stovetop for just a short amount of time.
The total time from start to finish can be around 45 minutes to an hour, making it a great option for a
quick, hearty meal.
4. How should I store the leftover soup?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively,
you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to defrost and reheat before serving.
5. Can I use a different type of pasta in the soup?
Yes, you can. If you don't have rice or prefer a different type of pasta, you can use orzo pasta or any
other small pasta like ditalini or stars.
6. Can I use shredded chicken to make the soup?
Yes, you can use shredded chicken to make the soup. In fact, the original recipe calls for shredded
chicken. If you have leftover chicken from another meal, this can be a great way to use it up.
7. Is Panera chicken noodle soup healthy?
Yes, it is. The recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and rice. If you're
concerned about sodium, you can use low-sodium chicken broth.
8. What should I serve with the soup?
You can serve the soup with a side of baguette for dipping, just like they do at Panera. Alternatively,
you can pair it with a salad or sandwich for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Recreating Panera's Lemon Chicken Soup at home is a surprisingly simple process that results in a
hearty, satisfying dish. The key to getting it just right lies in the balance of flavors and the quality of
ingredients. Remember, using fresh lemon juice and a good-quality chicken broth can make all the
difference. So, go ahead, wear your chef’s hat, and let the aroma of the simmering soup fill your
kitchen and warm your soul. Happy cooking!
