Chicken noodle soup is a beloved comfort food that has stood the test of time. This hearty and soothing soup can be found on menus across America, from diners to high-end bistros. But with so many options, how do you know where to get a truly tasty bowl?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding delicious chicken noodle soup when dining out.
The Popularity and Ubiquity of Chicken Noodle Soup
The popularity of chicken noodle soup is no surprise – it’s versatility as both a remedy and a comforting meal has made it a menu staple for decades Its association with warmth and healing means you’re likely to find it at restaurants focused on hearty, nostalgic fare.
Here are the most common places to find chicken noodle soup when eating out
- Diners – A classic, homestyle version is standard.
- Casual restaurants & chains – Many feature it as a daily or rotating special.
- Delicatessens – Especially Jewish delis known for flavorful chicken soup aka “Jewish penicillin.”
- Soup & sandwich shops – Specialize in the classic combo so chicken noodle soup is a given.
- Select fast food chains – Those with comfort food leanings often offer their take.
- Grocery store cafes – Hot bars commonly include this staple.
- Upscale restaurants – Sometimes offer an elevated, gourmet spin.
- Cafeterias – Hospital, school, and corporate cafeterias value its nostalgic appeal.
So chicken noodle soup is widely available, but is every restaurant’s version created equal?
Indicators of Quality Chicken Noodle Soup
The quality of chicken noodle soup can vary tremendously depending on the ingredients, preparation, and culinary approach of the restaurant. Here are the hallmarks of an exceptional bowl:
- Rich, flavorful broth – The foundation should be savory and chicken-forward.
- Tender, juicy chicken – Not dry or stringy, with a pleasant texture.
- Perfectly cooked noodles – Al dente is ideal, not mushy.
- Bright, fresh vegetables – Carrots, celery, onions should have a slight crunch.
- Balanced flavors & textures – No single ingredient overwhelms the others.
Customization, Allergies, and Special Diets
Customizing chicken noodle soup orders is hit or miss depending on the restaurant. Some allow ingredient swaps or additions, while others have set recipes. Always ask about customization, substitutions, and food allergies when ordering.
Allergens like wheat, celery, and chicken are common. Dairy and soy may also be present. Inform staff of any allergies and ask detailed questions about ingredients and preparation.
For special diets, some restaurants have vegetarian or vegan versions, typically using vegetable broth and plant-based protein instead of chicken. Check the menu for descriptions like “vegetarian noodle soup.”
Distinct Regional and Cultural Varieties
While the basic components of chicken noodle soup are consistent, there are some distinct cultural and regional twists:
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Midwest – Heartier broth and broad noodles are common.
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Southwest – Chili powder and cumin may provide a bolder, spicier flavor.
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Southeast – Ginger, lemongrass and fish sauce create an Asian-inspired taste.
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Pennsylvania Dutch – Often contains rivels, small doughy dumplings, instead of noodles.
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Jewish Penicillin – Ashkenazi Jewish version with intense, collagen-rich broth and sometimes matzo balls.
Tips for Finding Quality Chicken Noodle Soup
Looking for the best restaurant chicken noodle soup in your area? Try these tips:
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Online searches – Use review sites and keywords like “chicken noodle soup near me.”
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Check restaurant menus – Websites and delivery apps can indicate who serves it.
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Ask for recommendations – Friends and colleagues can share their favorites.
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Note preparation details – Menus often boast if it’s housemade or highlight quality ingredients.
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Ask questions – Inquire directly with staff about sourcing, ingredients, and preparation.
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Consider the price – Higher prices can reflect fresh ingredients and scratch cooking.
Satisfy Your Craving for a Classic
Chicken noodle soup is a hearty, comforting option with broad appeal, so restaurants across the spectrum offer their take. With an awareness of regional variations and a few insider tips, locating a high-quality bowl to satisfy your craving is an easy quest. Stick to establishments passionate about fresh, homemade fare and you’ll be slurping up soul-warming soup in no time.
Au Bon Pain
This casual Texas-based cafe chain sells a wide variety of items that are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Customers can expect dishes like Napa chicken with avocado wraps, egg white and cheddar breakfast sandwiches, and, of course, soup.
Although the spot carries eight different choices—from baked potato soup to Italian wedding soup—one that always hits the spot is its soul-warming Chicken Noodle Soup. Made with hearty chicken breast, this pick features perfectly seasoned chicken broth, tender egg noodles, and chopped carrots, onions, and celery. It’s a basic chicken noodle soup recipe that’s done exceptionally well.
Never-ending soup, salad, and breadsticks, anyone? The colossal Italian-American dining chain, which has over 900 locations worldwide, makes a chicken soup unlike any other. For starters, the Chicken & Gnocchi Soup doesn’t use traditional egg noodles but gnocchi instead. The Italian pasta dumplings give this soup extra heft. The broth is also creamier than a traditional chicken soup and includes cooked spinach in place of carrots and celery.
For those already a fan of Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup that may want to try out some other flavors, there’s also the Zuppa Toscana, which features spicy Italian sausage, fresh kale, and russet potatoes, and the pasta e fagioli, which incorporates white and red beans, savory ground beef, fresh tomatoes, and tube-shaped pasta.
Chick-fil-A is considered one of the best places to pick up fried chicken, so it only makes sense that the buzzy fast-food chain makes top-notch chicken noodle soup. Sold in a cup or bowl, the restaurant’s option is whipped up using shredded Chick-fil-A chicken breast (score), chopped carrots, diced celery, and egg noodles; all simmered in a clear chicken broth. Each order comes with a side of saltine crackers that are great for dipping or crumbling.
Although Chick-fil-A’s chicken noodle soup recipe is pretty standard (no gnocchi or creamy broth here), it’s still an excellent choice for customers looking for a warm dish that deviates from the brand’s usual offerings.
[n-black]Nutrition (Per half serving of Chicken Noodle): Calories: 130 Fat: 3 g (Saturated Fat: 0.5 g) Sodium: 950 mg Carbs: 16 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 1 g) Protein: 9 g[/nutrinfo-black]
Cafe Zupas translates to “soup cafe,” so it’s pretty much a given that it’s going to have some pretty excellent soups. The restaurant chain has over 55 locations throughout eight states and focuses on creating scratch-made meals using only the best ingredients. Its menu is packed with a long list of innovative options, including pumpkin chorizo soup, mushroom bisque, chickpea and vegetable soup, and a mind-blowing macaroni and cheese “soup” that’s made with egg noodles and a creamy, cheesy cauliflower base.
If you want something more traditional, try out the Chicken Noodle Soup made with juicy grilled chicken, chopped carrots, diced celery, egg noodles, fragrant herbs and spices, and warm chicken broth. The chain points out on its website that this option is dairy-free and low-calorie, making it a good choice for those who may be lactose-intolerant or want a lighter meal.
[n-black]Nutrition (Per 13.9 oz of Chicken Noodle Soup): Calories: 230 Fat: 8 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g) Sodium: 1300 mg Carbs: 22 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 2 g) Protein: 20 g[/nutrinfo-black]
When thinking about Boston Market’s Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup, one word comes to mind: wow. What differentiates Boston Market’s chicken noodle soup from the others on this list is that it’s made with shredded all-natural rotisserie chicken breast—yes, the chain’s iconic rotisserie chicken makes a welcome appearance in it. The soup also showcases dumpling-style noodles, giving this dish more substance, various garden vegetables, including carrots and celery, and a rich chicken broth full of flavor.
Perfect as a side or a main dish, Boston Market’s savory chicken noodle soup was one of my fast-food chain soup go-tos growing up, and, to this day, I’m still a fan.
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Anne Burrell’s Chicken Noodle Soup | Secrets of a Restaurant Chef | Food Network
FAQ
Which fast food chains have soup?
- Chick-fil-A.
- Café Zupas. …
- Potbelly. …
- Noodles & Company. …
- Wendy’s. …
- McAlister’s Deli. McAlister’s Deli is a soup, salad and sandwich restaurant with 563 locations across the United States. …
- Panera. For years, we have loved the soups at Panera. …
- Subway. Coming in at the bottom of our list was the chicken noodle soup from Subway. …
Does Panera have a chicken noodle soup?
Panera refrigerated Chicken Noodle Soup delivers a bakery-cafe inspired favorite in a microwavable cup that you can take with you on-the-go.
Who makes really good chicken noodle soup?
- The Zestiest Broth: Rao’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. Sara Haas. …
- When You Want Organic: Pacific Chicken Noodle Soup. Sara Haas. …
- The Best for When You’re Sick: Campbell’s Homestyle Chicken Noodle. Sara Haas. …
- The Heartiest Version: Campbell’s Chunky Classic Chicken Noodle.
Does IHOP sell chicken noodle soup?
IHOP Roasted Chicken Noodle Soup, Bowl. 8 fl oz of IHOP roasted chicken noodle soup, bowl contains 160 Calories The macronutrient breakdown is 56% carbs, 25% fat, and 19% protein. This is a good source of protein (14% of your Daily Value).
Where can I find chicken noodle soup?
You can easily find chicken noodle soup at some fast-food chains, like Chick-fil-A, but sometimes the drive-thru doesn’t match the occasion. So, a slightly elevated fast-casual chain or sit-down restaurant might be where you crave a warm bowl of broth loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles.
Does Noodles & Company have chicken noodle soup?
With the word “noodles” in its name, you should probably expect a top-tier Chicken Noodle Soup from this Colorado-based chain. Available in full or side-order size, Noodles & Company’s signature soup is prepared with grilled chicken breast, wavy egg noodles, and chopped celery, onions, and carrots.
Is chicken noodle soup a classic comfort?
You can sink your spoon into a wide range of hearty soups at popular restaurant chains across the country—from broccoli cheddar and Zuppa Toscana to baked potato and tomato bisque and beyond—but nothing quite hits the spot like a steamy bowl of chicken noodle soup. That rich, cozy broth is the very definition of classic comfort.
What is chicken noodle soup?
However, the popular fast-food joint also offers excellent Chicken Noodle Soup. Served in the restaurant’s recognizable blue and white packaging, this fragrant broth is simmered with tender white meat chicken, thick plank-like noodles, and an assortment of veggies like celery and carrots.
What to eat with chicken noodle soup?
You can even keep the meal light and stick with the breadsticks and salad with a bowl of its creamy chicken and gnocchi soup. Gnocchi is a type of pasta or dumpling that replaces the typical noodles that usually make their way to a pot of chicken noodle soup.
Does Chick-fil-A have fried chicken noodle soup?
Chick-fil-A is considered one of the best places to pick up fried chicken, so it only makes sense that the buzzy fast-food chain makes top-notch chicken noodle soup.