How much protein is in Panera chicken soup?

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Panera's official nutrition data, a standard bowl of their Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup contains 14 grams of protein. The amount of protein in Panera chicken soup, however, can vary significantly depending on the specific recipe and portion size, from the classic noodle soup to the creamy wild rice option.

Quick Summary

The protein content of Panera's chicken soups varies by type and serving size, with the standard Homestyle Chicken Noodle bowl having 14g of protein and the Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice offering 10g per bowl.

Key Points

Homestyle Chicken Noodle (Bowl): Contains 14g of protein and 180 calories.
Homestyle Chicken Noodle (Bread Bowl): Provides 36g of protein, but most comes from the high-carb, calorie-dense sourdough bread bowl.
Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice (Bowl): Offers 10g of protein but has a higher calorie count (282 kcal) than the noodle soup.
Higher Protein Options: Panera's Turkey Chili (24g) and some broth bowls offer significantly more protein than the chicken soups.
High Sodium Content: Panera's chicken soups, including the Homestyle Noodle, are noted for their high sodium levels, often exceeding half of the daily recommended intake.
Balancing Your Meal: Combining a cup of chicken soup with a protein-rich half-sandwich or salad can create a more balanced and nutritious meal.

Panera Chicken Soup Protein Breakdown

Panera offers a few different chicken soup varieties, and their protein content differs significantly based on the ingredients and serving size. Here is a detailed look at the most common options:

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

The Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is arguably Panera's most iconic chicken soup. It features a rich chicken broth with tender chicken, egg noodles, carrots, and celery.

Bowl (180 Calories): A standard bowl of this soup provides 14 grams of protein. This makes it a relatively low-calorie, high-protein choice compared to many other items on their menu. The noodles are made with enriched wheat, but the lean chicken is the primary protein source.
Bread Bowl (790 Calories): When served in a sourdough bread bowl, the protein content jumps to 36 grams. However, this is largely due to the protein from the large bread bowl itself, which is a significant addition of calories and carbohydrates.

Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

This is a heartier, cream-based soup with a different nutritional profile than the Homestyle Chicken Noodle. The wild rice and creamy texture make it more calorie-dense.

Bowl (282 Calories): A bowl of Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice soup contains 10 grams of protein. Despite the higher calorie count from the cream base, the protein content is lower than the Homestyle Chicken Noodle bowl. The 16 oz retail version has 20g of protein, so make sure to check the size if you're comparing.

Panera at Home Chicken Noodle Soup

Panera also sells its soups in grocery stores, but the nutritional information can vary from the cafe versions.

1 Cup Serving: A single cup of the Panera at Home Chicken Noodle Soup typically contains 11 grams of protein. Be mindful that a full container is more than one serving, so you would need to multiply accordingly if you consume the whole container.

Comparison of Panera's Chicken Soups

This table provides a quick overview of the protein and calorie counts for Panera's most popular chicken soups based on a standard bowl size.


Soup Variety	Serving Size	Calories	Protein (g)	Primary Protein Source
Homestyle Chicken Noodle	Bowl	180	14	Chicken, Noodles
Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice	Bowl	282	10	Chicken
Homestyle Chicken Noodle (in-cafe)	Bread Bowl	790	36	Bread bowl, Chicken
Homestyle Chicken Noodle (Retail)	1 Cup	130	11	Chicken

Higher Protein Alternatives at Panera

While Panera's chicken soups provide a moderate amount of protein, other menu items are significantly higher in protein for those prioritizing it.

Turkey Chili with Beans: This soup-adjacent item is Panera's highest-protein soup option, offering 24 grams of protein per bowl. It is also high in fiber, which helps with satiety.
Broth Bowls: Panera's broth bowls, like the Lentil Quinoa Broth Bowl with Chicken, can provide up to 32 grams of protein. The combination of lean protein, legumes, and grains makes them a protein powerhouse.
Salads: Certain salads, such as the Asian Sesame Chicken Salad (35g protein) or the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad (32g protein), offer substantial protein content.

Contextualizing Protein and Nutrition

When evaluating the protein in Panera's chicken soups, it's essential to look at the full nutritional picture. For example, some of the soups can be very high in sodium.

The Sodium Factor

The Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a case in point. The bowl has 1730mg of sodium, and when served in a bread bowl, the sodium count skyrockets to 2310mg. The Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice bowl also contains 1410mg of sodium. These figures often exceed half of the recommended daily sodium intake for a single meal, something to consider for those monitoring sodium levels.

Balancing Your Meal

To make a healthier, protein-focused meal at Panera, you can combine a cup of soup with a half-salad or a half-sandwich. For example, pairing a cup of Homestyle Chicken Noodle soup with a half Bacon Turkey Bravo sandwich provides a balanced mix of macros with a significant protein boost. Opting for an apple as a side instead of chips is another simple way to improve the nutritional profile.

Conclusion

In summary, the protein content of Panera chicken soup varies based on the specific type and size. The Homestyle Chicken Noodle offers a respectable 14 grams of protein in a standard bowl, while the Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice has 10 grams. For those seeking an even higher protein count in their soup, the Turkey Chili is a more protein-dense option. Always consult the official Panera website for the most current nutritional information for the specific serving you are ordering. Consider supplementing your soup with another protein source or a side salad to create a well-rounded and nutritious meal that fits your dietary needs.

For additional nutritional details and to view the most up-to-date menu, you can visit the official Panera Bread website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among the chicken soups, the Homestyle Chicken Noodle in a sourdough bread bowl technically has the most protein at 36g, but this is largely due to the added protein from the bread bowl itself. The standard Homestyle Chicken Noodle bowl has the most protein per bowl among the non-bread bowl options, with 14g.

Yes, a standard bowl of Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup with 14 grams of protein is a decent source of protein, especially considering its moderate calorie count of 180 kcal. However, it is also high in sodium.

A standard bowl of Panera's Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice soup contains 10 grams of protein. This is lower than the Homestyle Chicken Noodle bowl, despite being a heartier, more calorie-dense soup.

Yes, many of Panera's soups, including the chicken varieties, are very high in sodium. For example, a bowl of Homestyle Chicken Noodle contains 1730mg of sodium, well over half the recommended daily intake.

For higher protein options, consider the Turkey Chili with Beans (24g protein), Lentil Quinoa Broth Bowl with Chicken (up to 32g protein), or a full-size Asian Sesame Chicken Salad (35g protein).

Yes, the chicken in Panera's soups is real. The Homestyle Chicken Noodle, for instance, includes tender chicken along with other wholesome ingredients like carrots and celery.

To boost protein, you can add extra grilled chicken to a salad or wrap, opt for a higher protein soup like the Turkey Chili, or pair a cup of soup with a protein-rich half-sandwich.

No, the protein content can differ between the fresh, in-cafe soups and the refrigerated 'Panera at Home' retail versions sold in stores. Always check the nutrition facts on the specific product or the Panera website.