Panera Chicken Tikka Masala Soup: Review + Recipe

Today, we delve into the savory world of Panera Bread’s Chicken Tikka Masala Soup. 

As a fan of their delicious offerings, I couldn’t resist sampling this intriguing creation. In this post, I’ll share my honest review of Panera’s soup rendition, highlighting its flavors, textures, and overall experience. 

But that’s not all! I’ve also included a tantalizing copycat recipe for those who wish to recreate this culinary delight in the comfort of their own kitchens. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of Panera’s Chicken Tikka Masala Soup while uncovering the secrets to making it at home. Get ready for a delightful culinary journey that will leave you craving more!

Panera’s Chicken Tikka Masala Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and ingredients. It features tender chicken, black lentils, butternut squash, and kale in a curried tomato broth infused with tamarind, coconut milk, and traditional Indian spices. 

Panera Chicken Tikka Masala Review

Served with brown rice and quinoa, this soup is available in both cup and bowl sizes, priced at $7.49 and $9.59, respectively, and accompanied by a baguette.

The soup offers a unique balance of a slightly sweet and tangy tomato base, elevated by the addition of tamarind and Indian curry-inspired spices. However, it also showcases a surprisingly prominent cilantro note. While it deviates from the creaminess and richness typically associated with traditional chicken tikka masala meals, the soup incorporates a variety of textures and flavors with the inclusion of vegetables, grains, and chicken. The chicken has an unusual crumbly texture, reminiscent of well-shredded cold chicken added to hot soup.

Like a dinner roll, Panera’s baguette features a soft interior with a chewy crust and a uniform, dense crumb. It absorbs the soup nicely and proves to be durable during the dipping process.

Panera’s Chicken Tikka Masala Soup offers a quick and enjoyable meal option with its delightful curry-like flavor. However, the strong cilantro taste might surprise some, and considering the price, it may leave you wanting more substance. Despite its departure from the traditional chicken tikka masala taste, it remains a satisfying choice for those craving a flavorful soup experience.

Panera Chicken Tikka Masala Soup Copycat recipe

Why you’ll love this recipe: 

Three reasons why people will love this recipe:

1. Rich and Flavorful: Combining aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, and garam masala creates a robust and flavorful base for the soup. Adding ginger, garlic, and onion further enhances the taste profile, resulting in a satisfying and aromatic dish.
2. Creamy and Comforting: The creamy texture of the soup, achieved by adding heavy cream, provides a comforting and indulgent experience. It adds a lusciousness to the dish that balances well with the spices and creates a satisfying mouthfeel.
3. Versatile and Easy to Make: This recipe calls for rotisserie chicken, which makes it convenient and time-saving. Readily available ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and common spices, make it accessible for home cooks. Additionally, the instructions are straightforward, making it achievable for those with varying levels of cooking experience.

Overall, this homemade version of Chicken Tikka Masala Soup offers a delightful combination of flavors, a creamy texture, and ease of preparation, making it a recipe that people will love to recreate and enjoy in the comfort of their own homes.

What ingredients do you need to recreate it at home?

Ghee (Clarified Butter) or Butter: Ghee is commonly used in Indian cooking. It has a rich, nutty flavor and adds depth to the soup. Butter can be used as an alternative, bringing its own creamy and savory notes. Avocado oil can also be used as a healthier option.

Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a vibrant and aromatic kick to the soup. It has a slightly spicy and citrusy flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile. Grated or minced ginger provides a zesty and refreshing element to the dish.

Garlic: Minced garlic contributes a spicy and savory taste to the soup. It enhances the overall depth of flavor and complements the other ingredients. Garlic adds a comforting and aromatic element to the dish.

White Onion: The chopped white onion adds a subtle sweetness and mild flavor to the soup. It helps build a solid foundation of flavor and provides a hint of natural sweetness to balance the spices.

Salt: Salt is a crucial seasoning that enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. It helps bring out the natural taste and balances the overall taste profile of the soup.

San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are known for their sweet and slightly tangy flavor. They have a vibrant red color and are prized for their meaty texture. Whole peeled tomatoes are used in the soup to provide a robust tomato base and add a natural sweetness to the dish.

Chicken Broth: Chicken broth serves as the liquid base for the soup, adding depth and richness to the flavors. It enhances the overall savory profile and complements the chicken and spices.

Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the soup. It enriches the flavors, adds a velvety mouthfeel, and balances the spices with its subtle sweetness.

Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken provides a convenient and flavorful protein option. It adds a tender and succulent texture to the soup and brings its savory taste. Rotisserie chicken is already cooked, saving time and adding depth of flavor to the dish.

Cilantro: Cilantro is a fresh herb that adds a bright and citrusy note to the soup. It offers a refreshing element and complements the Indian flavors. It can be used as a garnish to enhance the overall presentation and taste.

Garlic Naan: Garlic naan is Indian bread made with garlic and spices. It is optional but highly encouraged as an accompaniment to the soup. Garlic naan adds a delicious garlic flavor and a soft and chewy texture, providing a perfect vessel for dipping and savoring the soup.

Customizations and substitutions

1. Protein Options: While the recipe suggests using rotisserie chicken, you can customize the soup with other protein choices. Try substituting the chicken with shrimp, tofu, paneer (Indian cheese), or cooked lentils for a vegetarian or vegan version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked correctly.
2. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables for your taste and dietary preferences. You can include bell peppers, peas, carrots, spinach, or cauliflower to enhance the nutritional value and add more color to the soup. Adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose, adding them in at the appropriate stage to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
3. Spiciness Level: If you prefer a milder or spicier version of the soup, you can adjust the spice levels to your liking. Increase or decrease the cayenne pepper or chili powder to achieve your desired heat level. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly as you go.
4. Dairy-Free or Lighter Options: If you prefer a dairy-free or lighter version of the soup, you can make a few substitutions. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut milk or cashew to achieve a creamy texture. You can also opt for a lighter alternative, such as Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt, as a topping instead of heavy cream. Adjust the quantities according to your taste and dietary preferences.

These customizations and substitutions allow you to personalize the Chicken Tikka Masala Soup to suit your preferences, dietary needs, and culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment and adapt the recipe to create a genuinely enjoyable version.

What to serve chicken tikka masala soup with 

Here are four ideas for what to serve with Chicken Tikka Masala Soup:

1. Naan Bread: Serve the soup with warm and fluffy naan bread on the side. Naan is a traditional Indian bread that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the soup. Tear off a piece of naan and dip it into the soup for a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
2. Basmati Rice: Prepare a side of fragrant basmati rice to accompany the soup. The light and fluffy rice will absorb the flavors of the soup and provide a satisfying and filling element to the meal. Spoon the soup over the rice or enjoy them together for a complete and hearty experience.
3. Vegetable Samosas: Add some delicious vegetable samosas as a side dish. These crispy and savory pastries filled with spiced vegetables offer a delightful contrast to the soup. Combining the soup and samosas creates a well-rounded meal with different textures and flavors.
4. Raita: Serve a refreshing raita alongside the soup. Raita is a yogurt-based condiment infused with herbs and spices. It provides a cooling and tangy element that complements the warmth and spices of the soup. It can be made with cucumber, mint, and yogurt, adding a refreshing touch to the meal.

These side dishes not only enhance the dining experience but also offer a variety of textures, flavors, and temperatures that complement the Chicken Tikka Masala Soup, creating a satisfying and complete meal.

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Panera Chicken Tikka Masala Soup (Copycat Recipe)

This chicken tikka masala soup is inspired by the one you find at Panera bread. Creamy, warm and so delicious you’ll love to make it!

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine Indian

Keyword gluten free, healthy

Servings 4 servings

Author Ana

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Ghee
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger grated or minced
• 6 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 White Onion finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Salt
• 28 oz San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes
• 2.5 cups Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 3 cups Shredded Rotisserie Chicken
• Fresh Cilantro for serving
• Spice Mix:
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
• 2 teaspoons Ground Coriander
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 2 teaspoons Garam Masala
• 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

• In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the ghee, butter, or avocado oil over medium heat. Add the ginger, garlic, and onion. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onion turns soft.
• Meanwhile, combine all the spices in a bowl to create the spice mix. Once ready, pour the spice mix into the Dutch oven and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
• Add the San Marzano tomatoes (including their juice) and the chicken broth to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, covered, for approximately 30 minutes.
• Remove the lid and turn off the heat. Using an immersion blender or transferring the mixture to a blender, carefully blend the soup until it achieves a smooth consistency.
• Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well incorporated. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the soup and season with salt to your liking.
• Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala Soup immediately, garnishing each bowl with fresh cilantro. For an optional accompaniment, serve with warm garlic naan on the side to enhance the meal with delightful flavors.

How to freeze, refrigerate, and thaw Chicken Tikka Masala Soup:

Freezing:

1. Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing to prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming.
2. Portion the soup into airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
3. Seal the containers tightly, ensuring there are no air pockets.
4. Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
5. Place the containers in the freezer and store them flat to save space.

Refrigerating:

1. You can refrigerate the soup directly if you plan to consume it within a few days.
2. Allow the soup to cool slightly, then transfer it to airtight containers or covered bowls.
3. Seal the containers tightly to prevent the soup from absorbing odors or flavors from other foods in the refrigerator.
4. Place the containers in the fridge and store them below 40°F (4°C).
5. Consume the refrigerated soup within 3-4 days.

Thawing:

1. Transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw frozen Chicken Tikka Masala Soup.
2. Allow the soup to thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight or for approximately 24 hours.
3. Once thawed, reheat the soup on the stovetop or microwave until it reaches your desired temperature, stirring occasionally.
4. Ensure the soup is heated thoroughly before serving.
5. Avoid refreezing the soup after it has been thawed.

Remember to use proper food safety practices when storing and reheating the soup. Consuming refrigerated or thawed soup within a safe timeframe is essential and ensuring it is heated to an appropriate temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.