Where to Find the Best Chicken Noodle Soup Near You: 8 Top Restaurant Chains

Nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving some comfort food on a chilly day this classic dish hits all the right spots. But when you don’t have time to simmer a pot at home, where should you go? I’ve done the research so you don’t have to!

Let’s dive into the 8 restaurant chains where you can find the most delicious chicken noodle soup when that craving strikes.

1. Panera Bread

When it comes to consistent quality Panera’s Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup delivers every time. Their recipe features tender white chicken pieces swimming in a rich, well-seasoned broth alongside egg noodles carrots, celery, and herbs. With just 100 calories per bowl, it’s a lighter option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

What makes Panera’s version stand out is how perfectly it pairs with their freshly baked bread. Dip a piece of their French baguette into that savory broth, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s hard to beat!

2. Culver’s

You might know Culver’s for their ButterBurgers and frozen custard, but don’t sleep on their Chicken Noodle Soup! This Wisconsin-founded chain offers a fragrant broth filled with tender white meat chicken, thick plank-like noodles, and veggies like carrots and celery.

At just 130 calories per medium serving, it’s a satisfying option that won’t weigh you down. Many customers love pairing it with their grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort food combo.

3. Noodles & Company

With “noodles” right in their name, you’d expect Noodles & Company to know their way around a chicken noodle soup—and they don’t disappoint! Their signature soup comes loaded with grilled chicken breast, wavy egg noodles, and a medley of celery, onions, and carrots.

What’s nice about Noodles & Company is that you can get their chicken noodle soup in a full or side-order size, and it comes with oyster crackers for added crunch. One Yelp reviewer even declared it “the best” chicken noodle soup around!

4. Au Bon Pain

This Texas-based café chain knows a thing or two about good soup. Their Chicken Noodle Soup is a textbook example of getting the basics right—hearty chicken breast, perfectly seasoned broth, tender egg noodles, and the classic mix of carrots, onions, and celery.

At 120 calories per medium serving, it’s a lighter option that still satisfies. What I love about Au Bon Pain is how they focus on making a traditional recipe exceptionally well rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.

5. Olive Garden

Olive Garden takes chicken soup to a whole new level with their Chicken & Gnocchi Soup. This isn’t your traditional chicken noodle soup—instead of egg noodles, they use Italian pasta dumplings (gnocchi), which gives the soup an amazing heartiness.

The broth is creamier than standard chicken soup and includes spinach instead of the usual carrots and celery. At 230 calories per serving, it’s richer than some others on this list, but worth every spoonful. If you’re looking for something different but still in the chicken soup family, this is a must-try.

6. Chick-fil-A

Known for their chicken sandwiches, Chick-fil-A also serves up a mighty fine chicken noodle soup. Using their signature shredded chicken breast (yum!), this soup features chopped carrots, diced celery, and egg noodles in a clear chicken broth.

Each order comes with saltine crackers that are perfect for dipping or crumbling into your soup. While their recipe sticks to the classics, there’s something special about having Chick-fil-A’s quality chicken in soup form.

7. Cafe Zupas

With a name that literally translates to “soup cafe,” you’d expect Cafe Zupas to deliver on the soup front—and they do! Their Chicken Noodle Soup contains juicy grilled chicken, chopped carrots, diced celery, egg noodles, and aromatic herbs and spices in a warm chicken broth.

What’s notable about Cafe Zupas’ version is that it’s dairy-free and low-calorie (just 130 calories per half serving), making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. With over 55 locations across eight states, they’re worth seeking out if there’s one near you.

8. Boston Market

Boston Market’s Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup deserves a special mention because it uses their famous rotisserie chicken. This shredded all-natural rotisserie chicken breast gives the soup a depth of flavor that’s hard to match.

The soup also features dumpling-style noodles (rather than thin egg noodles), garden vegetables, and a rich chicken broth. At 230 calories per serving, it’s substantial enough to be a main dish. I personally grew up loving Boston Market’s soup, and it remains one of my favorites to this day.

Finding the Best Chicken Noodle Soup Near You

So how do you find these delicious soups when the craving hits? Here are a few tips:

• Check your location apps – Most food delivery services like Grubhub and DoorDash have a “chicken noodle soup near me” search option
• Look beyond the obvious – Some places known for other foods (like Chick-fil-A and Culver’s) have surprisingly good soup
• Consider what matters to you – Want something traditional? Panera and Au Bon Pain are solid choices. Looking for something different? Try Olive Garden’s gnocchi version

What Makes a Great Chicken Noodle Soup?

When hunting for the perfect bowl, keep these qualities in mind:

• The broth – Should be flavorful but not overpowering, with a good balance of chicken flavor and herbs
• The chicken – Tender, not dry, and preferably in bite-sized pieces
• The noodles – Should maintain their texture without becoming mushy
• The vegetables – Fresh, not overcooked, adding color and texture

When to Enjoy Chicken Noodle Soup

While chicken noodle soup is famously known as a sick day remedy, there are plenty of other times to enjoy this classic:

• When temperatures drop in fall and winter
• As a light lunch option when you want something warming but not heavy
• Paired with a sandwich or salad for a complete meal
• Whenever you need a bit of comfort food in your life

The Bottom Line

Whether you prefer a traditional recipe like Au Bon Pain’s or something with a twist like Olive Garden’s gnocchi version, there’s a chicken noodle soup out there for everyone. These 8 restaurant chains consistently deliver delicious, satisfying bowls that rival homemade versions—without all the work.

So next time someone in your household asks “who has the best chicken noodle soup near me?”, you’ll be ready with plenty of tasty suggestions!

There is no single “best” chicken noodle soup, as preferences vary from person to person and depend on whether you prefer a canned, restaurant, or homemade option. However, canned brands like Progresso, Rao’s, and Campbell’s Slow Kettle are often highly-rated, while restaurants such as Panera Bread and fast-food options like Chick-fil-A also receive praise for their versions.

Yes, the Chick-fil-A chicken noodle soup is generally considered good, with many people describing it as a comforting, high-quality option, especially compared to other fast-food soups. While not everyone ranks it as the best, it receives praise for its generous amounts of shredded chicken, carrots, and celery, as well as its satisfying, thicker consistency.

Panera’s Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup contains chicken raised without antibiotics, enriched egg noodles, carrots, celery, and onions simmered in a seasoned chicken broth with herbs and spices. Key ingredients include chicken, wheat noodles, vegetables, and seasonings like sea salt, natural flavors, and herbs such as parsley and thyme.

Panera’s Chicken Noodle Soup can be a healthy option because it’s broth-based, a good source of protein from chicken, and contains vegetables like carrots and celery, which provide essential vitamins and minerals.