Panera Thai Chicken Soup offers a bold flavor adventure
Soup and salad are a classic pairing and the new Panera Thai Chicken Soup invites guests to enjoy a bold bite. While it might not replace grandma’s recipe, the warmth in that bowl is one that everyone will want to try.
While many people have been starting their day Panera coffee, the brand doesn’t want its other menu items to be stagnant. The chefs are constantly looking for new ways to excite guests to come back for lunch or dinner.
After the successful launch of its flatbreads, the two new menu items to start the year invite guests to take a trip, possibly a little out of their comfort zone. Both the Panera Thai Chicken Soup and Citrus Asian Crunch Salad are food offerings that will excite many people to make a special visit.
According to Claes Petersson, Head Chef and Chief Food Innovation Officer at Panera Bread, the two new menu items are about “taking familiar flavors and adding a unique Panera twist.” As the team takes to the test kitchen to find the perfectly balanced bite, the brand looks “to satisfy any craving and provide more adventurous flavors for our customers.”
What can guests expect with the Panera Thai Chicken Soup?
According to Panera, the Thai Chicken Soup is the first of many new soups set to join the menu. While many people will always love a classic chicken noodle soup, this soup offering is vibrant in color and flavor.
The Thai yellow curry broth offers a slightly spicy flavor. Not enough to scorch the palate, the heat is inviting because of the layers of flavor. From the ginger to the galangal, those flavors are balanced with the lemongrass and the Thai lime.
At the same time, the soup is hearty. In addition to the chicken, the combination of “carrots, shiitake mushrooms, red bell peppers and edamame,” make it feel like a big bite. There is a slight difference in textures which adds to the eating satisfaction.
For anyone who likes to pair a soup with another menu item, the new Citrus Asian Crunch Salad is a tasty choice. Featuring “seared chicken thigh meat,” the darker meat adds a richness to the salad. The combination of greens, including kale, chopped broccoli and green cabbage, everyone will feel good about eating those vegetables.
Plus, the tangerine soy ginger dressing offers a taste of sweet and spice. From sweet to sour and bright to bold, this salad hits all the right flavor notes.
The new Panera Thai Chicken Soup and the new Citrus Asian Crunch Salad are available at restaurants now. It is unclear whether these new menu items are limited time or permanent offers.