The Best Panera Bread Warm Bowls, Ranked
By Lana Kisner | December 12, 2023
Panera’s warm bowls have been a great alternative to their soups and sandwiches, which the restaurant chain is best known for. With a blend of grains, fresh ingredients, and lean proteins, Panera bowls are one of the healthiest meals you can choose when eating out. Plus, they earned the Cool Meal Badge for being made with low food-related emissions, which makes them great for people and the planet.
Each bowl comes with a complimentary side of chips, an apple, or a French baguette. They can also be ordered as a “You Pick Two” combo with a second entrée and your choice of side. Warm bowls are one of my favorite meals on the Panera Bread menu, and I love that they feature unique ingredients and flavors. Here are all the warm bowls from Panera so you can decide which one to order on your next visit.
5. Mediterranean Bowl
This Panera warm bowl brings the fresh and tangy flavors of the Mediterranean. It starts with a cilantro lime brown rice and quinoa base. Fresh arugula, juicy grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese top these warm grains with a dollop of hummus and Greek yogurt. Everything is then tied together with a drizzle of lemon tahini dressing.
I enjoy ordering this bowl with a side of apples, but you can also choose chips or a French baguette. I also love to top it with salsa verde. Avocado, chicken, and steak are also available for an additional charge.
4. Baja Bowl
This bowl starts with the same base I mentioned above – cilantro lime brown rice, and quinoa. It’s topped with black bean and corn salsa, juicy grape tomatoes, fresh avocado, feta cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. French baguette is the perfect side to pair with this bowl, which makes it easy to scoop the creamy avocado, yogurt, and salsa to enjoy every last bite!
3. Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Bowl
The Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Bowl is one of the newer additions to the Panera Bread menu. It uses the same base as the rest of Panera’s warm bowls but tops it with Asian-inspired flavors. Chicken-thigh meat that’s covered in a soy sauce-based teriyaki glaze is added for protein, and broccoli and fresh cilantro bring in some green color and a crunchy bite. Everything is then topped with sesame seeds, which adds the finishing touch.
2. Mediterranean Bowl With Chicken
This one is essentially the Mediterranean bowl I mentioned earlier, but with the addition of grilled chicken pieces. All other ingredients are the same, and just like the original, I highly recommend adding salsa verde to give it a flavor boost.
1. Baja Bowl With Chicken
I talked about the Baja bowl earlier, but this version includes grilled chicken, which takes it to the next level. This is my go-to warm bowl at Panera any time of day. It’s flavorful, filling, and nutritious. If you want another protein option than chicken, you can add steak for an extra charge. Just like the original version, I recommend ordering it with a French baguette on the side to scoop up all the juicy goodness!
