Introduction
Canning chicken noodle soup is a wonderful way to keep a warm and comforting meal ready in your kitchen at any time. This recipe is about preparing a rich homemade soup filled with tender chicken, soft noodles, and healthy vegetables, then safely storing it in jars so it can last for many months. Many families love the idea of opening a jar of homemade soup that tastes just as good as the day it was cooked. Instead of buying soup from a store, you can create your own fresh version using simple ingredients you trust. The process of canning helps keep the flavor locked inside the jar so you can enjoy the taste of homemade comfort food whenever you want.
People love chicken noodle soup because it feels warm, soothing, and satisfying. The mix of chicken, vegetables, broth, and noodles creates a balanced meal that feels gentle on the stomach and very comforting to eat. Many people remember eating this soup when they were children or when someone in the family prepared it with love. The smell of the broth cooking slowly in the kitchen often brings back happy memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. Homemade chicken noodle soup also feels more special than canned soup from a store because you can control the flavor and the quality of the ingredients.
This recipe is also perfect for times when you want a healthy meal that is quick and easy to serve later. Life can become busy, and having jars of soup ready on your shelf means dinner can be prepared in just a few minutes. It is also a great recipe to make during colder months when warm meals bring comfort and energy. Some people prepare this soup when they feel tired or when someone in the family needs a gentle meal during recovery from illness. Chicken noodle soup is also known as a classic comfort food that many people believe supports the body during cold weather and helps the body feel nourished and cared for.
Ingredients You Will Need
To prepare canning chicken noodle soup, gather these fresh and simple ingredients.
Chicken breast or chicken thighs
900 grams boneless chicken pieces
Chicken broth
10 cups homemade or low sodium broth
Carrots
2 cups chopped into small pieces
Celery
2 cups chopped into small pieces
Onion
1 large onion finely chopped
Garlic
3 cloves minced
Egg noodles
2 cups dry noodles
Salt
2 teaspoons or to taste
Black pepper
1 teaspoon
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon
Dried parsley
1 tablespoon
Bay leaves
2 leaves
Water
2 cups if needed to adjust soup thickness
Olive oil
2 tablespoons
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon optional for freshness
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped for flavor
You will also need clean glass canning jars with lids and rings.
Step by Step Method
Start by preparing all the ingredients before cooking. Wash the carrots, celery, and parsley carefully with clean water. Peel the carrots and cut them into small pieces. Chop the celery into small slices. Peel and chop the onion into fine pieces so it blends well with the soup. Mince the garlic cloves so their flavor spreads through the broth.
Place a large cooking pot on medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm gently. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and cook it slowly for about five minutes. Stir the onion often so it becomes soft and slightly golden. This step builds a rich flavor for the soup.
Next add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it with the onion for about one minute. Garlic cooks quickly, so avoid letting it burn. The kitchen will begin to smell wonderful at this stage.
Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about five minutes. This step helps the vegetables soften slightly and release their natural sweetness.
Now place the chicken pieces into the pot. Stir them gently with the vegetables. Allow the chicken to cook for about five minutes until the outside begins to turn white.
Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the spices mix evenly with the broth.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once it begins to boil, lower the heat and allow the soup to simmer slowly. Cover the pot partially and cook for about twenty five minutes. During this time the chicken will cook fully and the vegetables will become tender.
After the chicken is fully cooked, remove the pieces from the pot and place them on a clean plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small bite size pieces. Shredded chicken spreads more evenly through the soup and gives every spoonful a good balance of ingredients.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well. Taste the soup and adjust the salt if needed.
Add the egg noodles to the soup. Allow the soup to simmer for about eight minutes until the noodles become soft. Stir occasionally so the noodles do not stick together.
If the soup becomes too thick, add a little warm water or broth. The texture should remain light and easy to pour.
Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Add the lemon juice and fresh parsley if you like a bright fresh taste.
Now prepare the jars for canning. Wash the jars, lids, and rings in hot soapy water and rinse them well. Sterilize the jars by placing them in boiling water for several minutes. Carefully remove them and place them on a clean towel.
Ladle the hot soup into the warm jars. Leave about three centimeters of space at the top of each jar so the soup can expand during processing.
Use a clean spoon to remove any air bubbles inside the jar. Wipe the jar rim with a clean cloth to ensure a tight seal.
Place the lids on the jars and screw the rings until they feel secure but not extremely tight.
Place the filled jars in a pressure canner following the instructions of your canner model. Process the jars according to safe canning guidelines for chicken soup. This step helps preserve the soup safely for long storage.
Once processing is complete, allow the jars to cool naturally. After cooling, check that the lids have sealed properly. Store the sealed jars in a cool dark place.
Why This Recipe Is Special
Canning chicken noodle soup at home offers many wonderful benefits. One of the biggest advantages is having a healthy homemade meal ready at any time. Instead of relying on processed store soup, you know exactly what ingredients went into each jar.
The soup is rich in protein because of the chicken. Protein helps support muscle strength and keeps the body feeling full and satisfied. It also supports energy levels throughout the day.
The vegetables in the soup provide vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Carrots contain vitamin A which supports eye health. Celery offers hydration and fiber that helps digestion. Onions and garlic bring natural compounds that support the immune system.
Another reason this recipe is special is its comforting taste. Chicken noodle soup has a warm and gentle flavor that many people enjoy. The broth is rich and soothing while the noodles provide a soft texture that feels satisfying.
This recipe also saves time in busy weeks. When you prepare several jars at once, you create meals that can be ready within minutes. All you need to do is heat the soup and enjoy it with bread or crackers.
Canning also helps reduce food waste. If you have extra chicken or vegetables in your kitchen, you can turn them into soup and store them safely instead of letting them spoil.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
Using homemade chicken broth can make a big difference in flavor. Homemade broth often tastes deeper and richer than store broth.
Choose fresh vegetables whenever possible. Fresh carrots and celery bring natural sweetness and a pleasant texture to the soup.
Cook the onion slowly at the beginning of the recipe. This step builds a strong base flavor for the broth.
If you enjoy stronger herbal flavors, you can add a small amount of rosemary or oregano. These herbs add warmth to the soup.
For extra richness, you may add a small piece of butter at the end of cooking. Stir it gently into the soup before filling the jars.
If you prefer a thicker soup, use slightly more noodles or allow the soup to simmer a little longer.
Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavor and make the soup taste fresh.
Serve the soup with fresh bread or toasted garlic bread to make a more complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Canning chicken noodle soup is a wonderful kitchen skill that brings both comfort and convenience to your home. The process may take some time, but the reward is many jars of delicious homemade soup waiting on your shelf. Every jar holds a warm meal made with care and simple ingredients. Whether you prepare this soup for your family, for cold days, or for quick dinners during busy weeks, it is a recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction. Homemade soup also carries the feeling of tradition and care that many families value. With practice, canning can become a relaxing and enjoyable activity that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and provides meals that are ready whenever you need them.
Nutrition Details
Below is an approximate nutrition guide for the full recipe and for one serving.
Nutrition for whole recipe
Calories: 2200 kcal
Protein: 180 grams
Carbohydrates: 200 grams
Fat: 60 grams
Fiber: 20 grams
Sodium: 3800 milligrams
Nutrition per serving if recipe makes 8 servings
Calories: 275 kcal
Protein: 22 grams
Carbohydrates: 25 grams
Fat: 7 grams
Fiber: 2.5 grams
Sodium: 475 milligrams
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredient brands and exact quantities used.
Disclaimer
This recipe and nutrition information are provided for general information only. Every person has different nutritional needs and health conditions. The way a body reacts to certain foods may vary from one person to another. Always choose ingredients that match your personal health needs and consult a qualified health professional if you require specific dietary advice.