Chicken noodle soup-it’s one of those dishes that instantly brings comfort, warmth, and nostalgia, no matter where you are. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with its savory aroma and brings a sense of ease to your body. Whether you’re under the weather, coming home from a long day, or just need something simple to prepare, a bowl of chicken noodle soup is like a warm hug in a bowl.
Now, imagine being able to prepare that comforting soup ahead of time, store it, and then have it ready at a moment’s notice. Sounds amazing, right? Well, the Chicken Noodle Soup In A Jar recipe does just that. It’s a convenient, easy-to-assemble meal that’s perfect for busy days, meal prepping, or even gifting to someone you care about. This recipe lets you layer all the ingredients together in a mason jar, ready to be cooked whenever you’re in the mood for a hearty, satisfying soup.
In this guide, we’re going to dive deep into how you can make this soup, what ingredients you’ll need, and some expert tips to ensure your jarred soup comes out absolutely perfect. We’ll also explore some variations so you can customize the flavor to your liking!
Chicken Noodle Soup In A Jar Recipe
This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. By layering dry ingredients in a mason jar, you not only make cooking more convenient, but you also store a soup base that’s ready to be brought to life whenever you want. It’s great for busy people who want a comforting meal on hand without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Noodle Soup in a jar:
- Chicken Breast or Thighs (cooked & shredded) – You can use cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even cooked chicken leftovers for convenience. Shredded chicken is the star of this soup and provides the hearty protein.
- Egg Noodles – These noodles work best because they absorb the soup’s flavors beautifully and cook up perfectly in the broth.
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Dried Herbs
- Thyme – A classic herb for chicken soup that gives an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
- Bay Leaves – They add a deep, subtle flavor to the broth that really makes the soup rich.
- Parsley – Fresh, light, and vibrant, parsley gives the soup a bright note of freshness.
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Dried Vegetables
- Carrots – You can use either dehydrated or freeze-dried carrots for easy layering.
- Celery – Freeze-dried celery works best, providing that crunch and depth of flavor without adding any extra water content.
- Chicken Bouillon – This is the flavor base, giving your soup that savory, comforting taste without needing to simmer a stock pot for hours.
- Onion Powder – For a deeper, sweeter onion flavor without the need for chopping fresh onions.
- Garlic Powder – Because garlic makes everything better. It’s aromatic and savory, just like in a homemade broth.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning the soup to taste.
- Olive Oil – Adds a bit of richness and ensures that the noodles cook evenly.
Cooking Instructions
Making this chicken noodle soup in a jar is so easy, and here’s how to bring it all together:
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Layering The Jar
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Start by layering the dry ingredients. This helps keep things organized and prevents certain ingredients from mixing prematurely.
- Begin with the egg noodles at the bottom. They’re light and need to be closest to the broth for the best absorption.
- Next, add the chicken bouillon cubes or powder.
- Add the dried herbs next-thyme, bay leaves, parsley, and garlic powder.
- Then, add the freeze-dried vegetables (carrots, celery).
- Finally, top off the jar with the shredded chicken. This ensures that the chicken stays at the top, helping you avoid any soggy bits.
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Storing The Jar
- Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place, like your pantry. It should last for several months, depending on how fresh your ingredients were to begin with.
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Cooking The Soup
- When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, simply empty the contents of the jar into a large pot.
- Add 6 cups of water to the pot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Stir occasionally to help the noodles break apart and incorporate.
- Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and drizzle in a little bit of olive oil to round out the flavors and give the soup a slight richness.
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Serving
- Once it’s ready, serve it up in bowls and enjoy! You can garnish it with some extra fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you’d like to elevate the flavor a bit.
Ingredient Insights
- Why Freeze-Dried Veggies? Freeze-dried veggies are perfect for this recipe because they are lightweight, don’t spoil, and retain most of their flavor and nutrients. They’re also much easier to store than fresh veggies, especially when you’re making meals ahead of time.
- The Importance of Bouillon: Chicken bouillon is a quick way to get that savory, rich broth without needing hours of simmering. It dissolves easily into the water and infuses the soup with deep flavor.
- Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are ideal because they hold up well in a soup and absorb the flavors of the broth without becoming mushy too quickly. They’re also easy to find in most grocery stores, and they add a comforting, hearty texture.
Expert Tips
- Shred the Chicken Well: The key to making this soup truly comforting is ensuring the chicken is shredded well. Small pieces allow for better distribution throughout the soup, giving you a bit of chicken in every spoonful.
- Don’t Skip the Herbs: The dried herbs are what really set this soup apart. If you don’t have one, it’s worth buying it just to complete the flavor profile.
- Adjust Broth Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water slightly. For a thinner, brothier soup, add a little more water as it simmers.
- Storage Tip: When storing the jar, make sure it’s sealed well. You don’t want any moisture getting in or the ingredients to spoil. Mason jars are perfect for this because they create a vacuum seal.
Recipe Variations
- Add More Protein: While chicken is classic, you can add turkey or even beef for a different spin. Just ensure that it’s cooked and shredded, so it can easily incorporate into the soup.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the jar if you like a bit of heat in your soup.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables, and use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon.
- Noodle Substitutes: If you want a gluten-free or low-carb option, you can swap the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Add Creaminess: For a richer, creamier version of the soup, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or a scoop of sour cream after cooking. It adds a velvety texture and depth to the broth.
Final Words
Chicken noodle soup in a jar is more than just a meal-it’s a convenience, a comfort, and a fun twist on a timeless classic. It’s the perfect way to store a homemade soup base, saving you time while still delivering delicious, soul-satisfying results. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or giving someone a thoughtful gift, this jarred soup is a great way to keep something comforting on hand at all times.