There’s something so heartwarming about a big pot of homemade chicken noodle soup bubbling away on the stove. It brings back memories of chilly evenings, where the aroma of savory broth and tender chicken filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a cozy hug. Now, imagine savoring that comforting feeling long after the last spoonful is gone. That’s the beauty of canning chicken noodle soup! Not only does it allow you to preserve those rich flavors and hearty ingredients, but it also means you can enjoy a homemade meal in a flash whenever the craving strikes. Just picture it: a busy weeknight, and you pop open a jar of your delicious soup, ready in minutes. You’re not just saving time; you’re keeping a piece of home cooking close at hand. So let’s dive into this delightful recipe together and start canning some love for your pantry!
Ingredients for Canning Chicken Noodle Soup
To create this comforting and hearty chicken noodle soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Using fresh ingredients will elevate the flavor, so don’t skimp on quality! Trust me, the extra care makes all the difference.
How to Prepare Canning Chicken Noodle Soup
Preparing your chicken noodle soup for canning is a straightforward process that ensures you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy anytime. Let’s break it down step-by-step to make sure you nail it every time. Ready? Here we go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start by cooking your chicken. If you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken or just some cooked chicken breasts, that’s perfect! Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside. The more tender, the better!
2. In a large pot, combine your chicken broth, diced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together to mix those lovely flavors. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This gives the veggies a chance to soften and infuse the broth with their goodness. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t boil over—trust me, it can get messy!
4. Next, add your shredded chicken and egg noodles to the pot. Cook until the noodles are tender, which usually takes about 8 minutes. You want them just right, so don’t wander too far! Stir occasionally to keep everything evenly cooked.
5. After the noodles are cooked, remove the bay leaf—no one wants to bite into that! Now, it’s time to ladle this hot, comforting soup into sterilized canning jars, leaving about one inch of headspace at the top. This helps prevent any spillage during processing.
6. Finally, process your jars in a pressure canner for 75 minutes at 10 psi. If you’re at a higher altitude, adjust accordingly. Once done, carefully remove the jars and let them cool completely before checking the seals. Voila! Your homemade chicken noodle soup is ready for the pantry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This canning chicken noodle soup recipe is a true lifesaver in the kitchen, and here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Quick & Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a hearty soup ready to can in no time!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Canning allows you to prepare multiple jars at once, ensuring you have delicious meals ready whenever you need them.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and savory broth creates a warm hug in a jar.
- Homemade Goodness: You control the ingredients, so you can avoid preservatives and create a wholesome meal.
- Convenient Storage: Canned soup can last for months, making it a great option for busy days or unexpected guests!
Tips for Success
To make sure your canning chicken noodle soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips from my own kitchen adventures:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality chicken and vegetables will make a noticeable difference in flavor. Try to source local or organic when possible!
- Don’t Skip the Sterilization: Always sterilize your canning jars and lids to prevent any bacteria from ruining your hard work. A quick boil in hot water does the trick!
- Check Your Pressure Canner: Make sure your pressure canner is functioning properly before you start. An efficient canner is crucial for safely preserving your soup.
- Label Your Jars: After cooling, don’t forget to label your jars with the date and contents so you can easily keep track of your delicious creations.
- Adjust for Altitude: If you live at a higher altitude, remember to adjust the processing time and pressure to ensure your soup is safely canned.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to canning success!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your jars of canning chicken noodle soup have cooled and sealed properly, store them in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. They can last for up to a year, but I recommend using them within six months for the best flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply remove a jar from storage and give it a good shake before opening. To reheat, pour the contents into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot throughout. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl—just cover it to prevent splatters! Enjoy that cozy, homemade goodness!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided for this canning chicken noodle soup may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For accurate values, it’s always best to calculate using the exact products you select. Enjoy your soup, and remember to savor every comforting bite!
FAQ Section
Q1. How long can I store canned chicken noodle soup?
Your canned soup can last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. However, for the best flavor and quality, I recommend enjoying it within six months!
Q2. Is it safe to can chicken noodle soup?
Absolutely! As long as you use a pressure canner and follow proper canning techniques, it’s safe. Just make sure to sterilize your jars and lids to prevent any spoilage.
Q3. Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Sure! You can swap in different vegetables like peas or corn, or use homemade broth if you have it. Just keep the main structure of the recipe in mind for best results.
Q4. What if my jars don’t seal properly?
If jars don’t seal, it’s best to refrigerate that jar and eat the soup within a few days. Always check seals before storing them long-term!
Q5. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding and adding it to your soup mixture.
Canning Chicken Noodle Soup: 5 Comforting Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 quarts 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A comforting and hearty chicken noodle soup perfect for canning and preserving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Cook the chicken and shred it into pieces.
- In a large pot, combine chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken and egg noodles, cooking until noodles are tender (about 8 minutes).
- Remove the bay leaf and discard.
- Ladle the hot soup into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
- Process jars in a pressure canner for 75 minutes at 10 psi (adjust for altitude if needed).
- Remove jars and let them cool before checking seals.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for best results.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before canning.
- Check jar seals before storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Pressure Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: canning, chicken noodle soup, homemade, preserved soup
