Years ago, my grandmother would always have a jar of this magical soup mix waiting for me when I’d visit during cold seasons. You remember those moments—stepping into a warm kitchen after playing in the snow, the scent of simmering broth wrapping around you like a favorite blanket. This jarred version captures that same soul-warming magic, ready to transform any dreary day into a comforting memory.
Why This Recipe Works
- The careful layering of ingredients in the jar creates a beautiful visual appeal while ensuring each component stays fresh and flavorful until you’re ready to cook
- Using high-quality chicken bouillon powder instead of cubes allows for better distribution throughout the soup, creating a more consistent and rich broth flavor in every spoonful
- The combination of wide egg noodles with precisely measured vegetables means you get the perfect balance of textures—tender pasta, soft carrots, and just-crisp celery in every bite
- This recipe honors the traditional slow-simmered taste while adapting beautifully to modern convenience, giving you that from-scratch flavor without spending hours over the stove
- Each jar becomes not just a meal but a tangible piece of family tradition, ready to share with loved ones or keep for those days when only grandma’s cooking will do
Ingredients
- 1 cup wide egg noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried carrots, chopped
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried celery
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried onions
- 3 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (for cooking)
- 8 cups water (for cooking)
Equipment Needed
- 1-quart mason jar with lid
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large stockpot (6-quart or larger)
- Wooden spoon
- Canning funnel (optional but helpful)
Instructions
Layer Your Jar with Love
Begin by gathering all your dried ingredients and arranging them in the order they’ll be added to the jar. Start with the wide egg noodles, carefully placing them at the bottom of your clean, dry mason jar. These will form your foundation, much like the sturdy base of family traditions passed down through generations. Next, add the freeze-dried carrots, watching as their vibrant orange color creates a beautiful contrast against the pale noodles. Follow with the celery, then the onions, creating distinct layers that remind me of the careful way my grandmother would arrange her pantry shelves. The bouillon powder comes next, then the parsley, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and finally the celery seed. As you add each layer, gently tap the jar on the counter to settle the ingredients without packing them too tightly. This careful layering ensures that when someone opens this jar weeks or months from now, they’ll see the same beautiful strata you created today.
Seal and Store Your Comfort
Prepare Your Cooking VesselCombine and Simmer to PerfectionFinal Adjustments and ServingTips and Tricks
Creating the perfect chicken noodle soup jar involves more than just measuring ingredients—it’s about capturing memories in a sealed container. When selecting your wide egg noodles, look for ones with a good thickness that will hold up well during storage and cooking without becoming mushy. The breaking of noodles into one-inch pieces isn’t just for fitting them in the jar—it recreates that childhood feeling of manageable bites that won’t require awkward slurping. For the freeze-dried vegetables, ensure they’re completely dry and crisp before layering; any moisture could compromise your entire jar’s shelf life. I always source my vegetables from reputable companies that specialize in camping or emergency food supplies—their products tend to have better texture and flavor retention.
The chicken bouillon powder deserves special attention—avoid using cubes as they don’t distribute evenly through the layers. Look for powder without MSG if you prefer, though the traditional versions often provide that classic flavor we remember from childhood. When measuring the parsley, thyme, and other dried herbs, crumble them between your fingers before adding to release their essential oils, which will infuse your soup with more complex flavors. The celery seed might seem like a small addition, but it provides that subtle background note that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is—it was my grandmother’s special touch that I’ve carried forward.
Storage is crucial—always use clean, completely dry mason jars and ensure the lids create a proper seal. I keep mine in the pantry away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading of the beautiful vegetable colors and potential flavor degradation. When gifting these jars, I include a handwritten note with cooking instructions and a personal memory about why chicken noodle soup matters in our family—it transforms a simple food gift into a story to be shared. For those who want to make multiple jars at once, set up a production line with all ingredients measured in separate bowls before beginning the layering process—this ensures consistency across all your jars and makes the experience more meditative than rushed.
Recipe Variations
- For a creamy version that reminds me of the rich soups my Pennsylvania Dutch ancestors would make, replace one cup of the water with whole milk or heavy cream when cooking, and add two tablespoons of powdered milk to your dry ingredients. The result is a velvety, comforting bowl that feels like a warm embrace on the coldest winter days, with the cream complementing the chicken and herbs beautifully without overwhelming them.
- Transform your soup into a Mexican-inspired tortilla soup by adding one tablespoon of chili powder, two teaspoons of cumin, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika to your dry ingredients. When cooking, top each bowl with crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, and a squeeze of fresh lime—this variation always reminds me of family trips to the Southwest and the fusion of traditions we discovered there.
- Create an Italian wedding soup variation by substituting the egg noodles with orzo pasta and adding two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to your dry ingredients. Include one teaspoon of dried basil and one teaspoon of dried oregano for that classic Italian flavor profile that always brings back memories of big family gatherings around Nonna’s table.
- For those who remember the healing power of Jewish penicillin, create a matzo ball soup version by omitting the noodles and including a separate packet of matzo ball mix with your jar. The familiar flavors of chicken soup with the fluffy matzo balls floating like edible clouds will transport anyone back to childhood sick days transformed into cherished moments of parental care.
- Make a Southeast Asian-inspired version by adding one tablespoon of lemongrass powder, two teaspoons of ginger powder, and replacing the parsley with cilantro flakes. When serving, garnish with fresh bean sprouts and a drizzle of chili oil—this variation celebrates how food traditions travel and evolve across generations and cultures while still providing that fundamental comfort we all seek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of freeze-dried?
While you could technically use fresh vegetables, it would completely defeat the purpose of creating a shelf-stable jar mix that can be stored for months. The freeze-dried vegetables are essential because they retain their nutritional value and flavor while removing all moisture that would cause spoilage. When rehydrated during cooking, they return remarkably close to their fresh texture and taste. If you absolutely must use fresh, you’d need to prepare the soup immediately rather than storing the jar, and you’d miss out on the beautiful layered presentation that makes this such a thoughtful gift. The convenience of having a complete meal ready to go at a moment’s notice is part of the magic that reminds me of how my grandmother always seemed to have exactly what we needed, exactly when we needed it.
How long will the completed jar last on my pantry shelf?
Properly stored in a sealed mason jar away from direct sunlight and moisture, your chicken noodle soup mix will maintain optimal quality for approximately six months. The key factors are ensuring all ingredients are completely dry before layering and that your jar is sealed tightly. I’ve found that the herbs might begin to lose some potency after four months, but the soup will still be delicious and safe to eat. This longevity makes these jars perfect for preparing ahead of busy seasons or creating thoughtful gifts that recipients can use when they most need comfort. It’s like preserving a little piece of home care for future days when life feels overwhelming—just like my mother used to keep a jar “for emergencies” that usually meant emotional ones rather than physical ones.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free for family members with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely, and adapting family recipes for dietary needs is one way we show love across generations. Simply replace the traditional wide egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta—I’ve had excellent results with brown rice noodles or chickpea pasta, which hold up well in soup. Be sure to check that your chicken bouillon powder is also gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat-based additives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this simple substitution allows everyone to gather around the table and share in the same comforting experience. Food allergies and sensitivities in our family have taught me that the essence of these traditional recipes isn’t in specific ingredients but in the care and connection they represent.
What’s the best way to package these as gifts?
Gifting these soup jars is like sharing a edible hug, and presentation matters. Start with a clean, clear mason jar that shows off the beautiful layers—the visual appeal is part of the gift. Cut a circle of fabric to place under the lid ring for a homespun touch, and attach a handwritten tag with cooking instructions and a personal note about what this recipe means to you. I often include a small loaf of homemade bread or a package of crackers tied to the jar with baker’s twine. The most important element is sharing the story behind the recipe—when I give these, I explain how my grandmother made this for me during difficult times, transforming the simple ingredients into a narrative of care that the recipient becomes part of.
Can I double or triple this recipe for larger batches?
You can absolutely scale this recipe, but I recommend making multiple individual jars rather than one giant container. The layered effect works best in standard mason jar sizes, and individual jars make for easier storage and gifting. When making multiple jars, set up an assembly line with all your ingredients measured into separate bowls first—this ensures consistency across all your creations and makes the process more efficient. I often host “soup jar parties” where friends gather to make batches together, sharing stories and creating new memories around the very tradition we’re preserving. There’s something magical about a kitchen full of people layering ingredients while laughter mixes with the rustle of dried vegetables—it feels like the recipe itself is growing new roots even as we honor its history.
Summary
This chicken noodle soup jar recipe captures generations of kitchen wisdom in layers of simple ingredients, ready to transform water and chicken into a bowl of comfort that tastes like home, memory, and unconditional love all simmered together.
I’m Louise Cutler, a food lover who enjoys creating simple, flavorful recipes that anyone can make and share at home.
