Canning Homemade Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is a timeless comfort food that warms the soul and nourishes the body. Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, customize flavors, and enjoy a fresh, wholesome meal. This guide will walk you through how to make homemade chicken soup from scratch and instructions on canning your soup for later enjoyment.

Why Make Homemade Chicken Soup

Store-bought soups often contain preservatives, excess salt, and artificial flavors. Making chicken soup at home means you can use fresh ingredients and adjust seasoning to your taste. Plus, homemade soup is a great way to use leftover chicken or vegetables, reducing food waste.

Homemade chicken soup also offers nutritional benefits. The broth made from chicken has collagen and minerals, which support joint and gut health. Adding fresh vegetables boosts vitamins and fiber.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make a classic homemade chicken soup, gather the following:

• 3 cups diced chicken breast

  

• 2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped

  

• 1 cup celery stalks, chopped

  

• 1 large onion, peeled and diced

  
  

• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced

• 3 chicken bouillon cubes

  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  
  

• 16 cups chicken broth

  
  

You can also add noodles, rice, or potatoes if you want a heartier soup but you'll want to add them later when making the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

Start by browning the chicken.

Chop the vegetables into 1/4-1/2 inch chunks to release flavor during cooking.

Cooking the Soup

Add all the ingredients in a large stockpot. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 30 minutes.

Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Soup

• Use bone broth for richer flavor.

  
  

• Simmer the soup gently to keep the broth clear and flavorful.

  
  

How to Can Homemade Chicken Soup Safely

Canning homemade chicken soup lets you preserve it for months without refrigeration. Follow these safety tips:

• Use a pressure canner, not a water bath canner, because chicken soup is low acid and requires higher temperatures to kill bacteria.

  

• Fill hot jars with hot soup, leaving 1-inch headspace.

  
  

• Use a chopstick to de-bubble the jars.

  
  

• Wipe jar rims clean before sealing with  lids and rings until they are fingertip tight.

  (For quality, American made Superb canning lids and jars follow this link and use the coupon code WP20 to get 20% off your purchase.) 

  
  

• Pressure can: Add hot water to the pressure canner according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. (Usually 3 quarts) Position the jars inside the canner. Seal the lid of the canner, and heat it on high until steam escapes from the vent. Allow it to vent for 10 minutes

  
  

• Process at 10 pounds of pressure for 90 minutes if you are at sea level. If you need to know how altitude affects the amount of time you process your jars check out my canning basics video/post. 

  

  Turn off the heat, and let the canner cool naturally before you remove the lid.

  Safety note: You need at least, 2 quarts or 4 pints for each load in the pressure canner.

  
  

• Cooling and Storing the Jars: After processing, allow to cool in the pressure canner with the heat off and the lid removed for 10 minutes. At the end of the cooling time, carefully remove the jars and place them on a  heat resistant surface about 1-2 inches apart. Allow the jars to cool completely for 24 hours. You might hear a popping sound as the lids seal. If it is sealed well the center of the lid will be depressed down. Label each jar with the date and contents, and store them in a cool, dry, dark place. Properly sealed jars can last up to 3 years.

  

Canning homemade chicken soup is a great way to have ready-made meals on hand for busy days or emergencies.

Serving Suggestions

This is when I add the noodles, rice or potatoes to my soup. If I use dry noodles or rice, I will add additional water.

Serve your homemade chicken soup with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal. It also pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

For a twist, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to brighten the flavors.

Enjoy your homemade chicken soup fresh or from your pantry stash anytime you want a warm, nourishing meal.