Chicken Zoodle Soup in a Jar Recipe

Chicken Zoodle Soup in a Jar Recipe

This simple and healthy recipe offers a delightful combination of chicken, zucchini, and fresh vegetables, all layered in a jar for easy storage and reheating. Ideal for meal prepping or quick lunches, its both nutritious and convenient.

Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons chicken stock base
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 2/3 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 1/2 cups spiralized zucchini
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped sweet onion

Directions

Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together the chicken stock base, garlic, dried rosemary, ground sage, and black pepper.

Step 2: Divide the seasoning mixture evenly among 3 microwave-safe pint-size canning jars with lids.

Step 3: Layer the jars starting with the shredded chicken, followed by the spiralized zucchini, shredded carrot, sliced celery, and finely chopped sweet onion. Ensure the layers are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Seal the jars with their lids and refrigerate. The jars can be stored for up to 5 days.

Heat and Eat

Step 5: When ready to serve, remove a jar from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes or run it under warm water for 1 minute to loosen the contents.

Step 6: Add approximately 1 cup of water to the jar, filling it nearly to the top. Microwave the jar (without the lid) for 3 minutes.

Step 7: Carefully screw the lid back on, as the jar will be very hot. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to combine.

Step 8: Invert the jar to mix the contents together. You can either eat directly from the jar or transfer the mixture to a bowl for serving. Season with extra black pepper if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value
Calories 219
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 74mg 25%
Sodium 89mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 21g 43%
Vitamin C 26mg 29%
Calcium 65mg 5%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 756mg 16%

Note: Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

The Origins of Chicken Zoodle Soup in a Jar

Chicken Zoodle Soup in a Jar is a modern twist on the classic chicken soup, combining convenience with nutrition. Its concept emerged in the early 2020s, inspired by social media trends, particularly TikTok, where meal prepping and jarred recipes gained popularity. The idea was to offer a healthy, portable version of chicken soup that could be prepared ahead of time and enjoyed quickly, catering to busy lifestyles. Unlike traditional chicken soup, this recipe incorporates spiralized zucchinizoodlesas a low-carb alternative to noodles, reflecting the growing interest in health-conscious and low-carbohydrate diets.

Regional Variations and Influences

Although Chicken Zoodle Soup is rooted in American cuisine, its composition reflects a fusion of regional influences. In the Southern United States, chicken soup often includes richer stocks and heartier vegetables, whereas in the West Coast, lighter broths with fresh herbs and vegetables like zucchini and carrots are preferred. The use of glass jars for meal prep is also more prevalent in urban areas where on-the-go dining and convenience foods dominate. Herbs like rosemary and sage, commonly used in this recipe, hint at European influences, particularly from Mediterranean and English culinary traditions.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Chicken Zoodle Soup in a Jar distinguishes itself from traditional chicken noodle soup in several ways. First, the noodles are replaced with zucchini zoodles, reducing carbohydrates while increasing vegetable intake. Second, the soup is designed for jar-based preparation, making it portable and suitable for refrigeration or microwaving. Unlike chunky chicken stews or creamy soups, this version emphasizes a light, clear broth with distinct layers of ingredients, ensuring each component retains its texture and flavor until served.

Typical Serving Occasions

This soup is versatile in its serving options. It is often prepared as a convenient lunch for work or school, a healthy snack during outdoor activities, or a quick dinner option for busy families. Cafs and meal prep services in urban areas frequently offer jarred soups like this, appealing to customers who value both nutrition and portability. At home, it is ideal for meal prep, allowing multiple servings to be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, ready to heat and eat with minimal effort.

Interesting Facts

  • The concept of soup in a jar became widely popular on social media in 2020, blending meal prep trends with visually appealing presentations.
  • Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, have gained recognition as a gluten-free and low-calorie alternative to traditional pasta, promoting healthier eating habits.
  • Using layers in jars helps preserve the texture of delicate vegetables like zucchini and carrots, which could become mushy if pre-mixed in a bowl.
  • The soups combination of rosemary, sage, and garlic mirrors flavors traditionally associated with comforting, homemade chicken soups across Europe and North America.
  • Despite being a modern innovation, this recipe maintains the nutritional benefits of classic chicken soup, including high protein content and essential vitamins and minerals.

FAQ about Chicken Zoodle Soup in a Jar Recipe

The soup can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It is important to keep the jar sealed to maintain freshness.

This soup is not recommended for freezing, as the zucchini and other vegetables may become mushy once thawed. It's best to enjoy it fresh within the 5-day storage window.

If you don't have chicken stock base, you can substitute with a low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock. Adjust the seasoning if necessary since stock bases can be saltier than broth.

Yes, you can use fresh zucchini instead of spiralized zucchini. If you choose to use fresh zucchini, you can slice it into thin rounds or small half-moons for a similar texture.

If you don’t have a microwave, you can heat the soup on the stovetop. Simply transfer the contents of the jar to a pot, add water (about 1 cup), and heat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Yes, you can make a vegan version of this soup by replacing the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, and using vegetable stock or broth instead of chicken stock base.

Make sure the jars you use are microwave-safe. Always remove the lids before microwaving, as the heat could cause the lids to warp or explode. Additionally, avoid using jars with cracks or chips.

To adjust the recipe for more servings, simply multiply the ingredients by the desired number of servings. For example, if you want to make 6 servings, double the quantities of all ingredients.

Yes, you can add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers to the soup. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they fit well in the jar.

If the soup turns out too salty, you can dilute it with more water or low-sodium broth when reheating. You can also add a bit of cooked rice or extra vegetables to absorb some of the saltiness.