Chicken noodle soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comfort food that makes you feel good on the inside. But what do you do when you make too much chicken noodle soup to eat all at once? Knowing how to store it right will make sure that the flavors stay strong and that you can enjoy it safely.
Chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food. A steaming bowl warms you up and soothes your soul. The problem is, it’s not always convenient to make a fresh pot every time you want some. Luckily, you can prepare chicken soup in bulk and freeze it for later. But how long does homemade chicken soup last in the freezer?
I did some research to find out. What I learned about making sure that everyone’s favorite soup lasts as long as possible in the freezer
Freezing Chicken Soup: The Basics
Freezing is one of the best ways to preserve foods like soups. It stops bacteria from growing and slows down chemical reactions that cause spoilage. To get the longest freezer life, you need to take a few simple steps:
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Let the soup cool completely before freezing. Putting hot soup straight into the freezer raises the temperature and decreases freezer life.
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Portion into airtight containers or bags. This prevents freezer burn which dries soup out.
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Leave space at the top for headspace. When liquids freeze, they expand. If they don’t have room to expand, the container can burst.
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Label with contents and date. You can see what’s inside and how long it’s been frozen.
How Long Does Chicken Soup Keep in the Freezer?
Most sources agree that homemade chicken soup keeps well in the freezer for 4-6 months. After that it remains safe to eat but the flavor and texture go downhill.
Here are some factors that affect how long frozen chicken soup lasts:
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Ingredients – Hearty veggies and noodles don’t freeze as well as broth and chicken.
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Packaging – Airtight packaging prevents freezer burn better than paper or plastic wrap,
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Freezer temperature – Colder freezers below 0°F extend shelf life better than frosty freezers.
Keep it frozen for no more than a year, no matter what. Soup that old won’t taste good even in a freezer that is very cold.
Signs Your Frozen Chicken Soup Has Spoiled
Frozen soup can go bad before its time if stored improperly. Here’s how to tell if your frozen chicken soup has spoiled:
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Texture changes – Soup should still be smooth after thawing. Graininess, separation, or wateriness are red flags.
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Off odors – Frozen soup shouldn’t smell sour or funky. Trust your nose.
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Discoloration – Faded, grayish colors indicate freezer burn or oxidation.
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Ice crystals or freezer burn – This happens when soup isn’t packaged airtight. It affects texture and flavor.
When in doubt, throw it out. Eating spoiled soup can cause food poisoning.
Thawing Frozen Chicken Soup
Thaw frozen soup safely using one of these methods:
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Refrigerator thawing – Slow thawing in the fridge over 12-24 hours is best for texture and safety.
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Cold water thawing – For faster thawing, seal soup in a bag and submerge in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes.
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Microwave thawing – High power defrost works quickly but can cause hot and cold spots. Stir often.
Don’t thaw soup on the counter. The outer edges thaw first, letting bacteria grow while the inner part stays frozen.
Cook thawed soup right away, don’t refreeze it. Refreezing causes more ice crystals which ruin the texture.
Tips for the Best Frozen Chicken Soup
Follow these tips for delicious chicken soup straight from the freezer:
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Cool and strain out noodles before freezing. Add them back when reheating. This keeps noodles from getting mushy.
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Portion into single servings. Thaw only what you need.
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Prevent freezer burn by vacuum sealing or using high quality freezer bags.
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Freeze broth and ingredients separately. Combine them when reheating.
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Add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth when reheating to refresh flavor.
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Sprinkle in fresh herbs and spices before serving thawed soup.
With proper freezing, storage, and reheating, you can enjoy tasty homemade chicken soup even months after making it. Just remember not to keep it frozen too long. For best quality, savor that bowl of goodness within 4-6 months.
So grab your soup ladle and start batch cooking. Having healthy, soothing chicken soup ready in the freezer is a true lifesaver when you need it.
Can You Store Chicken Noodle Soup in The Fridge?
Yes! You can store chicken noodle soup in the fridge or freezer. However, be sure to keep an eye on how long its stored.
Enjoying the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
Proper storage and reheating techniques ensure that each of Veselka’s savory, hearty bite is preserved perfectly. Veselka’s chicken noodle soup has warmed the hearts, souls, and bellies of many generations. This dish has been held close to heart by many — and it has kept people coming back time and time again.
Want to share the love? You can also send Veselka’s chicken noodle soup to friends and family who are feeling under the weather. A warm bowl of this time-tested remedy is the perfect way to show you care.
Do you want to experience a hearty bowl of soupy perfection? Try Veselka today and taste the difference.
You can also send Veselka’s chicken noodle soup to friends and family who are feeling under the weather. A warm bowl of this time-tested remedy is the perfect way to show you care.
@henrybottjer asked: “What is the best way to store and freeze soup for later use?”
FAQ
Can frozen chicken soup go bad?
Generally, soup that is sealed and refrigerated is safe to eat for about 3 to 4 days. If the soup was frozen, it can last much longer–typically 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as off smells, unusual textures, or mold, before consuming. If in doubt, it’s best to discard it.
Can you freeze soup for 2 years?
Label each container or bag with the type of soup and the date it was frozen. Soups generally maintain their quality for three to six months in the freezer. While they may be safe to eat beyond this timeframe, the flavor and texture can begin to deteriorate over time.
Can you eat soup that has been in the freezer for a year?
Soups can be stored in freezer for three months provides it is stored properly and later thawed . Take care that a soup containing starch tend to soak up all liquid and becomes soggy when reheated. So it is better to avoid soups containing things like pasta , rice and cubed potatoes kept in freezer.
How to tell if frozen soup has gone bad?
Smell test: If the soup has a sour, funky, or “off” odor, it’s likely spoiled. Visual cues: Any visible mold, discoloration, or unusual texture (like sliminess) means it’s time to toss. Taste (only if it passes the first tests): If it smells fine and looks okay, taste a small spoonful.
How long does chicken soup last in the freezer?
If you store it right, it will stay safe for longer than 4 to 6 months and keep its best quality until then. The freezer time shown is for best quality only – cooked chicken soup that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
Can you freeze cooked chicken soup?
To further extend the shelf life of cooked chicken soup, freeze it; freeze in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. How long does cooked chicken soup last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 4 to 6 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
How long does homemade chicken soup last?
While it’s recommended to consume homemade chicken soup within 3 to 4 days, you can extend its shelf life by freezing it. Chicken soup can last for about 4 to 6 months in the freezer without a significant loss of quality. Be sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags to protect the soup from freezer burn.
How long can you keep homemade chicken soup in the refrigerator?
The general guideline for storing homemade chicken soup in the refrigerator is up to 3 to 4 days. This timeframe ensures that the soup remains fresh and safe to consume. It’s best to store soup in containers that don’t let air in. This keeps the soup’s quality and stops it from getting contaminated.
How long can soup be frozen?
The FDA says that soup can be kept in the fridge for three to four days and in the freezer for two to three months. If you keep it longer than 3 months, the soup might not be as fresh and the ice that forms and melts during thawing could dilute it. What are the best containers for freezing soup?.
What type of containers should you use to freeze chicken soup?
Chicken soup can be frozen in containers that are specifically designed for freezer use and are labeled as such. Freezer-safe containers help prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the soup.