Instead of making a giant pot of soup and eating it five days in a row like my roommate and I did in college, if you think strategically, a big batch of soup can be made exciting. Soup is not only very tasty and comforting, but it also lasts a very long time—if you play your cards right.
But there are a few questions that might go through your head. Here are the answers—on freezer zip-top bags versus containers, whether certain soups freeze better than others (i. e. vegetable vs. chicken), and how to save soup that has gone bad in the freezer, just to name a few. Then you can start stocking your fridge for the months to come.
Good morning, soup lovers! If you’ve ever made a big pot of chicken soup and wondered, “How long can I freeze this liquid gold for?” I’ve got you covered. Let me start by telling you that chicken soup can be frozen for up to three months and still taste great. But there’s more to it than just putting it in the freezer and forgetting about it. Through the years, I’ve learned a few things about cooking. Today, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to make sure your chicken soup stays tasty even after a long time in the freezer.
In this guide, we’re gonna dive deep into not just the “how long” but the “how to” of freezin’ chicken soup. From the best containers to use, to thawin’ it without turnin’ it into mush, and even some sneaky tips to keep that homemade flavor poppin’—we’re coverin’ it all. So, grab a spoon (or just imagine one), and let’s get into this soupy goodness!
Why 3 Months? Understandin’ the Freezer Timeline
First things first, why only 3 months for chicken soup? Well it ain’t just a random number I pulled outta nowhere. After about 3 months most soups—including our beloved chicken noodle or hearty chicken veggie—start losin’ their flavor and texture. The broth might get a weird, dull taste, and the bits of chicken or veggies can turn into a sad, mushy mess. Plus, there’s the risk of freezer burn if it ain’t stored right, which can make it taste like cardboard. Yuck!
Now, don’t get me wrong it’s still safe to eat past that point if it’s been frozen solid at a steady temp (0°F or below if ya wanna get technical). But we’re not just about “safe” here at my kitchen table—we want tasty, too! Stickin’ to the 3-month rule keeps your soup at its peak. If you’ve got broth on its own, that can last a bit longer, like up to 6 months, but since chicken soup’s got all the extras mixed in, let’s play it safe with the shorter timeline.
How to Freeze Chicken Soup Like a Pro
Alright, now that we know the magic number, let’s talk about freezin’ it the right way. I’ve burned through a few batches learnin’ this (pun intended), and I don’t want you makin’ the same rookie mistakes. Here’s the step-by-step to stashin’ your soup for max freshness:
- Cool It Down First: Don’t ever toss hot soup straight into the freezer. I did that once, and not only did it mess with my freezer’s temp, but it also made the soup freeze unevenly. Let it cool to room temp on the counter or pop it in the fridge for a bit. Just don’t leave it out too long—couple hours max, or ya risk bacteria sneakin’ in.
- Portion It Out: Freeze in amounts you’ll actually use. I like doin’ 2-cup or 4-cup batches ‘cause that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner for two. If you’re solo, maybe go smaller. Trust me, thawin’ a giant block just for a bowl is a pain in the butt.
- Pick the Right Container: This is huge! Here’s what works best:
- Zip-Top Bags: Lay ‘em flat in the freezer to save space. You can stack ‘em like pancakes once frozen. Just make sure they’re heavy-duty so they don’t leak.
- Glass Jars: Go for tempered glass that can handle freezin’. Leave about an inch of space at the top ‘cause liquids expand when they freeze. I learned that the hard way with a cracked jar—messy!
- Plastic Containers: Make sure they’re BPA-free. Same deal, leave some headspace.
- Label Like Your Life Depends on It: I can’t tell ya how many times I’ve played freezer roulette with unlabeled containers. Use some tape or a marker to jot down “Chicken Soup” and the date ya made it. No more mystery meals!
- Freeze Flat if Possible: If usin’ bags, lay ‘em flat so they freeze quicker and stack easier. Ain’t nobody got time to dig through a freezer avalanche.
Quick Table: Freezer Container Pros & Cons
| Container Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Zip-Top Bags | Space-saving, stackable, cheap | Can leak if not sealed tight |
| Tempered Glass Jars | Reusable, no chemical worries | Can crack if not handled right |
| BPA-Free Plastic | Lightweight, durable | Not as eco-friendly, might stain |
Thawin’ Your Chicken Soup Without Ruinin’ It
You have soup that is frozen, but you really want a bowl right now. How do you thaw it without making a mess of water? I’ve used three good methods over the years, depending on how quickly I need to do it.
- The Patient Way (Best Option): Stick the container in the fridge a day or two before ya need it. It thaws slow and steady, keepin’ the texture just right. Perfect if you’re a planner. Takes about 24-48 hours dependin’ on the size.
- The Quick Fix: If you’re like me and sometimes forget to plan ahead, pop the container into a bowl of warm water. Keep changin’ the water if it cools down. This gets it thawed in a couple hours or less. Just don’t use hot water—ya don’t wanna cook it yet!
- The Middle Ground: If you’re sorta in a hurry, use warm water to loosen the soup from the container edges, then dump it straight into a pot. Heat it on low, stirrin’ so it don’t burn on the bottom. This works pretty quick, like under an hour.
I have to warn you not to put it in the microwave, especially if it’s stuck in plastic. Heat can damage the container and maybe even change the taste of the soup. Also, be extra careful when the temperature changes if it’s in glass so it doesn’t break. Been there, done that, and it ain’t fun cleanin’ up.
Reheatin’ for That Fresh-Made Taste
You can bring that soup back to life by heating it up after it has thawed. After being in the freezer for a while, the solids can soak up a lot of the liquid, making the soup look more like paste than soup. Do not worry! Just add a little water or broth—half a cup at first—and stir it in as you heat it up on the stove. After that, give it a taste. If it doesn’t seem very good, add some salt, lemon juice, or fresh herbs if you have them. A little parsley or pepper has saved many a boring batch for me.
Heat it slow over medium-low so it don’t scorch. I usually keep stirrin’ every now and then to make sure it’s even. If it’s still thick, add more liquid till it’s just right for ya. Trust your gut here—soup’s personal!
What Kinda Chicken Soup Freezes Best?
Not all soups are created equal when it comes to freezin’, and chicken soup’s got some quirks dependin’ on what’s in it. Here’s what I’ve figured out from my own pots:
- Classic Chicken Noodle: This freezes pretty darn good, but if it’s got noodles, they might get soggy after thawin’. My trick? Freeze the broth and chicken separate from the noodles. Cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat, then mix it in. Game-changer!
- Chicken Veggie: Totally fine to freeze. Carrots, celery, and onions hold up okay, though they might soften a bit. No biggie for most folks.
- Creamy Chicken Soup: Here’s where it gets tricky. If your recipe’s got milk or cream, it might split
Do I Have to Label?
Good labeling is important, because no one wants mystery food in the freezer. Using painter’s tape or masking tape, label your broth or soup with its name and the date you made it.
For soups and broths, store for up to 5 days in the fridge, except for fish soups, which can be stored for up to 3 days. For soups, store for up to 3 months in the freezer, and for broths, freeze up to 6 months.
If using glass containers, be sure they’re made of tempered glass that can be frozen. If you’re using any type of plastic, be sure it’s BPA-free. I love freezing soup flat in gallon-sized zip-top bags because I think it makes better use of the (very limited) space in my freezer. (This way, you can stack ‘em like records or sweaters. ).
- Weck jars
- Ball jars (now available in tempered glass)
- Snapware or similar glass storage containers
- Zip-top, gallon-sized bags
- BPA-free plastic containers
Ready to Eat! How Do I Thaw?
You have three options for thawing:
- If you have time, putting the frozen soup in the fridge two days before you want to use it is the best way to do it. The container may take one or two days to thaw, depending on its size and shape.
- It’s possible to quickly thaw the soup by putting it in a warm water bath with the lid on.
- In between, you can put the container in warm water to loosen the frozen soups from the sides. Then put it right into a pot and let it thaw over medium-low heat. Stir it often to keep it from getting too hot.
Avoid thawing in the microwave, especially when the soup is in a plastic container. When plastic is heated, it can potentially leach chemicals into your food. And be careful when freezing and thawing in glass jars. Make sure the glass is tempered and can handle the extreme temperature changes. Soup frozen in glass jars won’t come out as easily as soup frozen in plastic containers, so give it more time to thaw.
How long can food stay in your freezer?
FAQ
How long is frozen chicken soup good for?
How long can homemade soup last in the freezer?
Homemade soup can generally be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months for best quality. Some soups, especially those with a broth base, may be safe to eat for up to 6 months, but after 3 months, they may taste and feel less good.
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.
Can I eat 4 month old frozen soup?
If food is properly frozen it will stay safe to eat indefinitely, although after a time the taste and texture may suffer.