Theres nothing quite like a comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup on cold winter days. But what do you do if you make a lot of soup and have extra? How long does chicken noodle soup stay good in the fridge?
This post will take you through everything you need to know to keep your leftover chicken noodle soup at its best and keep it safe.
But before you read on, Ive got to tell you that my favorite chicken noodle soup recipe of all time is my Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup. Don’t get me wrong—Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup and Real Pasta Fagioli are my favorite soup recipes. But theres just something about a good, old-fashioned chicken soup topped with my Seasoned Soup Crackers.
And by the way, if you plan to make homemade chicken noodle, skip the store-bought stock and follow my recipe for Chicken Stock From Rotisserie Chicken. My favorite thing about this recipe is that its a great way to use all the chicken meat to make a hearty soup and get homemade stock.
One comfort food that never goes out of style is chicken noodle soup. You may be wondering how long chicken noodle soup stays good in the fridge, whether you made a big batch from scratch or have some left over from a restaurant meal.
Proper storage is key for keeping chicken noodle soup fresh and avoiding food waste. In this article, we’ll dive into all the details you need to know to maximize the shelf life of your chicken noodle soup.
The Shelf Life of Chicken Noodle Soup
The shelf life of chicken noodle soup depends on whether it is homemade or store-bought.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
If you store homemade chicken noodle soup in airtight containers, it will last three to four days in the fridge. It won’t last as long as store-bought because it doesn’t have any preservatives. Make sure to cool the soup quickly before refrigerating.
Store-Bought Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup from the store, whether in a can or a carton, will stay fresh in the fridge for 4 to 5 days after being opened. Check the use-by date on the package and follow the storage instructions for the best results.
How to Store Chicken Noodle Soup
Proper storage is essential for getting the most out of your chicken noodle soup Here are some tips
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Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating, within 2 hours after cooking.
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Transfer to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
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If storing a large portion, divide into smaller containers to allow for fast cooling.
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Make sure lids are tightly sealed to prevent leaks or spills in the fridge.
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Refrigerate soup immediately at a temperature below 40°F.
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Place soup toward the back of the refrigerator, away from the door.
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Label containers with date and contents.
Freezing Chicken Noodle Soup
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of leftover chicken noodle soup. It can keep in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. Here’s how to freeze it properly:
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Let soup cool completely before freezing.
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Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving 1⁄2 inch of headspace.
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Remove as much air as possible and seal the containers tightly.
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Label bags or containers with contents and freezing date.
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For best quality, use frozen chicken noodle soup within 1 to 2 months.
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Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or microwave.
Signs Your Soup Has Gone Bad
Check your chicken noodle soup for these signs of spoilage before eating:
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Change in color or dull, murky broth
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Unpleasant sour odor
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Mold growth
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Slime, gooey texture, or sediment in broth
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Fizzing, bubbling, or spurting when container is opened
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Changes in consistency of noodles or chicken pieces
If you see any of these red flags, you should throw away the soup. Don’t take risks with food safety.
Safely Reheating Chicken Noodle Soup
To enjoy chicken noodle soup that has been refrigerated or frozen, reheat it properly:
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On the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot.
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In the microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through, at least 165°F.
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Bring all leftovers to a full rolling boil before serving.
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Only reheat the amount you plan to consume.
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Do not reheat soup more than once.
With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy fresh, delicious chicken noodle soup for up to a week in the fridge. Freezing expands the shelf life even further. Keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage and follow food safety guidelines for reheating. Now go enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup!
How Different Types of Noodles and Ingredients Affect Soup Storage
What kind of noodles and ingredients are used in homemade chicken soup can have a big effect on how long it lasts and how to freeze it. For example:
- Egg Noodles. These tend to soak up more liquid and turn mushy when heated up after being frozen. If you want to freeze the soup, you might want to cook the egg noodles separately and then add them right before serving for the best taste.
- Hearty Ingredients. Soups made with whole chicken, chicken thighs, or homemade chicken stock tend to freeze better than soups made with milk or cream, which can separate when heated up.
- Fresh Herbs and Vegetables. Even though they add a lot of flavor, these can become dry over time, especially if you freeze them. For best results, add fresh herbs after reheating the soup.
Best Practices for Storing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Follow these easy steps to make sure your homemade chicken noodle soup stays safe to eat and tastes great:
- Cool the Soup Completely. Let your soup cool to room temperature after cooking it before putting it in the fridge. To keep food from getting poisonous, make sure you do this within two hours of cooking. Moving the soup to smaller, shallower containers will help it cool down faster.
- Avoid Hot Storage. When you put hot soup right into the fridge, it can raise the temperature and make other foods go bad.
- Airtight Containers. Keep the soup from going bad faster by putting it in containers that don’t let air or moisture in. – **Material:** Glass or BPA-free plastic containers are ideal. Metal containers can change the taste of soup over time, so don’t store it in them.
- Date the Container. Label your container with the date you made the soup. It’s important to keep track because homemade chicken noodle soup only lasts three to four days in the fridge.
- Refrigerator Temperature. Don’t forget to set your fridge below 40°F (4°C). Bacteria can’t grow as quickly at this temperature, so your soup is safe to eat for longer.
- Avoid Contamination. To keep bacteria from getting into the soup, always use clean tools when serving or handling it. To keep from getting sick, don’t taste the soup straight from the container it’s in.
- Reheat Safely. To make sure the soup heats up evenly when reheated, bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. This is very important for soups that are creamy or have egg noodles that have soaked up a lot of liquid.
A few days after making that bowl of soup, you should check for signs of spoilage.
- Sour Smell or Off-Odor. Odd, sour, or unpleasant smells are one of the first signs that food is going bad. If your chicken noodle soup smells funny in any way, you should throw it away.
- Appearance Changes. If the broth looks cloudy, has changed color (e. g. or greenish), or has a strange film on top, it could mean that bacteria are growing on it. Mold that you can see on the outside or on the surface of the container is a clear sign that it has gone bad. The whole soup should be thrown out if mold shows up in even one part.
- Texture Changes. It is very likely that the soup is no longer safe to eat if the noodles, chicken, or broth feel slimy or sticky. Some separation of broth and ingredients is normal, but too much or an unusual amount of separation can mean the food is going bad.
- Unusual Taste. If the soup doesn’t taste right, like sour or bitter, it means it has gone bad. Always taste cautiously if youre unsure about the soups freshness.
Chicken soup 101
FAQ
Can I eat chicken soup after 5 days?
It is generally recommended to eat chicken soup within 3-4 days if refrigerated properly. After 5 days, it’s best to discard the soup due to potential bacterial growth and spoilage.
Can soup last 7 days in the fridge?
A general rule of thumb is that soup can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days, but you should always taste your dish before deciding to reheat. Jan 31, 2025.
How do you know if chicken noodle soup has gone bad?
Sour Smell or Off-Odor. One of the first signs of spoilage is an unusual, sour, or unpleasant smell. If your chicken noodle soup smells off in any way, it’s best to discard it.
Can you eat soup that is 5 days old?
… the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), soups and stews containing meat and vegetables will be safe to eat for three to four days if refrigeratedDec 18, 2023.
How long does chicken noodle soup last in the fridge?
Chicken noodle soup can be bought at the store or made at home. It’s important to know how long it will last in the fridge before it goes bad. Do you like this article? The general recommendation is that chicken noodle soup can last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
What temperature should chicken noodle soup be refrigerated?
The temperature of the fridge is critical in determining the shelf life of chicken noodle soup. The ideal temperature for storing chicken noodle soup is between 39°F and 41°F (4°C and 5°C). If the temperature is higher than this range, bacterial growth can occur, reducing the shelf life of the soup.
How do you store chicken noodle soup?
The way you store chicken noodle soup in the fridge can significantly impact its shelf life. To keep the soup from getting contaminated or losing its flavor, it must be kept in a container with a lid. You can use a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or a zip-top plastic bag.
Can you make chicken noodle soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make chicken noodle soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing. To keep the noodles from getting soggy, you should also wait until you’re ready to serve it before adding them. Is it safe to leave chicken noodle soup out at room temperature?.
Can Instant Pot chicken noodle soup be refrigerated?
Store Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. If possible, store chicken noodle soup SEPARATE from the cooked egg noodles so that the noodles don’t get mushy. Freezing chicken noodle soup is super simple.
Can chicken noodle soup be frozen?
Yes, chicken noodle soup can be frozen for longer storage. It’s best to freeze it in individual portions for easier reheating. Be sure to cool the soup completely before freezing and use airtight containers to avoid freezer burn. How do I safely reheat chicken noodle soup?