Chicken noodle soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comfort food that makes you feel good on the inside. But what happens when you’ve cooked too much to eat in one sitting? Learning how to store your chicken noodle soup properly makes sure you get to enjoy the soup with its flavors preserved fully and safely.
How Long is Chicken Soup Good For? The Complete Guide to Proper Storage and Shelf Life
Chicken soup is a pantry staple loved by many for its comforting warmth and nourishing ingredients But how long does homemade or store-bought chicken soup last in the fridge or freezer? Knowing the shelf life and proper storage techniques for chicken soup ensures you can enjoy bowl after bowl while avoiding food waste and potential foodborne illness
This detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know to keep chicken soup fresh and extend its shelf life, such as
- How long chicken soup lasts in the fridge
- Proper refrigeration and freezing methods
- How to tell if chicken soup has spoiled
- Reheating chicken soup safely
- Comparing the shelf life of different soup varieties
Arm yourself with this handy chicken soup storage cheat sheet, and you’ll never have to toss expired soup again!
How Long Does Chicken Soup Last in the Fridge?
Homemade chicken soup will last for three to four days if kept in the fridge the right way. The shelf life depends on these main factors:
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Ingredients used: Soup made with fresh ingredients rather than leftovers will last longer.
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Handling and hygiene: Properly cooling and promptly refrigerating the soup prevents bacteria growth.
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Storage method: An airtight container is essential for blocking air exposure and contamination.
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Fridge temperature: Chicken soup stored at the optimal fridge temp of 40°F or below will have the longest shelf life.
Make sure to put chicken soup in the fridge within two hours of cooking it. Divide the soup into small servings and put them in shallow containers. This will help them cool down quickly. Then, put them in the fridge right away. Before eating, look for signs of spoilage like an off smell or a slimy texture. After 3–4 days, throw it away.
How to Freeze Chicken Soup
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of chicken soup for 2-3 months while preserving taste and nutrients. Here are some tips:
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Before freezing, let the soup cool all the way down. Hot soup can lower the freezer temperature and hurt the quality of the food.
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Portion soup into airtight freezer bags or containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. This prevents freezer burn.
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Label bags with contents and freeze-by date for easy identification.
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Store frozen soup at 0°F or below for optimal freshness.
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Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave. Don’t refreeze thawed soup.
Signs Your Chicken Soup Has Spoiled
Chicken soup that has gone bad will display these clear warning signs:
- Sour, unpleasant smell
- Unnatural changes in color or consistency
- Mold growth
- Slimy texture
- Off or bitter taste
The golden rules? If in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk getting sick from consuming spoiled soup.
Reheating Chicken Soup Safely
When reheating leftover chicken soup:
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Always reheat until steaming hot, at least 165°F. This kills any bacteria.
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Bring the soup to a rapid boil on the stovetop, then reduce to a simmer.
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Microwave soup in short intervals, stirring between to prevent hot spots.
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Don’t reheat more than once, only the portion being served.
Following proper food safety principles keeps your leftovers safe to enjoy again and again. Don’t let that chicken soup go to waste!
Comparing the Shelf Life of Different Soup Varieties
Not all soups are created equal when it comes to how long they last refrigerated. Here is a comparison of the fridge life of common soup varieties:
- Chicken Noodle Soup: 4-5 days
- Vegetable Soup: 4-5 days
- Chicken Tortilla Soup: 3-4 days
- Hearty Beef Stew: 3-4 days
- Cream-based Chowders: 2-3 days
The more dense and creamy the soup, the shorter the shelf life. Delicate seafood soups also last just 2-3 days. Minestrone, chicken rice, or veggie soups keep 5-7 days.
Maximize Chicken Soup Freshness With Proper Storage
Now that you know exactly how long chicken soup stays fresh and safe, you can avoid waste and enjoy this comforting pantry staple while it’s in its prime.
Follow these best practices:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Use airtight containers for fridge and freezer
- Label storage containers with dates
- Check for signs of spoilage before eating
- Freeze for long-term storage up to 3 months
With this handy chicken soup storage guide, you’ll get the most out of every batch. Stay nourished and thrifty with perfectly preserved leftovers!
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.
Reheating Chicken Noodle Soup
We suggest two methods to reheat your chicken noodle soup. No matter which way you choose, don’t reheat the soup in the container it came in. Instead, move it to a pot or bowl.
Pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir the soup every so often until it’s warm all the way through, and then enjoy the hearty, meaty soup that always makes me think of home.
Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s hot — and the mouth-watering soup is good to go!.
Chicken soup 101
FAQ
Can you eat chicken soup after 5 days?
You can keep chicken noodle soup in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months. It’s time to throw away soup that you’re not sure if it’s still good. A quick sniff test or look at the consistency should tell you.
Can soup last 7 days in the fridge?
As a general rule, soup can be kept in the fridge for three days. However, you should always taste the soup before deciding to reheat it. Jan 31, 2025.
How long to keep homemade chicken soup?
Homemade chicken noodle soup can typically be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Can you use 5 day old chicken for soup?
For a raw chicken product probably 1-2 days max after the sell by. Cooked probably 4-5 days. It’s sitting in salt so it’s probably fine. Freeze it if you aren’t sure.
How long does chicken soup last in the fridge?
Chicken soup typically lasts in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored properly. To extend its shelf life, cool the soup quickly before refrigerating and consider freezing it if you need to keep it for longer than a few days. These are the factors affecting the shelf life of chicken soup in the fridge:
Can Chicken Soup be left out overnight?
Chicken soup is a great meal to have on hand for a quick lunch or dinner. Chicken soup that has been properly prepared and stored in the refrigerator can last for up to four days. In conclusion, leaving chicken soup out overnight is generally not a problem as long as it’s properly stored in the refrigerator. Can chicken soup be left out?
How long can you keep homemade chicken soup in the freezer?
Homemade chicken soup can be safely stored in the freezer for 4 to 6 months. Although it may be safe beyond this timeframe, the quality and flavor may diminish. When you’re ready to use your frozen chicken soup, there are several safe ways to thaw it:
What temperature should chicken soup be stored in the fridge?
The ideal temperature for storing chicken soup is 40°F (4°C) or below. If the fridge temperature fluctuates, it can shorten the soup’s shelf life. Using a fridge thermometer can help you monitor and maintain the correct temperature, ensuring the soup remains safe to eat for the maximum duration.
How long does soup last in the freezer?
Place the containers or bags in the freezer. The soup will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat the soup, simply transfer the container or bag to the fridge to thaw overnight. You can then reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave until it’s heated through.
Can You reheat leftover chicken soup?
You can combine two batches of leftover chicken soup before storing them in the fridge, as long as both batches have been properly stored and are still within their safe consumption period. Just be sure to mix them well before reheating. Watch this awesome video to spice up your cooking!