How Long Does Chicken Noodle Soup Last? The Complete Guide

Chicken noodle soup is a comforting, nourishing dish that has long been a staple in many households. This classic soup can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal or savored when you’re feeling under the weather. But if you’ve made a large batch, you may be wondering just how long it will keep in the fridge or freezer.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about chicken noodle soup longevity proper storage methods, signs of spoilage and freezing techniques. You’ll learn how to keep your soup fresh and delicious for days or even months to come.

How Long Does Chicken Noodle Soup Last in the Fridge?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, homemade or store-bought chicken noodle soup will last for 3 to 4 days. The key factors affecting its shelf life are ingredients, storage temperature, and handling.

• Refrigerating the soup within 2 hours of cooking prevents bacteria growth.

• Using airtight containers keeps out contaminants. Glass and BPA-free plastic containers work best.

• Storing soup at a consistent 40°F temperature or below inhibits spoilage.

• Avoiding cross-contamination and repeated openings maintain safety

• Ingredients like noodles, dairy, and veggies shorten shelf life slightly.

With optimal refrigeration, you can safely enjoy leftover chicken noodle soup for up to 4 days. Just be sure to discard it if you notice any signs of spoilage.

Does Chicken Noodle Soup Last Longer in the Freezer?

Freezing is an excellent way to preserve homemade or store-bought chicken noodle soup for longer periods. Frozen properly, it can keep for 4 to 6 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline.

To maximize freezer shelf life:

• Cool soup completely before freezing to prevent iciness.

• Use airtight freezer containers or bags, leaving headspace.

• Portion into single servings for easy thawing.

• Label containers with contents and freeze date.

• Store at 0°F or below to halt bacteria growth.

• Avoid repeated freezings and thawings.

Following these tips, you can enjoy frozen chicken noodle soup for months beyond its fridge life. Just thaw and reheat it properly before eating.

How Can You Tell if Chicken Noodle Soup Has Gone Bad?

Trust your senses to determine if your chicken noodle soup has spoiled. Signs of rotten soup include:

• Sour or rancid smell: Fresh soup smells delicious. Bad soup has an unpleasant, vinegary odor.

• Mold: Check thoroughly for fuzzy spots or film on the soup. Mold means toss it!

• Slimy texture: Bacteria make the broth sticky or slimy rather than smooth.

• Strange color: The soup may appear darker, greenish, or cloudy when spoiled.

• Off taste: Even a slightly off or bitter flavor means don’t eat it.

If you detect any of these red flags upon inspection, your soup has likely gone bad. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out! Food safety comes first.

Proper Chicken Noodle Soup Storage Guidelines

To keep homemade or store-bought chicken noodle soup fresh for as long as possible, follow these ideal storage practices:

• Refrigerate promptly: Transfer soup to the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. Never leave soup at room temperature overnight.

• Use airtight containers: Glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-sealing lids prevent contamination.

• Portion servings: Storing soup in individual serving sizes makes access easier and reduces waste.

• Label and date: Note the date you stored the soup for easy tracking.

• ** strategize ingredient additions:** Wait to add delicate ingredients like noodles until ready to eat.

• Rotate oldest first: Follow FIFO (first in, first out) when using up refrigerated or frozen soup.

Adhering to these simple guidelines minimizes bacterial growth and degradation, keeping your chicken noodle soup safe, tasty and nutritious for multiple days.

Can You Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup with Noodles?

Freezing chicken noodle soup with noodles mixed in can lead to mushy pasta texture. For best results, try one of these strategies:

• Cook and freeze noodles separately from broth. Add noodles when reheating.

• Use an egg noodle variety, which holds up better to freezing.

• Undercook noodles slightly before freezing soup together. They’ll finish cooking when reheated.

• Freeze broth flat in a bag rather than upright in a container to minimize noodle exposure.

• Add a spoonful of cornstarch or potato starch per quart of soup to thicken broth and protect noodles.

With a little forethought, you can freeze and enjoy chicken noodle soup noodles without compromising too much texture.

What’s the Best Way to Thaw and Reheat Chicken Noodle Soup?

To safely thaw frozen chicken noodle soup:

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, allowing time for gradual thawing.

• Quick-thaw in a bowl of cold water, changing water every 30 minutes.

• Thaw sealed soup in the microwave, stopping to stir periodically.

Once thawed, reheat the soup thoroughly to 165°F, bringing it to a full rolling boil on the stovetop or simmering for 15+ minutes. Always reheat in a clean pan or bowl, never the original storage container.

With this method, your frozen chicken noodle soup stays safe and regains its original appetizing, heartwarming flavor and texture. Enjoy!

The Takeaway: Enjoy Chicken Noodle Soup Safely for Days

When stored with care in the refrigerator or freezer, leftover chicken noodle soup can nourish you and your family for 3 to 4 days safely or up to 6 months frozen. Monitor for signs of spoilage, adhere to food safety guidelines, and portion and freeze wisely.

With the proper TLC, you can continue enjoying every spoonful of wholesome chicken noodle soup from the day it’s prepared to days beyond. Have more soup than you can eat quickly? Go ahead and freeze the rest. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll get the most out of your homemade and store-bought chicken noodle soup.

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.

Homemade chicken noodle soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.