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
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about maximizing the shelf life and freshness of chicken soup, including
- 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?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, homemade chicken soup will last 3 to 4 days. 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.
Be diligent about refrigerating chicken soup within 2 hours of cooking.分割线 Break the soup into small portions in shallow containers so it cools rapidly, then immediately transfer to the fridge. Check for signs of spoilage like an off-smell or slimy texture before eating, and discard after 3-4 days.
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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Cool the soup completely before freezing, as hot soup can lower freezer temp and damage food quality.
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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. Regardless of which method you choose, be sure not to reheat the soup in its original container; instead, transfer it to a pot or bowl.
Pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the soup is warmed through and enjoy the rich, meaty soup that never fails to evoke warm memories 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?
Chicken noodle soup can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you’re unsure whether your soup is still good a quick sniff test or a look at the consistency should tell you whether it’s time to toss it.
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 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!