Chicken tortilla soup is one of the most delicious and comforting soups out there. The combination of tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, corn tortillas, and Mexican spices makes for a flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out
But like any perishable food, homemade chicken tortilla soup won’t last forever. So how long can you safely store leftovers in the fridge or freezer? And what are the signs that your soup has gone bad and needs to be tossed?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the shelf life and proper storage of chicken tortilla soup, including:
- Factors that affect how long chicken tortilla soup lasts
- Recommended fridge and freezer storage times
- How to store leftovers properly
- Signs of spoiled chicken tortilla soup
- Food safety risks of eating bad soup
- Creative ways to use up leftovers
Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about freezing, reheating, and repurposing this versatile Mexican-inspired soup. Let’s dive in!
How Long Does Chicken Tortilla Soup Last in the Fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade chicken tortilla soup will generally last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
The ingredients used and your storage methods directly impact the soup’s shelf life. Follow these tips for maximizing freshness:
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Use the freshest ingredients possible when preparing the soup. Older ingredients like chicken, veggies, and spices can introduce bacteria.
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Cool the soup rapidly before refrigerating. Divide into smaller containers to allow heat to dissipate faster.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave soup at room temperature.
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Store soup in airtight glass or plastic containers. Never use metal containers or bags.
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Ensure refrigerator temperature remains consistently below 40°F
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Consume within 3 to 5 days for best quality and safety.
Also keep in mind that adding dairy products like sour cream or cheese right before serving will shorten the fridge life. Only garnish individual portions to avoid spoilage.
Recommended Freezer Storage Time
For longer-term storage, homemade chicken tortilla soup freezes remarkably well. Portioned into airtight freezer containers or bags, it will keep for 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
Let the soup cool completely before freezing to prevent icy crystals from forming and damaging texture. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Proper Storage Methods for Chicken Tortilla Soup
No matter if you’re keeping leftovers in the fridge or freezer, proper storage methods are vital for food safety and optimal quality. Here are some key tips:
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Allow soup to cool fully before refrigerating or freezing. Hot soup can raise fridge temperature.
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Use airtight glass, plastic, or freezer-safe containers. Never use bags or foil.
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Fill containers leaving 1-inch headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
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Label containers with date and contents. Use oldest portions first.
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Store soup in coldest part of fridge or freezer to maintain temperature consistency.
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Never refreeze thawed soup more than once. Quality will suffer greatly.
How to Tell If Chicken Tortilla Soup Has Gone Bad
Despite your best storage efforts, leftovers don’t last indefinitely. Be on the lookout for these signs of spoiled chicken tortilla soup:
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Appearance: Unnatural colors, sliminess, film on surface, visible mold
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Texture: Increased thickness, stringy consistency, grittiness
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Smell: Rancid, sour, or off odors
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Taste: Significant flavor changes, bitterness, sourness
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Bubbles or fizzing: Gas pockets or carbonation indicates bacterial growth
When in doubt, remember the old adage: When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t take risks with your health.
Dangers of Eating Spoiled Chicken Tortilla Soup
Consuming spoiled soup can have serious consequences ranging from unpleasant to life-threatening. Foodborne pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
Symptoms typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. But in vulnerable groups like the elderly, infants, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, consequences of food poisoning can be far more severe or even fatal.
So never take chances with food safety. Discard leftovers at the first signs of spoilage.
Getting the Most from Your Leftovers
Love chicken tortilla soup but find yourself tossing some at the end of the week? Try these creative ways to use up leftovers before they go bad:
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Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with leftover soup plus cheese then grill or pan-fry.
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Enchiladas: Roll up tortillas with soup, cheese, and veggies for an easy baked casserole.
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Soup dip: Puree soup with cheese and serve with tortilla chips.
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Soup omelets or frittatas: Add chilled soup to egg mixture before cooking.
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Soup nachos: Top tortilla chips with reheated soup, cheese, jalapeños for nachos.
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Soup pancakes: Mix soup into pancake batter and griddle into patties. Top with avocado.
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Freeze in portions: Freeze smaller 1-2 serving amounts for quick meals later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about the shelf life and storage of homemade chicken tortilla soup? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
How long can I store chicken tortilla soup in the freezer?
Stored in airtight containers in the coldest part of the freezer, chicken tortilla soup will keep for 2 to 3 months. Portion into smaller containers for easier thawing.
Can I refreeze thawed chicken tortilla soup?
It’s not recommended. Refreezing thawed soup more than once can degrade quality and texture significantly. Cook thawed portions within 3 to 4 days.
How do I thaw frozen chicken tortilla soup safely?
Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. You can also use the defrost setting on the microwave, stirring periodically. Never thaw at room temp.
Is it safe to eat chicken tortilla soup that sat out for over 2 hours?
No. Perishable foods left at room temperature over 2 hours enter the danger zone for bacteria growth. Refrigerate or discard soup within 2 hours.
What’s the best way to reheat chicken tortilla soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until steaming hot, at least 165°F. Bring to a boil or simmer to ensure even heating throughout. Stir occasionally.
Can I make the soup ahead of time and freeze it?
Absolutely. Make a double batch and portion into freezer bags or containers after cooling. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before using.
How do I know if my soup has gone bad?
Check for off smells, unusual appearance, mold growth, slimy texture, or other signs of spoilage. When in doubt, throw it out to be safe. Don’t taste test questionable soup.
Does adding avocado or cream shorten the soup’s fridge life?
Yes. Dairy products and avocado should only be added right before eating. Add them to individual portions to avoid reducing the total soup’s shelf life.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken to make this soup?
Yes, as long as you use the cooked chicken within 3 to 4 days and refrigerate it properly until making the soup. Fully reheat the soup after adding chicken.
The Takeaway on Chicken Tortilla Soup Storage
With its diverse ingredients and fresh veggies and herbs, homemade chicken tortilla soup only keeps for about 3 to 5 days refrigerated. For longer frozen storage, portion into airtight freezer-safe containers. Thaw fully in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Always cool soup quickly after cooking and refrigerate within 2 hours. Check leftovers for any signs of spoilage like off smells, textures, or mold growth. When doubtful about the safety of older soup, don’t risk getting sick—just toss it out.
With proper storage methods, you can safely enjoy delicious homemade chicken tortilla soup for several days after cooking. Just be vigilant about food safety and handle leftovers properly. Trust your eyes, nose, and common sense to determine when it’s time to say goodbye and make a fresh batch.
Why I love Chicken Tortilla Soup
There was one restaurant in Tucson, AZ where I grew up called Café Terra Cotta and they had the most epic tortilla soup in the city. Its since closed but during the good old days of high school (when we literally didnt have a care in the world) we’d go out for lunch or a girls night out and without fail, each and every one of us would order tortilla soup. It was equal parts smoky and spicy and I made sure to add extra cheese once it arrived to the table. Its a memory that Ill forever have and being able to recreate that magical soup in my own kitchen brings me great joy! If youre a fan and want more such recipes, will also love the Chicken Chili Verde!
- Olive Oil– You can totally sub this ingredient with another oil of your choice such as avocado oil, canola oil, etc.
- Onion– Onions add an extra kick of flavor to any recipe and this one is no exception!
- Garlic– We cannot live without garlic. Soak in that captivating scent during the first few steps of this recipe!
- Jalapeño– Sliced jalapeños if you want a bit of a kick
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper– These two are a must in any recipe, they are so simple yet so important!
- Dried Oregano– This spice complements the rest of the flavors beautifully!
- Cumin– Any sort of Mexican dish is not complete without this spice! This is one of the key ingredients to pull all the flavors together.
- Chipotle Pepper– Were adding some spice to this recipe because why not!? If youd rather keep the spice level mild, you can skip this spice.
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes and Green Chiles– These add SO much flavor to this recipe. It gives a nice smokey flavor without a ton of spice.
- Chicken Stock– If you want to skip the chicken entirely and make this vegetarian – just use vegetable stock and youre in business.
- Black Beans- While black beans are traditional in a Chicken Tortilla Soup, you could use Pinto Beans if you prefer!
- Frozen Corn– I like using frozen corn for convenience but if you prefer to use canned or fresh corn, go for it!
- Rotisserie Chicken– Any sort of shredded poultry works in this. Chicken is my favorite but if youre making this and have leftover turkey – be my guest!!
- Cheese– Freshly shredded cheese – I always opt for freshly shredded over the pre-shredded. It melts better and its just more flavorful as its freshly grated.
- Cilantro & Green Onion– Fresh herbs like cilantro, scallions or chives add a nice punch of flavor.
- Corn Tortillas– Crispy tortilla strips or crumbled up tortilla chips are the secret ingredient when it comes to chicken tortilla soup. The crunch really levels up the dish love making my own chips and strips – use this as a guide.
- Limes– Lime juice – adds a little extra oomph
- Avocado– The avocado chunks adds a nice creamy touch to this soup without being overwhelming!
*For a full list of ingredients and instructions please see recipe card below
What is chicken tortilla soup?
Chicken tortilla soup is a Mexican-inspired dish made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, broth, spices, and often includes corn, beans, and chilies. Its typically garnished with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and fresh cilantro.