Chicken soup is one of the most comforting and nourishing meals. A bowl of hot chicken soup can warm you up on a cold day and help you feel better when you’re under the weather. But like any perishable food, homemade chicken soup has a limited shelf life. So how long will that pot of soup last in your fridge before it goes bad?
Overview of Chicken Soup Storage Time
The shelf life of homemade chicken soup depends on several factors like ingredients, storage method, and handling Here is a quick overview of how long chicken soup lasts in the fridge
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In general, homemade chicken soup will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
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For soups with rice or pasta added, consume within 3 days The starches absorb moisture and spoil faster
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Meat or vegetable-heavy soups may last 4-5 days. Acidity from veggies helps preserve.
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Soups with cream or dairy tend to spoil faster, within 3 days.
The most accurate way to tell if your soup has spoiled is using your senses. If it smells, looks or tastes off, it’s best to discard it. Storing soup properly is key to maximizing its freshness.
What Makes Chicken Soup Go Bad?
To understand chicken soup’s shelf life, you need to know what makes it spoil. There are a few key factors:
Bacteria Growth
Like any perishable food, bacteria love growing in moist, protein-rich chicken soup. Leaving soup out for over 2 hours in the “danger zone” of 40°F – 140°F allows rapid bacteria growth. Proper refrigeration at 40°F or below dramatically slows this down.
Ingredient Quality
The freshness of the chicken, vegetables and other ingredients you use matters. Old, limp produce will cause your soup to deteriorate faster than fresh, crisp ingredients.
Starches
Pasta, rice and other starches absorb moisture as they sit in broth. This causes them to become soggy and decompose more quickly.
Separation
Dairy ingredients like cream and milk can separate from the broth when stored, giving soup a curdled texture. The fats in dairy also go rancid faster.
How to Tell When Chicken Soup Has Spoiled
Rely on your senses to determine if your homemade chicken soup has gone bad:
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Smell: Does it have a sour, rotten or off odor? This indicates spoilage.
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Appearance: Is there mold growth or a slimy texture? Discard if so.
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Taste: Even a small sour taste means the soup is no longer good.
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Color: A dull, muddy color or grayish tint can be a red flag.
Trust your instincts – when in doubt, throw it out!
Proper Storage for Maximizing Freshness
Storing your homemade chicken soup correctly helps extend its shelf life. Here are some tips:
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Cool rapidly – Divide into shallow containers to cool soup quickly before refrigerating.
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Use airtight containers – Prevents absorption of fridge odors and air exposure.
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Fill with headspace – Leave 1-2 inches at the top for expansion during freezing.
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Label and date – Mark when soup was made for easy tracking.
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Freeze for longer storage – Frozen soup keeps for 2-3 months if properly stored.
Following proper food safety practices when making, cooling and storing your homemade chicken soup will help you get the most out of every batch!
Freezing Chicken Soup
Freezing is a great way to preserve your homemade chicken soup for longer storage. Here are some freezing tips:
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Let soup cool completely before freezing.
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Portion into freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving 1-2 inches headspace.
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Label bags/containers with contents and date.
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Freeze flat bags flat for efficient storage.
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Once thawed, consume within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze.
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Look for signs of freezer burn or off-odors before consuming thawed soup.
With proper freezing techniques, chicken soup will maintain its quality for 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Chicken Soup Safely
When reheating leftover chicken soup:
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Always reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot, at least 165°F.
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Bring soups with meat to a boil before consuming.
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Only reheat once – don’t let leftovers linger in the fridge.
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If reheated soup smells or tastes off, throw it away. Don’t take chances.
Proper reheating kills any bacteria that may have developed and makes your leftover chicken soup safe to eat again.
Signs Your Chicken Soup Has Spoiled
Be on the lookout for these signs that your homemade chicken soup has gone bad:
- Strange sour, rotten or funky smell
- Mold growth on surface
- Unusual change in color or dull/murky appearance
- Curdled or slimy texture
- Off flavors or sour taste (even if it smells okay)
When chicken soup displays any of these red flags, it’s safest to discard it right away. Don’t take chances with food poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about your chicken soup’s shelf life? Here are some common FAQs:
Can I eat chicken soup after 5 days in the fridge?
It’s not recommended. 3-4 days is the safe timeframe before quality and safety degrade rapidly.
Is it safe to add more vegetables to soup in the fridge?
Yes, but you reset the clock. Consume the soup within 3-4 days from when fresh veggies were added.
Can I store soup overnight in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
No, these appliances may not maintain safe temperatures for long storage. Refrigerate instead.
If soup was frozen, how can I tell if it’s spoiled?
Signs include freezer burn, change in color, off-odors, and poor texture once thawed.
Is it safe to reheat chicken soup multiple times?
No, only reheat leftover soup once. Discard any leftovers from that reheating.
The Bottom Line
When stored properly in the refrigerator, homemade chicken soup will stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days. Be diligent with cooling, freezing and reheating techniques to maximize shelf life. And remember – when in doubt, throw it out. Don’t take risks with food safety. A fresh pot of chicken soup is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
How Long Can Chicken Noodle Soup Stay Out Before Refrigerating?
According to the USDA, chicken noodle soup shouldn’t sit out for more than 2 hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate it to prevent bacteria from growing.
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!