Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that many of us grew up eating. It’s warm soothing and fills your kitchen with the delicious aroma of herbs and chicken. But like any homemade soup, proper storage is key to keeping your chicken noodle soup fresh and avoiding waste.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the best practices for storing leftover chicken noodle soup, whether refrigerating for a few days or freezing for longer term. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be able to enjoy bowls of tasty chicken noodle soup for lunch or dinner anytime.
Choose the Right Storage Containers
The first step is choosing appropriate airtight containers for storing your soup. Glass and BPA-free plastic containers work best. Make sure to pick containers with tight fitting lids to prevent spills in the fridge or freezer. Allow 1-2 inches of headspace at the top for expansion.
For freezing, opt for rigid plastic containers or heavy-duty freezer bags designed specifically for freezing. They provide the most protection against freezer burn. Freezer bags allow you to store soup flat to save space. Make sure to remove as much air as possible and seal tightly.
Cool the Soup Completely Before Storing
It’s critical to cool the soup down quickly before refrigerating or freezing. Place the soup pot in an ice bath to rapidly cool it. To speed up cooling, transfer soup to shallow containers to increase surface area
Hot soup will raise the temperature inside your refrigerator and could negatively affect other foods. Soup should be cooled to room temperature within 2 hours and down to 40°F or below within 4 hours total.
Once cooled, immediately transfer to airtight storage containers. Never let soup sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerate Properly
For short term storage, refrigeration preserves chicken noodle soup for 3-4 days. Make sure containers are clearly labeled with the soup name and prep date. Store soup in the back of the refrigerator, never in the door.
Maintain a consistent 40°F temperature. If the fridge is opened frequently, soup may only last 2-3 days before quality declines. Don’t go by appearance or smell alone. When in doubt, throw it out.
Freeze for Long Term Storage
Freezing is ideal for storing chicken noodle soup for 2-3 months. Portion soup into single servings before freezing for easy reheating. Flatten freezer bags to freeze soup in a thin layer for faster thawing.
Avoid storing soup longer than 3 months as flavor and texture will deteriorate. For the best quality, use frozen soup within 1 month.
Thaw Safely
Always thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator, allowing 12-24 hours. Microwaving can lead to uneven cooking. Don’t thaw at room temperature as the outer layer could enter the danger zone temperature while the inner layer remains frozen.
Once thawed, use within 3-4 days. Never refreeze soup after it has been thawed as this increases risk of bacterial growth. Make sure thawed soup reaches 165°F when reheating.
Additional Tips
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Adding noodles separately when reheating prevents them from getting mushy.
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Frozen soup may need added seasoning, broth or cream to boost flavor after thawing.
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Don’t use metal containers for storage as they can react with acidic soup.
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Check soup regularly for signs of spoilage like off smells, texture changes or mold.
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Vacuum sealing or freezing in ice cube trays can extend freezer storage time.
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Store soup in insulated cooler with ice packs for picnics or potlucks, not exceeding 2 hours.
Storing Chicken Noodle Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these tipsto keep your chicken noodle soup fresh and delicious.
Never put hot soup straight into the fridge, as it’s an environment for bacterial growth. There are two ways you can go about this.
- Use an Ice Bath: Fill a sink or large bowl with ice water and place your pot of soup in it. Stir the soup occasionally to help it cool faster.
- Divide into Portions: The smaller the portions, the faster the cooling. Transfer the soup into smaller containers to cool faster. Smaller portions also make reheating easier later on.
Chicken noodle soup often consists of chicken, earthy vegetables, and egg noodles — all of which create the hearty taste of the beloved soup. After cooking or ordering the dish, you can store the soup as is, or choose to separate the ingredients. For example, you can keep the noodles separate from the broth to keep them chewy
Veselka’s chicken noodle soup comes in a pint (16oz) and a quart (32oz) size. Depending on your available space and reheating preferences, you can choose to store the delightful soup as is or divide it into smaller portions. To illustrate, you can portion the quart into 16oz or 8oz portions to cater to full or light meals.
There are multiple container choices for your soup. Storing the soup in its original container is always the most convenient option. Veselka’s containers are the perfect size for your portions.
You can also opt for glass containers, plastic containers, or plastic baggies for smaller portions.
Labeling the date your soup is stored is an effective practice for easy tracking. Whether you didn’t finish your soup in one sitting or ordered a pint of Veselka’s frozen chicken noodle soup to enjoy over the period of the next few weeks,this simple step helps you track how long the soup has been stored, ensuring you consume it within a safe period.
Enjoying the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
Proper storage and reheating techniques ensure that each of Veselka’s savory, hearty bite is preserved perfectly. Veselka’s chicken noodle soup has warmed the hearts, souls, and bellies of many generations. This dish has been held close to heart by many — and it has kept people coming back time and time again.
Want to share the love? You can also send Veselka’s chicken noodle soup to friends and family who are feeling under the weather. A warm bowl of this time-tested remedy is the perfect way to show you care.
Do you want to experience a hearty bowl of soupy perfection? Try Veselka today and taste the difference.
You can also send Veselka’s chicken noodle soup to friends and family who are feeling under the weather. A warm bowl of this time-tested remedy is the perfect way to show you care.
Canning THE BEST Homemade Chicken Soup | Meal in a Jar | Long Time Food Storage
FAQ
How do you store leftover chicken noodle soup?
Use airtight containers: BPA-free plastic containers, glass jars (leave room for expansion if freezing), or quart-size freezer bags all work well.May 17, 2023
How long can chicken noodle soup be left unrefrigerated?
Food should not be at room temperature for more than two hours. Shallow containers or small amounts of hot food can be placed directly in the refrigerator or rapidly chilled in an ice or cold water bath before refrigerating.
How long should you keep homemade chicken soup in the fridge?
The Shelf Life of Chicken Noodle Soup Generally, homemade soup lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. This guideline applies to all types of soup, whether you’ve used chicken thighs, whole chicken, or even rotisserie chicken for that rich, hearty flavor.
Should you let chicken noodle soup cool before refrigerating?
- Cool the Soup: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the soup from becoming watery.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the soup to airtight containers.
- Refrigerate: Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How to store chicken noodle soup?
The first step in storing chicken noodle soup is to ensure that it is properly prepared and cooked. Follow your preferred recipe or use a pre-made soup as a base, and add in your desired ingredients such as chicken, noodles, vegetables, and seasonings.
How to choose a storage container for chicken noodle soup?
Choosing the right storage container is key to ensuring the freshness and quality of your chicken noodle soup. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a container: Material: Opt for containers made of high-quality glass or plastic. These materials are durable, non-toxic, and safe for storing food.
How long can chicken noodle soup stay in the refrigerator?
Most refrigerators have a designated area for storing soups and other perishable items. The chicken noodle soup can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. During this time, it’s important to check for any signs of spoilage such as a foul smell, off-color, or unusual texture.
Can chicken noodle soup be frozen?
Freezing options allow for extended storage of chicken noodle soup, but it’s important to use the frozen soup within 2-3 months for the best quality. Reheating the soup with care ensures a delicious and satisfying meal for future enjoyment. Before we get started, let’s gather the necessary ingredients for storing chicken noodle soup:
How long does chicken noodle soup last in a jar?
Unopened chicken noodle soup in a jar can last quite a long time if stored properly. Typically, commercially canned or jarred chicken noodle soup can last 1-2 years past the expiration date on the label if kept in a cool, dry pantry. The airtight seal prevents bacteria and spoilage, ensuring the soup remains safe to eat.
How long does chicken noodle soup last after expiration date?
The shelf life of chicken noodle soup after its expiration date varies depending on storage conditions and the type of soup. Canned or jarred chicken noodle soup can remain safe to eat for 1-2 years past the expiration date if the container is unopened and stored in a dry place.