Chicken noodle soup is more than a meal – it’s a source of comfort that warms you up from the inside. But what happens when you’ve cooked too much to eat in one sitting? Learning how to store your chicken noodle soup properly makes sure you get to enjoy the soup with its flavors preserved fully and safely.
How Long is Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup Good For?
Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup on a cold winter day. This classic comfort food is cherished for its soothing broth, tender chicken, and slippery noodles. Many people find themselves with leftovers after preparing a large batch. But exactly how long will leftover chicken noodle soup last in the fridge or freezer?
This article will tell you everything you need to know about how long chicken noodle soup needs to be stored and how to do it right. If you follow the right steps, you can safely eat tasty soup for days after you cook it.
The Shelf Life of Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup that has been kept in the fridge properly in a covered container will usually last three to four days. The shelf life depends on a few key factors:
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Ingredients used – Chicken and noodles spoil faster than hardier veggies.
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Storage container – An airtight container prevents contamination.
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Refrigerator temperature – The fridge should be 40°F or below.
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Handling and cooling – Soup must cool quickly before refrigerating.
Freezing can greatly extend the shelf life, so you can enjoy your leftovers for two to three months after they’ve been frozen.
Maximizing Freshness with Proper Storage
Follow these simple storage tips for keeping leftover chicken noodle soup fresh as long as possible:
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Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating, within 2 hours of cooking. Transfer to shallow containers to quicken cooling.
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Use airtight, BPA-free plastic or glass containers. Metal can impact flavors over time.
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Make sure containers are completely clean before use.
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Label containers with prep or freeze date and contents.
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Refrigerate soup immediately at a temperature of 40°F or below.
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When reheating, bring soup to a simmer and stir frequently.
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Avoid introducing bacteria by using clean utensils for serving.
Signs Your Leftover Soup Has Spoiled
Be alert for any of these signs that leftover chicken noodle soup has gone bad:
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Sour or unpleasant smell
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Mold growing on surface
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Cloudy broth or unnatural color changes
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Slimey, sticky, or mushy texture
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Unusual changes in taste
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Separation between broth and solids
Take a break and throw away the soup if you see any of these red flags. Don’t risk eating spoiled leftovers.
Making Leftover Soup Last Longer
You can maximize leftover chicken noodle soup’s shelf life using these handy tips:
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Allow soup to cool quickly before refrigerating or freezing.
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Use freezer-safe airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
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Store soup in smaller containers for faster cooling.
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Keep fridge temp at 40°F and freezer at 0°F.
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Cook egg noodles separately and add just before serving.
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Add fresh herbs after reheating instead of before storing.
The Right Way to Freeze Soup
Freezing is a great way to preserve your leftover homemade chicken noodle soup. Follow these steps:
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Let soup cool completely before freezing.
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Use airtight freezer bags or containers, allowing headspace.
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Label bags or containers with contents and freeze date.
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Avoid overfilling containers which can cause spills.
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For best quality and safety, consume within 2-3 months.
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Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Soup Safely After Freezing
When reheating previously frozen soup, keep these safety tips in mind:
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Thaw soup completely in the fridge before reheating.
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Bring soup to a simmer on the stovetop or microwave.
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Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
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Heat soup to an internal temperature of 165°F.
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If reheating cream-based soups, add a bit of milk or cream.
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Discard any leftovers sitting at room temperature for over 2 hours.
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Don’t refreeze soup after it’s been thawed.
With proper freezing and reheating, you can safely enjoy frozen chicken noodle soup for months.
Understanding Expiration Dates
The expiration date or “use by date” gives an estimate of when leftover chicken noodle soup may start to lose quality but still be safe to eat. The “best by date” indicates when the soup will be at peak quality.
Neither of these dates means the soup is unsafe on that day. Always rely on your senses and proper storage over dates. Frozen soup is safe indefinitely if stored at 0°F but will degrade in quality over long storage.
Tips for Using Up Leftover Soup
Before leftover chicken noodle soup expires, try one of these delicious ways to use it up:
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Add leftover soup to a casserole or pot pie.
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Purée into a creamy soup base.
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Simmer with additional veggies and protein.
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Mix in rice or pasta for a chicken noodle stir fry.
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Freeze in portions for quick meals.
With proper handling, storage, and freezing, leftover homemade chicken noodle soup can stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days in the fridge or 2-3 months in the freezer. Be diligent with cooling and reheating, and keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage. With these simple tips, you can safely enjoy every last spoonful!
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.
Can I Store Chicken Noodle Soup in Its Original Container?
Yes, ybut be sure to transfer it to a microwave-safe or stovetop-safe container when reheating.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup
FAQ
How long does chicken noodle soup last?
The general recommendation is that chicken noodle soup can last in the fridge for 3-4 days. However, this can vary depending on the ingredients used and how the soup was stored. It’s important to always use your best judgment and follow your senses—smell, taste, and appearance—to determine if the soup is still good to eat.
Does chicken noodle soup need to be refrigerated?
The best way to store chicken noodle soup in the fridge is to use airtight containers. This helps to keep the soup fresh and prevents it from absorbing any other odors from the fridge. Can I make chicken noodle soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make chicken noodle soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days.
How do you store chicken noodle soup?
To store chicken noodle soup properly, it’s important to transfer food to an airtight container. This will help prevent the absorption of odors from other food in the fridge, as well as keep the soup cold and from drying out. It’s also recommended to label the container with the date of cooking before you freeze to keep track of its freshness.
Can you leave chicken noodle soup out at room temperature?
No, it’s not safe to leave chicken noodle soup out at room temperature for an extended period of time. Bacteria can multiply rapidly in perishable food items, so it’s best to refrigerate the soup within 2 hours of cooking. Can I add more water to thicken leftover chicken noodle soup?.
Can you make chicken noodle soup ahead of time?
You can make chicken noodle soup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a few days. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing. It’s also a good idea to wait until you’re ready to serve it before adding the noodles to prevent them from getting soggy. Is it safe to leave chicken noodle soup out at room temperature?.
Can you eat leftover chicken soup?
This bowl of deliciousness is the right size to be eaten all at once, without having to save any for later. Of course, eating leftovers is great, and as a general rule homemade chicken soup or any homemade soups should have leftovers, but we are aiming less cooking and more eating! Where To Find Us?.
Can I eat chicken noodle soup after 5 days?
You can keep chicken noodle soup in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months. It’s time to throw away soup that you’re not sure if it’s still good. A quick sniff test or look at the consistency should tell you.
Is 4 day old chicken soup ok to eat?
Generally, soup that is sealed and refrigerated is safe to eat for about 3 to 4 days. If the soup was frozen, it can last much longer–typically 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as off smells, unusual textures, or mold, before consuming. If in doubt, it’s best to discard it.
Can I eat leftover soup after 5 days?
How long do leftovers last? According to the FDA Food Code, all perishable foods that are opened or prepared should be thrown out after 7 days, maximum.
How can you tell if chicken noodle soup has gone bad?
Sour Smell or Off-Odor. One of the first signs of spoilage is an unusual, sour, or unpleasant smell. If your chicken noodle soup smells off in any way, it’s best to discard it.