The Ultimate Guide: How Long Can Chicken Noodle Soup Last in the Fridge?

homemade chicken noodle soup lasts 3 to 5 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Below we cover what affects its shelf life, signs it's gone bad, and how to store, freeze and reheat it safely.

Whether you've made a big batch at home, grabbed a can, or picked up Proper Good, knowing how long your soup keeps in the refrigerator is essential for food safety - and for not wasting good soup!

Our Chicken Noodle Soup is shelf-stable and truly ready to eat - no water, no prep. Just heat and eat.

Proper storage is crucial when it comes to keeping chicken noodle soup fresh and tasty. Storing it correctly not only extends its life but also prevents the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.

To store chicken noodle soup properly, transfer it to an airtight container. This stops it absorbing odors from other food in the fridge and keeps it from drying out.

It's also a good idea to label the container with the date you cooked it, so you can keep track of freshness.

Of course, we can't write an article about storing chicken noodle soup without mentioning our own! We're sure your homemade chicken noodle soup is delicious, but ours doesn't need the fridge at all. It's made with white chicken breast and egg noodles in a rich bone broth base, and it lives happily in your pantry until soup o'clock.

Each pouch is a single serving, so there are no leftovers to worry about. Less cooking, more eating!

"So quick and easy. Perfect winter time meal." - Savanna G. ★★★★★

You'll find our Chicken Noodle Soup in the soup aisle at Walmart, Target and more. Find a store near you, or order online.

No thawing frozen soup, no fiddling with a can opener. Pop it in the microwave or warm it in a pan, then enjoy it in a bowl or mug of your choosing.

Want to make it your own? Feel free to add extra veggies, garlic, a squeeze of lemon or a crack of black pepper.

Several factors can influence how long chicken noodle soup lasts in the refrigerator. Understanding them will help you work out the best storage time.

: The ingredients in a soup affect how long you can store it. Fresh, high-quality ingredients tend to keep longer, while ingredients past their prime, such as old meat, vegetables or broth, won't last as long.

: The way you store soup plays a big role in how long it lasts. As mentioned earlier, an airtight container is essential. Your refrigerator should be set at or below 40°F (4°C) to slow bacterial growth.

: If soup is left at room temperature for too long, harmful bacteria can multiply quickly. It's important to refrigerate soup promptly after cooking it or opening it.

How long chicken soup lasts depends on the ingredients and how it's stored. Generally, homemade chicken noodle soup lasts in the refrigerator for three to five days.

These are general guidelines, and you should always check the soup's appearance, smell and taste before eating it. If the soup shows any signs of spoilage, it's best to throw it out.

With Proper Good, there's no fridge needed. Our meals can last up to 12 months on the shelf. Nothing to cook, nothing to refrigerate - just heat and you'll be feasting on incredible flavor.

Knowing the signs of spoiled chicken noodle soup is crucial for your safety. Here are some signs your soup may have gone bad:

: If the soup smells off, sour or rancid, it's a clear sign of spoilage. Fresh chicken noodle soup should smell pleasant.

: Any mold on the surface of the soup or in the container is a strong sign of spoilage. Mold can produce toxins that make you sick.

: If the soup seems slimy or has a strange consistency, it's best to throw it out. Changes in texture can be a result of bacterial growth.

If you notice any of these signs, err on the side of caution and throw the soup away.

To get the most out of your homemade chicken noodle soup, keep these tips in mind:

: Let the soup cool before moving it from a large pot into containers. Putting a big pot of hot soup straight into the fridge can raise the temperature of everything else in there.

: Divide the soup into smaller containers before storing. That way you only reheat what you need, which reduces waste and the risk of contamination from repeated reheating.

: Keep stored soup separate from other foods, especially raw meat, to stop bacteria spreading.

Reheating chicken noodle soup properly keeps it tasty and safe. Here's how:

: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly. Make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) before eating.

: Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe container and cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it's piping hot.

If you have extra homemade chicken noodle soup, the freezer is a great option. Freezing extends its shelf life and means a comforting meal is ready whenever you need it. Here's how:

: Let the soup cool completely before freezing. Divide it into individual portions.

: Transfer the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top, since soup expands as it freezes.

: Label the containers or bags with the date you froze them, so you know which to use first.

If you find yourself with leftover chicken soup, don't let it go to waste! Here are a few tasty ways to use it up:

: Use the soup as a flavorful filling for a homemade chicken pot pie. Add some shredded rotisserie chicken, carrots, celery and onions, and top with a flaky crust.

: Combine the soup with cooked egg noodles and a creamy sauce for a quick and easy pasta dish. Add fresh herbs, salt and grated cheese for extra flavor.

: Turn your chicken soup into a rich and creamy risotto. Cook arborio rice in the soup, adding a ladleful at a time, until the rice is tender and creamy.

Next time you make a pot of chicken noodle soup, you'll know exactly how to keep it fresh and safe.

Store it in airtight containers, refrigerate it promptly, eat it within 3 to 5 days, and always check it before eating. And for the days you don't feel like cooking, keep a few Proper Good soups in the pantry.

Our Creamy Chicken Soup is thick, creamy and packed with 20g of protein. Happy eating!