Do you like to eat chicken noodle soup? Wondering how long to make your soup last before you need to toss it out? Look no further, because this ultimate guide has got you covered!
In this article, we will explore the shelf life of chicken noodle soup, providing you with information you need to make your soup last, stay fresh, and safe to eat.
Whether you've made a large batch from the many recipes of homemade soup or purchased it from Proper Good, or got it canned, understanding how long to store in the refrigerator is essential for food safety.
We will discuss the factors that affect the life of chicken noodle soup, such as ingredients, storage methods, and temperature. Additionally, we will provide some helpful tips on proper food storage and signs of spoilage to look out for.
By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your soup's longevity in the refrigerator.
Importance of storing chicken noodle soup properly
Proper storage is crucial when it comes to preserving the freshness and quality of chicken noodle soup after cooking. Storing it correctly not only extends its life but also prevents the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause food borne illnesses. Storage conditions are essential.
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.
Proper Good Chicken Noodle Soup
Of course, we can't write an article explaining the dos and do nots of storing your Chicken Noodle Soup without mentioning our own! And though we believe your Chicken Noodle Soup is probably delicious, ours is fantastically prepared to survive a dry place without needing to be refrigerated.
It's portion size is perfect enough for one bowl of tastiness to be eaten in one sitting without the need for leftovers.
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?
You can find our Chicken Noodle Soup at grocery stores such as Walmart in the soup aisle! Rather than enjoying in a few hours, we've made it possible to indulge yourself in just 90 seconds.
Homemade Taste!
No need for frozen soup to be thawed or the frustrations of opening canned chicken noodle soup Instead, enjoy it straight from the pouch or even pour it in a bowl or cup of your choosing!
If microwaves aren't your thing, boil it over the stove! Though we've covered the following, everyone has their preference of taste.
Feel free to add veggies, salt, butter, carrots, garlic, celery, onions, broth, noodles, and other meat until you're satisfied enough to serve!
Avoid the mushy texture of old soups and take a slurp of our homemade tasting, absolutely delicious Chicken Noodle Soup!
Factors affecting the shelf life of chicken noodle soup
Several factors can influence how long food, like canned chicken noodle soup, can last in the refrigerator. Understanding these factors will help you determine the optimal storage time for your food.
Ingredients: The ingredients used in soups can affect how long you can store it.
Fresh, high-quality ingredients tend to make soups last longer. Ingredients past their prime such as old meat, vegetables, or chicken broth won't last long
Storage methods: The way you store food plays a significant role in its longevity. As mentioned earlier, using an airtight container is essential.
Additionally, storing soups at the correct, cool temperature is crucial. The refrigerator should be set at or below 40°F (4°C) to inhibit bacterial growth.
Temperature: Fluctuations can impact the life of chicken noodle soup. If the soup is left at room temperature for an extended period, harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly, leading to spoilage.
It's important to refrigerate the soup promptly after cooking or purchasing it.
Can chicken noodle soup last in the refrigerator?
The life of chicken soup can vary depending on various factors, including the ingredients used and how it's stored.
Generally, homemade chicken noodle soup can last in the refrigerator for three to five days, while canned soups may have a longer life of up to a week.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and the soup's freshness should always be assessed by its appearance, smell, and taste.
If the soup exhibits any signs of spoilage, it's best to discard it to avoid any potential health risks.
With Proper Good, there's no fridge needed. Our meals can last up to 12 months on the shelf and are delicious straight out of the pouch.
Nothing to be cooked, nothing to be refrigerated, just throw it in the microwave and in 90 seconds you'll be feasting on incredible flavor!
Signs of spoiled chicken noodle soup
Knowing the signs of spoiled chicken noodle soup before you eat is crucial for your safety. Here are some indicators your soup may have gone bad:
Foul odor: If the soup smells off or has a sour, rancid odor, it's a clear sign of spoilage. Fresh chicken noodle soup should have a pleasant aroma. If you can't smell anything, give it a stir to let break the possibly frozen surface.
Mold growth: A week of storage can result in mold on the surface of the soup or in the container is a strong indication of spoilage. Mold can produce toxins that can cause food poisoning.
Unusual texture: If the soup appears slimy, gelled, or has a strange consistency, it's best to discard it. These 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 away the soup. Consuming spoiled soup can lead to food borne illnesses.
Tips for extending the life of chicken noodle soup
If you want to maximize the life of your homemade chicken noodle soup, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Proper cooling: Make sure it's properly stored. Allow the soup to cool before transferring it from a large pot to a container. Placing hot soup directly into the refrigerator can raise its internal temperature, potentially compromising the other contents of the refrigerator.
Portion control: Divide the homemade chicken noodle soup into smaller portions before storing. Avoid a larger container and separate into smaller containers. Now, you can reheat what you need, minimizing waste and reducing the risk of contamination from repeated reheating.
Avoid cross-contamination: When storing chicken noodles, keep it separate from other foods, especially raw meat. This helps prevent the transfer of bacteria and cross-contamination.
Properly reheating chicken noodle soup
When it comes to reheating chicken noodles, it's important to do so properly to maintain its quality and safety. Here's how:
Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally for even heating. Make sure the soup reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
Microwave: Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe container and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until the desired temperature is reached.
Freeze homemade chicken noodle soup for long-term storage
If you have excess homemade chicken noodles you'd like to save for later, a freezer is a great option. Freezing extends the soup's shelf life and allows for a comforting meal ready at a moment's notice. Here's how to freeze homemade chicken noodles:
Cooling: Allow the soup to cool completely before placing in the freezer. Divide it into individual portions, depending on your future needs.
Packaging: Transfer the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to leave headspace to allow for expansion as the soup freezes.
Labeling: Label the containers or bags with the date of freezing to keep track. This will help you prioritize which soup to use first.
Recipes using leftover chicken noodle soup
If you find yourself with leftover canned or homemade chicken soup, don't let it go to waste! There are several delicious ways to repurpose it into new meals. Here are a few ideas:
Chicken pot pie: Use the soup as a flavorful filling for a homemade chicken pot pie. Simply add some cooked or shredded rotisserie chicken, vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and a flaky crust for a comforting dish.
Creamy pasta: Combine the chicken soup with cooked egg noodles and a cup of creamy sauce for a quick and easy pasta dish.
Add some fresh herbs, salt, and grated cheese for extra flavor.
Risotto: Transform 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.
Conclusion: Enjoying safe and delicious chicken noodle soup
Next time you cook a pot of canned or homemade chicken noodles, you'll have all the knowledge you need to ensure it stays fresh and safe to consume.
By understanding the factors that affect its shelf life and following proper storage and cold to reheating techniques, you can enjoy this classic comfort food making your soup last.
Remember to always assess the soup's appearance, smell, and taste before consuming it, and discard any soup that shows signs of spoilage.
Whether you're making a homemade batch or enjoying store-bought soup, safely savoring your chicken noodle soup is the key to a satisfying and delicious meal.
Want to try other chicken soups?
Consider trying our Cream of Chicken Soup.
