Ever found yourself staring at that container of delicious chicken chop suey from last night and wondering if it’s still safe to eat? I’ve been there too! As someone who regularly orders too much Chinese food (on purpose for those tasty leftovers) I’ve learned exactly how to keep my chicken chop suey fresh and safe to eat.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about storing your leftover chicken chop suey, whether you made it at home or ordered takeout
The Short Answer: Shelf Life of Leftover Chicken Chop Suey
For those who want the quick facts:
- Refrigerator: 3-4 days
- Freezer: 2-3 months (for best quality, though remains safe indefinitely if kept at 0°F)
But there’s so much more to keeping your leftovers safe! Let’s get into the details.
Why Proper Storage of Chicken Chop Suey Matters
Chicken chop suey isn’t just any leftover – it requires special attention because:
- It contains multiple ingredients (chicken, vegetables, sauce) that can spoil at different rates
- The sauce creates an environment where bacteria might thrive
- Vegetables release moisture over time, affecting texture and quality
- Chicken is particularly susceptible to bacterial contamination if not handled correctly
The Danger Zone: Why Time Matters
According to food safety experts, bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F – what’s called the “danger zone.” This is why you should never leave your chicken chop suey sitting out at room temperature for long periods.
The golden rules:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing
- If the room temperature is above 90°F (like during summer), refrigerate within 1 hour
- Never leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours, regardless of whether it’s leftovers or freshly cooked
A college student actually lost his fingers and legs due to sepsis after eating contaminated leftover lo mein that wasn’t properly stored! While this is an extreme case, it highlights why food safety isn’t something to take lightly.
Proper Storage Techniques for Leftover Chicken Chop Suey
Step 1: Cool It Down Quickly
After cooking or eating, you want to get your chicken chop suey cooled down as fast as possible to minimize time in the danger zone.
Pro tip: Spread the chop suey in a shallow container rather than leaving it in a deep pot. This helps it cool faster by increasing the surface area.
Step 2: Choose the Right Container
This is SUPER important! Despite what many of us do, you should NOT store leftover Chinese food in the original takeout containers.
Instead:
- Use airtight containers (glass is best as it doesn’t absorb odors)
- Plastic containers are okay too (make sure they’re food-grade and BPA-free)
- Avoid using the original cartons or styrofoam trays as they allow air flow, which increases bacteria growth and makes food stale faster
Step 3: Refrigerator Storage
When storing in the fridge:
- Place containers in the coldest part of your refrigerator (usually the back of the top shelf)
- Make sure your fridge maintains a temperature below 40°F
- Consider dividing large portions into smaller containers so they cool faster
Step 4: Freezer Storage
If you won’t eat your leftover chicken chop suey within 3-4 days, freezing is your best option:
- Divide into portion-sized amounts to avoid thawing and refreezing
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers
- Remove as much air as possible (vacuum sealers are great for this!)
- Label containers with the date of freezing
- For best quality, use within 3-4 months (though it remains safe indefinitely if kept frozen at 0°F)
How to Tell If Your Leftover Chicken Chop Suey Has Gone Bad
Even with proper storage, food eventually spoils. Here’s how to check if your chicken chop suey is still good:
Visual Inspection
Look for:
- Unusual color changes
- Slimy texture
- Visible mold growth
If you see any of these signs, toss it immediately!
The Smell Test
Trust your nose! If your leftover chicken chop suey has:
- A sour smell
- An “off” or unpleasant odor
- Any smell that seems different from when it was fresh
…then it’s time to say goodbye.
The Taste Test (Use With Caution!)
I don’t really recommend this, but if appearance and smell seem okay, you can take a tiny taste. If it tastes sour or unusual in any way, spit it out and discard the rest.
Remember: When in doubt, throw it out! Food poisoning isn’t worth the risk.
Reheating Leftover Chicken Chop Suey Safely
Proper reheating is just as important as proper storage! Always reheat leftover chicken chop suey to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria.
Microwave Method
- Place in a microwave-safe container
- Add a tablespoon of water to keep it moist
- Cover loosely
- Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each
- Check that it’s heated throughout before eating
Stovetop Method (My Favorite!)
- Add a small amount of oil to a skillet or wok
- Heat on medium-high
- Add the leftover chicken chop suey
- Stir frequently until heated through (about 5-7 minutes)
- Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Place chicken chop suey in an oven-safe dish
- Cover with foil to prevent drying
- Heat for 15-20 minutes or until thoroughly hot
What About Thawed Chicken Chop Suey?
If you’ve frozen your leftover chicken chop suey, there are proper ways to thaw it:
- Best method: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight
- Quick method: Use the defrost setting on your microwave
Once thawed in the refrigerator, you have an additional 3-4 days to use it. However, if you thawed it in the microwave or cold water, you should cook and eat it immediately.
Refreezing is generally not recommended, as it can significantly decrease quality and potentially increase bacterial growth. However, if the chop suey was thawed in the refrigerator and is still very cold, it might be safe to refreeze—just expect the texture to suffer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leftover Chicken Chop Suey
Can I eat leftover chicken chop suey after 5 days in the fridge if it looks and smells fine?
No, it’s not worth the risk. Even if it appears and smells okay, harmful bacteria could be present. Stick to the 3-4 day rule for refrigerated leftovers.
Does adding extra soy sauce or vinegar help preserve chicken chop suey longer?
No, adding more condiments won’t significantly extend shelf life and might ruin the flavor. Proper storage techniques are much more effective.
My chicken chop suey has bean sprouts. Does this affect storage time?
Yes! Bean sprouts contain lots of moisture and can cause faster spoilage. Consume these leftovers sooner rather than later.
Is it better to separate the chicken from the vegetables before storing?
While this might help preserve texture slightly, it’s usually not necessary if you’re using airtight containers. The convenience of keeping everything together typically outweighs any small benefit from separating ingredients.
How can I prevent freezer burn on my frozen chicken chop suey?
Use airtight containers or freezer bags and remove as much air as possible. Consider using a vacuum sealer for best results.
My Experience With Leftover Chicken Chop Suey
I’ll be honest – I’ve pushed the limits with leftover Chinese food more times than I should admit! One time, I ate 5-day-old chicken chop suey and was totally fine, but another time, 3-day-old leftovers that looked perfectly fine gave me a night to remember (and not in a good way).
Now I follow these rules religiously:
- I always transfer takeout to proper containers right away
- I write the date on masking tape and stick it to the container
- I freeze anything I won’t eat within 2 days (just to be extra safe)
- I reheat thoroughly, no matter what
The Bottom Line
Leftover chicken chop suey can be a delicious meal when properly stored and reheated. Remember these key points:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour in hot weather)
- Store in airtight containers (not original takeout boxes)
- Keep in refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum
- Freeze for 2-3 months for best quality
- Always reheat to 165°F internal temperature
- When in doubt, throw it out!
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy your leftover chicken chop suey safely and deliciously. Happy eating!
Do you have any special tips for storing or reheating leftover Chinese food? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!
How To Make This Chicken Chop Suey Recipe
- Place thin strips of chicken in a medium bowl. Add in the baking soda, coconut aminos and vinegar and give it a good stir to ensure the chicken is all well coated. Set aside to marinate while you prep the vegetables
- Cut the variety of vegetables into thin pieces and set them all aside on a plate
- Heat the sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet or frying pan on medium-high heat. Add in the chicken in a single layer and cook for a few minutes until the chicken is golden brown in color. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- Add the onion and carrots and cook until softened and then add in all of the remaining vegetables
- In a small bowl whisk together the sauce ingredients (chicken broth, pepper, vinegar, coconut aminos, ginger and honey)
- Add the chop suey sauce to the pan with the veggies and give everything a stir. Leave to cook for 4 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the veggies are tender (or if you prefer crisp veggies I recommend cooking for only 2 minutes so they still have a slight crunch).
Why You Will Love This Chicken Chop Suey Recipe
- It’s perfect for weeknight dinner: This easy chicken chop suey recipe is a one pan 30-minute dish that is perfect for those nights when you are in need of a meal you can throw together quickly.
- This is a family favorite in my house! My kids love the flavorful sauce that isn’t spicy or too rich.
- Use what you have!This is a great recipe to use loosely as you really don’t need to follow it to a T. Feel free to add in any other fresh vegetables that you have in the fridge and you can use a different protein too to make pork chop suey using pork tenderloin or beef chop suey using thinly sliced steak.
- Incredibly tender pieces of chicken: I used my go to stir fry trick (the secret ingredient is baking soda!) which I leave the sliced chicken to marinate in for just a few minutes. Trust me when I say that this is a step that you won’t want to miss and is what transforms this from a boring old stir fry to a dish you would find at local Chinese restaurants.
- These are leftovers you will actually want to eat:The leftovers are so tasty! I highly recommend making extra because the leftover vegetables and chicken reheat well and are great enjoyed as lunch over the following few days.
- This Chop Suey is also Whole30, Grain Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Dairy Free and Specific Carbohydrate Diet Legal.