The Ultimate Guide to Storing Chicken Noodle Soup: Keep It Fresh & Delicious

Chicken noodle soup is more than just a meal – it’s a comforting bowl of goodness that warms us from the inside out. But what happens when you’ve made too much or have leftovers? I’ve been there too many times wondering how to properly store this liquid gold without compromising its taste or safety. In this guide I’ll share everything you need to know about storing chicken noodle soup so you can enjoy it for days (or even months) to come.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about why proper storage is so important:

• Preserves flavor and nutrients: Good storage maintains the soup’s delicious taste and nutritional value
• Prevents food waste: Proper storage extends the life of your soup so nothing goes to waste
• Protects against foodborne illness: Correct storage prevents harmful bacteria growth that can make you sick

Honestly I’ve learned these lessons the hard way after letting a pot of amazing homemade soup sit out too long once. Never again!

How Long Does Chicken Noodle Soup Last?

Here’s a quick reference for how long you can expect your chicken noodle soup to last:

Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Chicken Noodle Soup

What You’ll Need:

• Chicken noodle soup (homemade or store-bought)
• Airtight storage containers (glass or BPA-free plastic)
• Ladle or large spoon
• Labels and marker
• Ice (for quick cooling)
• Freezer bags (if freezing)

Step 1: Cool It Down Properly

Never put hot soup directly into your fridge! This is super important and a mistake I made when I first started cooking. Hot soup can raise the temperature inside your refrigerator, potentially causing other foods to spoil.

Try these cooling methods:

• Ice bath method: Place your pot of soup in a sink filled with ice water. Stir occasionally to help it cool faster.
• Portion method: Divide the soup into smaller containers. Smaller portions cool much quicker than a large pot.

Your soup should be cooled to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking. Then, it should reach 40°F or below within 4 hours total.

Step 2: Consider the Ingredients

One thing I’ve learned after many batches of soup is that noodles can get mushy when stored in broth. You have two options here:

1. Store everything together: Quick and convenient but noodles may become softer
2. Store components separately: Keep noodles separate from broth – this maintains their texture but requires more containers

If you’re planning to freeze the soup, I definitely recommend keeping the noodles separate if possible.

Step 3: Choose the Right Containers

The container you use matters more than you might think:

• Glass containers: My personal favorite because they don’t absorb flavors or stains
• BPA-free plastic: Lightweight and often stackable
• Freezer bags: Great for freezing individual portions flat (saves space!)

Make sure whatever container you choose has an airtight seal. Leave about 1-2 inches of headspace at the top if you’re freezing the soup, as it will expand.

Step 4: Refrigerate Properly

For short-term storage (3-5 days):

1. Transfer the cooled soup to your container(s)
2. Seal tightly
3. Place in the back of the refrigerator where temperature is most consistent
4. Never store soup in the door shelves where temperature fluctuates

Step 5: Freezing for Longer Storage

If you want to keep your soup longer than a few days:

1. Cool the soup completely
2. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags
3. Remove as much air as possible if using bags
4. Leave headspace for expansion
5. Seal tightly
6. Lay bags flat to freeze for easier storage and quicker thawing

Step 6: Label and Date Everything

This step is SO important! I can’t tell you how many mystery containers I’ve found in my freezer over the years. Always label with:

• Contents (“Chicken Noodle Soup”)
• Date stored
• Any special notes (like “noodles stored separately”)

Step 7: Thawing and Reheating Safely

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored soup:

For refrigerated soup:

• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until it reaches 165°F
• Or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally

For frozen soup:

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator (safest method)
• Or use the defrost setting on your microwave
• Once thawed, heat thoroughly to 165°F
• Use within 3-4 days after thawing

Pro Tips for Storing Chicken Noodle Soup

• Add noodles when serving: If making a big batch, consider cooking and storing noodles separately, adding them only when reheating
• Freeze in ice cube trays: For small portions of broth that can be added to other dishes
• Brighten up reheated soup: Add fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of hot sauce when reheating to refresh the flavors
• Check before consuming: Always check for signs of spoilage (off smell, unusual texture, or mold) before eating stored soup

FAQ About Storing Chicken Noodle Soup

Q: Can I leave chicken noodle soup out overnight?
A: Absolutely not! Soup shouldn’t sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to bacterial growth risks.

Q: Why did my noodles get mushy when stored?
A: Noodles continue to absorb liquid even after cooking. Store them separately from the broth for best texture.

Q: Can I refreeze chicken noodle soup that’s been thawed?
A: It’s not recommended, as this increases the risk of bacterial growth and quality loss.

Q: My frozen soup looks different after thawing. Is it still good?
A: Some separation is normal. Just stir well when reheating. But if it smells off or has an unusual color, discard it.

Q: How can I tell if my chicken noodle soup has gone bad?
A: Look for an off odor, sliminess, unusual coloring, or mold. When in doubt, throw it out!

Final Thoughts

Properly storing chicken noodle soup isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of care. I’ve found that taking these extra steps means I always have delicious, safe soup ready whenever I need a quick meal or comfort food fix.

The next time you make a big batch of chicken noodle soup, remember these storage tips to enjoy every last drop. Your future hungry self will thank you!