Chicken soup
Photo provided by Pexels
Properly storing your delicious homemade or store-bought chicken soup is crucial for food safety and enjoying its comforting flavors. This guide provides expert tips to keep your nourishing broth and ingredients fresh, whether you're planning to enjoy it tomorrow or save it for a future meal, helping you reduce food waste.
Storage Time
Chicken soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. For longer preservation, it can be frozen for up to 4–6 months while maintaining optimal quality.
Temperature
Always keep prepared chicken soup refrigerated at a consistent temperature of 0–4°C (32–40°F) to inhibit bacterial growth. When freezing, ensure your freezer maintains -18°C (0°F) or colder.
Freezing
Chicken soup freezes exceptionally well. To freeze, first allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Transfer it into airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of headspace to account for expansion. Label with the date. When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches a rolling boil (74°C/165°F) to ensure food safety. Note that noodles or rice in the soup might become slightly softer in texture after freezing and thawing.
Signs of Spoilage
- A sour, off-putting, or unpleasant smell, distinct from its original savory aroma.
- Visible mold growth on the surface or sides of the container, which can appear as fuzzy white, green, or black spots.
- A cloudy appearance or slimy texture, especially if the broth was clear initially, indicating bacterial proliferation.
- Any bubbling or fizzing, which suggests fermentation and spoilage.
