Chicken noodle soup is a comforting and iconic dish that is beloved by many around the world.
It is a staple meal for cold weather and can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.
However, like all foods, chicken noodle soup has a shelf life.
In this article, we will explore how long chicken noodle soup lasts, factors that affect its shelf life, and how to tell if it has gone bad.
If stored properly in the fridge, chicken noodle soup can last for 3-4 days. If you need to keep it longer, freezing is an option that can extend chicken noodle soup’s shelf life by several months. But note that chicken noodle soup with dairy added (cream or milk) has a shorter shelf life and should be consumed within 2-3 days.
What is Chicken Noodle Soup?
Chicken noodle soup is a classic soup that is made with chicken, vegetables, and noodles. It is a simple yet flavorful soup that is often served as a first course or a main dish.
The soup can be customized to suit your preferences, and there are many variations of chicken noodle soup available.
Chicken noodle soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different ways. It can be served hot or cold, and you can even add other ingredients to make it more filling or nutritious.
It is a great comfort food that is perfect for cold days, when you are feeling under the weather, or when you need a quick and easy meal.
How Long Does Chicken Noodle Soup Last? Does It Go Bad?
Like all foods, chicken noodle soup has a shelf life. The length of time that chicken noodle soup lasts will depend on several factors, such as how it is stored, the ingredients used, and the temperature of the storage location.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
If you have made homemade chicken noodle soup, it can last for 3-4 days in the fridge if stored properly. The soup should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge. If there are dairy products added to the soup (such as cream or milk), it can last for 2-3 days in the fridge before it goes bad. After this time, the soup may develop a sour or rancid odor, indicating it is no longer safe to consume.
Store-Bought Chicken Noodle Soup
Store-bought chicken noodle soup typically comes in a can or a carton. These soups will have an expiration date printed on the packaging, which should be followed for maximum freshness and quality. Once the soup is opened, it should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge. If the soup is not consumed within 3-4 days of opening, it should be discarded.
Frozen Chicken Noodle Soup
If you need to keep chicken noodle soup for a longer time, freezing is an option that can extend the soup’s shelf life by several months. The soup should be stored in an airtight container and left to cool completely before being placed in the freezer. It is important to label the container with the date the soup was frozen so that you can keep track of how long it has been stored. Frozen chicken noodle soup should be consumed within 3-4 months for the best flavor and quality.
How to Tell If Chicken Noodle Soup Has Gone Bad?
It is important to be able to tell if chicken noodle soup has gone bad to prevent illness or food poisoning. Here are some signs that your chicken noodle soup has gone bad:
Smell
The first sign that chicken noodle soup has gone bad is a sour or rancid smell. If the soup smells bad or off, it should be discarded.
Appearance
If the soup looks off or discolored, it may have gone bad. The noodles may have become slimy or discolored, and the vegetables may have a mushy texture.
Texture
The texture of the soup can also be an indicator of whether it has gone bad. If the soup is thicker than usual or has a grainy texture, it may have gone bad.
Taste
If the soup tastes sour or off, it may have gone bad. It is always best to err on the side of caution and discard soup that does not taste right.
How to Store Chicken Noodle Soup?
To extend the shelf life of chicken noodle soup, it should be stored properly. Here are some tips for storing chicken noodle soup:
Fridge
If you have made homemade chicken noodle soup, it should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store-bought soup should be refrigerated according to the instructions on the packaging. If there are dairy products added to the soup, it should be consumed within 2-3 days of refrigeration.
Freezer
To freeze chicken noodle soup, it should be stored in an airtight container and labeled with the date it was frozen. Frozen chicken noodle soup should be consumed within 3-4 months for the best quality.
Conclusion
Chicken noodle soup is a classic and beloved dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It is important to know how long chicken noodle soup lasts and to store it properly to prevent food poisoning and illness. Homemade chicken noodle soup can last for 3-4 days in the fridge, while store-bought soup should be consumed according to the instructions on the packaging. Freezing is an option to extend the shelf life of chicken noodle soup. If you notice any signs that the soup has gone bad, such as a sour smell or grainy texture, it should be discarded immediately.
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.