Homemade chicken soup is a favorite comfort food for many people. It’s not only delicious but also nutritious and can be a great way to warm up during cold weather. However, once you make chicken soup, it’s important to know how long it will last in the fridge to ensure you’re eating it while it’s still safe and tasty. Generally, homemade chicken soup can last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when stored properly.

This means that after you make the soup, it should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking to prevent any harmful bacteria from growing. After this period, the soup can start to spoil, even if it's kept in the fridge. This 3 to 4-day window is the best guideline for storing your homemade chicken soup, but it’s always wise to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. If you’re unsure whether the soup is still safe to eat, it’s better to err on the side of caution and discard it.

In some cases, if you’re unable to eat the soup within 3 to 4 days, freezing it is a great option to extend its shelf life. Freezing can help preserve the flavor and nutrients in the soup for up to 4 to 6 months.

Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of Chicken Soup

Several factors can affect how long homemade chicken soup lasts in the fridge. These factors include the ingredients used, how the soup is stored, and even the temperature of your refrigerator.

• Ingredients: Chicken soup can be made with various ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, noodles, or dairy. Some of these ingredients can impact how long the soup lasts. For example, if your chicken soup contains dairy products like cream or milk, it may spoil faster than a soup made with just chicken and vegetables. Dairy can go bad quickly when stored improperly, so you may want to consume soup with dairy sooner than one without.
• Storage Conditions: Proper storage is critical to prolonging the life of chicken soup. It’s essential to store the soup in airtight containers to keep out moisture and air, which can cause the soup to spoil faster. If the soup is stored in a container that isn’t properly sealed, bacteria and contaminants can enter, making it unsafe to eat. Additionally, storing the soup in a shallow container can help it cool down faster, preventing bacterial growth.
• Refrigerator Temperature: The temperature of your refrigerator plays a significant role in how long your chicken soup lasts. Your fridge should be set at or below 40°F (4°C). If the temperature is higher, bacteria can multiply rapidly, which can cause the soup to spoil sooner. It’s a good idea to check your fridge’s temperature regularly to ensure it’s staying at the right level.

Proper Storage Tips for Homemade Chicken Soup

To make sure your homemade chicken soup lasts as long as possible in the fridge, you need to follow proper storage techniques. These simple steps will help preserve the flavor and ensure the soup remains safe to eat.

• Cool the Soup Promptly: After cooking your chicken soup, it’s important to allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. However, you should avoid leaving it out for too long, as bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature. Ideally, you should refrigerate the soup within two hours of cooking. If the soup is very hot, you can speed up the cooling process by transferring it to smaller, shallow containers. This will help the soup cool faster, reducing the chances of bacteria growing.
• Use Airtight Containers: To keep the soup fresh and prevent contamination, always store it in airtight containers. Containers with tight-fitting lids or resealable plastic bags are excellent options. Airtight storage prevents the soup from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge and helps retain its flavor and texture.
• Label and Date: It’s a good practice to label your soup containers with the date you made the soup. This will help you keep track of how long the soup has been in the fridge. As mentioned, chicken soup typically lasts 3 to 4 days, so having the date marked will ensure you don’t keep it too long.

Signs Your Chicken Soup Has Gone Bad

Even if you follow proper storage instructions, there may be times when homemade chicken soup can go bad before its expected time. To prevent foodborne illness, it's essential to know the signs that your soup has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Off Odor: One of the most common signs that your chicken soup has gone bad is an off odor. If the soup smells sour, rancid, or just unpleasant, it’s likely spoiled and should be discarded. Fresh chicken soup should have a rich, savory smell. Any change in smell is a warning sign.
• Mold Growth: Mold is another indicator that your soup has gone bad. If you see any fuzzy, green, or white growth on the surface of the soup, it’s a clear sign of contamination, and you should throw the soup away immediately. Mold can develop when the soup is left at room temperature for too long or if it wasn’t properly sealed during storage.
• Change in Texture or Color: Chicken soup may also show visible signs of spoilage in its texture or color. For example, the broth may become cloudy, or the vegetables and chicken may start to break down and appear mushy. If the soup looks slimy or has a strange color, it's best to discard it.

Can You Freeze Homemade Chicken Soup?

If you can’t finish your homemade chicken soup within 3 to 4 days, freezing it is an excellent way to extend its shelf life. Freezing can help preserve the soup’s flavor, nutrients, and texture for up to 4 to 6 months. To freeze your soup, make sure you allow it to cool completely before transferring it into airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.

When freezing chicken soup, try to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent freezer burn. You can also portion the soup into smaller amounts to make it easier to defrost only the amount you need. It’s essential to label the containers with the date to keep track of how long it’s been in the freezer.

How to Reheat Chicken Soup Safely

Reheating chicken soup correctly is important to ensure it’s safe to eat and remains at the right temperature. The following methods will help you reheat your soup without compromising its safety or flavor:

• Stovetop Method: The stovetop is a reliable way to reheat chicken soup. Pour the soup into a pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least three minutes to ensure it’s heated thoroughly. Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from burning. Always make sure the soup reaches a temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
• Microwave Method: If you’re short on time, the microwave can also be used to reheat chicken soup. Place the soup in a microwave-safe container and cover it loosely with a lid or paper towel. Heat the soup in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure it heats evenly. Be sure to check the temperature and make sure it’s hot all the way through before eating.

Best Practices for Storing Leftover Soup

When storing leftover chicken soup, there are a few best practices that can help keep it fresh and safe to eat:

• Cool Quickly: Transfer the soup into shallow containers to allow it to cool faster. This reduces the time it spends in the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F), where bacteria can grow rapidly.
• Store Properly: Always store soup in airtight containers, and make sure it’s refrigerated as soon as it has cooled to room temperature. If you’re not planning to eat the soup within a few days, consider freezing it to extend its shelf life.
• Reheat Thoroughly: Always make sure that when you reheat leftover chicken soup, it reaches a rolling boil and stays at a safe temperature for the entire process. This ensures that any harmful bacteria are killed and that the soup is safe to consume.