What To Know
- You can cool the soup in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, or you can place it in a bowl of ice water to speed up the process.
- To avoid this, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup when you reheat it.
- Frozen chicken noodle soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed all year round. But what if you have leftovers? Can you freeze them? The answer is yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup 3 days after cooking. However, there are a few things you need to know to do it safely and effectively.
How to Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup
1. Cool the soup completely. This is important to prevent bacteria from growing. You can cool the soup in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, or you can place it in a bowl of ice water to speed up the process.
2. Remove the noodles. Noodles can become mushy when frozen, so it’s best to remove them from the soup before freezing. You can add them back to the soup when you reheat it.
3. Divide the soup into freezer-safe containers. You can use freezer-safe bags, containers, or jars. Leave about an inch of headspace at the top of each container to allow for expansion.
4. Label and date the containers. This will help you keep track of what’s in the freezer and when it was frozen.
5. Freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Frozen chicken noodle soup will keep for up to 3 months. After that, it’s best to discard it.
How to Reheat Frozen Chicken Noodle Soup
1. Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. This is the safest way to thaw frozen soup.
2. Reheat the soup over medium heat on the stovetop. Stir occasionally until the soup is heated through.
3. Add the noodles back to the soup. If you removed the noodles before freezing, add them back to the soup now. Heat until the noodles are warmed through.
Tips for Freezing Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Frozen soup will taste best if it’s made with fresh ingredients.
- Don’t overfill the containers. Leave about an inch of headspace at the top of each container to allow for expansion.
- Label and date the containers. This will help you keep track of what’s in the freezer and when it was frozen.
- Freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Frozen chicken noodle soup will keep for up to 3 months. After that, it’s best to discard it.
Benefits of Freezing Chicken Noodle Soup
There are several benefits to freezing chicken noodle soup:
- It’s a great way to save time. Frozen soup can be reheated quickly and easily, making it a convenient meal option for busy weeknights.
- It’s a budget-friendly way to eat healthy. Freezing soup is a great way to use up leftovers and save money on groceries.
- It’s a healthy and nutritious meal. Chicken noodle soup is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
Risks of Freezing Chicken Noodle Soup
There are a few risks associated with freezing chicken noodle soup:
- Bacteria growth. If the soup is not cooled properly before freezing, bacteria can grow and cause food poisoning.
- Loss of flavor. Freezing can cause the soup to lose some of its flavor.
- Mushy noodles. Noodles can become mushy when frozen. To avoid this, remove the noodles from the soup before freezing and add them back when you reheat it.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Can I freeze chicken noodle soup with rice?
Yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup with rice. However, the rice may become mushy when frozen. To avoid this, cook the rice separately and add it to the soup when you reheat it.
Can I freeze chicken noodle soup with pasta?
Yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup with pasta. However, the pasta may become mushy when frozen. To avoid this, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup when you reheat it.
How long can I keep frozen chicken noodle soup in the refrigerator?
Frozen chicken noodle soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, it should be discarded.
