Is there anything better on a cold and rainy day than staying inside and having a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup? This comforting soup, packed with nutrients, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory ingredients is also a great way to fight off a cold, but taking the time to prepare it when you’re sniffling and run down doesn’t sound like the best idea.
We have good news, though! Chicken noodle soup freezes very well. However, this is without the noodles in which go mushy which is not so great. We advise when you’re ready to have a bowl, simply defrost what you’ve frozen and pop in some freshly cooked noodles.
We’re going to give you some simple steps to freeze chicken noodle soup and you’ll be well on your way to having chicken noodle soup ready to enjoy whenever you want it!
We know how chicken noodle soup can be a savior when it comes to sick family members or those depressing rainy days. Having a trusty stock of it in your freezer because you’re smart enough to freeze a batch will ensure that you’re always prepared for when those days come along.
Does Chicken Noodle Soup Freeze Well?
Thankfully, chicken noodle soup freezes very well! However, it is important that you follow the proper steps to ensure that the ingredients stay as fresh as possible.
If you like, you can freeze the soup complete with the noodles inside it and simply defrost it when ready to serve, but the noodles may develop a bit of a mushy texture. In order to avoid this, we recommend freezing the soup without the noodles, opting to either freeze and thaw the noodles separately or to add uncooked noodles in while reheating your broth.
Both options work well, however adding uncooked noodles in while reheating the broth and vegetables ensures the best taste and texture!
How to Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup
Follow these simple steps, and you can begin freezing your home-cooked soup so you’re never again at a loss for comfort food:
Step 1 – Let it cool down
Wait for your soup to cool down to room temperature before freezing in order to ensure that it does not begin to thaw while in the freezer.
Step 2 – Put in an airtight container
Place the soup in an airtight container. Make sure that the container isn’t broken and there are no pockets where air can enter. This should ensure that it is kept fresh for up to 6 months.
Step 3 – Place it in the freezer
Place the container in the freezer for storage and simply heat up when ready to serve.
Now here are the options for ensuring your noodles aren’t mushy (my preferred method):
Option 1
Freeze your cooked noodles separately in a freezer bag. When reheating, place your frozen noodles in a pan with a touch of oil and once they become soft, simply add them to your reheated broth.
Option 2
When reheating your broth and vegetables, add uncooked noodles in and allow them to become soft while the soup is brought to a boil.
How Long Can Chicken Noodle Soup Be Frozen?
Similar to freezing lentil soup, chicken noodle soup can preserve its freshness while frozen for up to 6 months! However, this all depends on how well it is stored in your freezer.
Make sure that you use an airtight container that doesn’t contain any leaks, otherwise, if air gets in it decreases the soup’s life.
How to Defrost Chicken Noodle Soup
You’re ready to reheat your chicken noodle soup, so now what? Well, you first need to defrost it and you can do this by either microwaving it for fast results or allowing it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Allowing it to thaw overnight is the safer option, as microwaving the soup carries an increased risk of bacteria forming. In order to avoid this risk, only reheat as many portions as you plan to consume right away.
- To defrost your soup, microwave it on low heat for about 2 minutes, until it defrosts into a slushy texture. In order to ensure it defrosts evenly, give it a quick mix at every 30-second interval.
Chicken Noodle Soup Reheating Methods
Now that it’s defrosted you have two options for reheating it! Here they are:
Microwave
This method is ideal if your noodles have already been cooked and frozen. Place the soup back in the microwave for another 3 minutes on high heat, mixing it at 30-second intervals to avoid hot air pockets developing in the soup.
Place your noodles separately in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in the microwave on medium heat for a minute. If the noodles come apart easily, you can add them to your broth and serve hot!
Stove
As with the microwave, make sure you’re only reheating single portion sizes at a time in order to avoid reheating (this harbors bacteria).
Bring your broth to a boil for 3 minutes in order to kill off any harmful bacteria. If you are adding your uncooked noodles, simply keep the soup at low-medium heat until your noodles are soft.
If you are reheating your frozen noodles separately, add them to a pan with a little bit of oil and allow them to become soft again before adding them back to your hot broth!
Refreezing Chicken Noodle Soup
Refreezing chicken noodle soup is not a good idea due to the risk of bacteria harboring during the reheating process. Only defrost single portion sizes in order to avert the need for refreezing.
Best Tips Overview for Freezing Chicken Noodle Soup
- Freeze your noodles separately from your broth, or better yet add uncooked noodles to your broth upon reheating to avoid them becoming mushy.
- Only reheat single portion sizes at a time to avoid the risk of bacteria.
- Make sure your soup cools down to room temperature before freezing.
- Make sure you store your soup in airtight containers to extend shelf life to up to 6 months.
- Mix your soup at 30-second intervals while warming in the microwave it in order to ensure even reheating and minimize the risk of it exploding on you.
Favorite Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes
There are many different ways to cook chicken noodle soup, and many ways to eat it. Our favorite chicken noodle soup recipe is this one here.
It’s a classic recipe with different vegetables like onions, carrots and celery and it’s just plain delicious.
FAQs
How Do I Know My Chicken Noodle Soup Isn’t Safe to Eat Anymore?
Give it a sniff! If it smells funky it has properly extended past its shelf life.
Additionally, if it has developed any mold or weird discoloration or if it simply tastes off, you should throw it out. It is always better to be safe, so upon reheating your soup make sure to do a taste test in order to ensure the flavor isn’t sour or off in any way.
Our Favorite Way To Store Chicken Noodle Soup
Mason jars are an overall great way to store your chicken noodle soup. Reusing the jars you buy for your pasta sauce or pickles in order to store your chicken noodle soup in the freezer is not only a great sustainable tip but it is also quite easy to ensure your mason jars are airtight.
Mason jars are also the perfect portion sizes, allowing you to only reheat as much soup as you’re sure to eat. It’s also a great way to bring your sick friend a little pick-me-up!
If you are out of stock of those great kitchen helpers, check out this set.
Conclusion
Chicken noodle soup is one of the most versatile meals in terms of freezing and storing for future meals. This one soup can bring so much comfort and healing to your family and friends, so it’s always a great idea to keep a couple of jars stored in your freezer. With these steps and tips, you’ll be freezing your chicken noodle soup like a pro!
What is your favorite unique way to make this classic soup? Are there any tips you have on freezing and storing your soups?
Share any ideas, comments, or questions below!
