Chicken Noodle Casserole

If unopened and refrigerated (like from a meal prepping service), chicken noodle casserole is safe to eat for up to 4-5 days after it is cooked. If it's homemade and immediately refrigerated, this rule still applies. If you've stored it in the freezer, it can extend its shelf life and stay good for up to 3 months.

Appearance and smell are the best tools for determining if your chicken noodle casserole has gone bad. If you detect a funky or off-putting smell, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it. The presence of mold is an obvious sign that your casserole is not safe to consume. In terms of texture, if the noodles seem overly slimy, it might be spoiled.

• Always allow your casserole to cool before storing it, as placing hot food in the refrigerator can raise the overall temperature, potentially causing other foods to spoil. • Use airtight containers for storing; this will help maintain the casserole's quality and prevent it from absorbing flavors from other foods in the fridge. • If you want to freeze your casserole, consider portioning it into meal-sized servings first. This way, you can easily thaw only what you need. • When thawing a frozen casserole, it's best to let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave if you're in a hurry. • Always reheat food to a temperature of at least 165°F to kill off any potential bacteria.