Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Chicken Vegetable Soup expire?
Unopened canned chicken vegetable soup is usually good for 2 to 5 years past its printed date if you store it in a cool, dark place like your kitchen pantry. Once you've opened the can, though, consume it within 3 to 4 days. If you have made homemade chicken vegetable soup, consume it within 3 to 5 days of cooking. Frozen soup is good for between 4 to 6 months for the best taste but can be safe to eat well beyond that if properly stored.
How do you tell if Chicken Vegetable Soup is bad?
If your chicken vegetable soup has gone bad, you'll likely notice a sour smell or an off-flavor when you taste a small bite. The color of the soup can change too, usually darkening. If you see any mold or odd growths on the soup surface, don't take a risk; throw it away immediately.
Tips for storing Chicken Vegetable Soup to extend shelf life
• Always refrigerate leftover soup within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• When storing chicken vegetable soup in the fridge, make sure to put it in a covered airtight container.
• For longer storage, you can freeze your soup. Distribute it into portion-sized containers or freezer-safe bags for convenient reheating.
• It’s best to cool the soup quickly before freezing. A quick trick to cool it down is by placing your pot of soup in an ice water bath.
• To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the defrost function on your microwave. But, remember to stir it from time to time for even reheating.