Can You Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup? Yes, Here's How

Yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup safely for up to 4-6 months. Proper freezing techniques preserve flavor and texture while preventing freezer burn. Cool soup completely before transferring to airtight containers, leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion. For best results, freeze broth and noodles separately if possible, as noodles may become mushy when thawed.

Freezing chicken noodle soup is an excellent way to preserve leftovers or meal prep for busy weeks. When done correctly, frozen soup maintains quality for months while providing convenient, homemade meals. This guide covers professional freezing techniques that maintain texture and flavor while ensuring food safety.

Why Freezing Works for Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup freezes well because its primary components—broth, vegetables, and chicken—respond favorably to freezing when handled properly. The broth forms a protective liquid barrier around ingredients, while the salt content acts as a natural preservative. However, the noodles present the biggest challenge, as they continue absorbing liquid during storage, potentially becoming overly soft.

Step-by-Step Freezing Instructions

Follow these professional food preservation steps for optimal results:

1. Cool completely: Allow soup to cool to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking. Never put hot soup directly in the freezer.
2. Separaate components (recommended): For best texture, freeze broth and noodles separately. Store noodles in a separate container or freeze broth first, adding noodles after portioning.
3. Choose proper containers: Use freezer-safe options with tight seals.
4. Portion wisely: Freeze in single-serving sizes for convenient thawing.
5. Label clearly: Include date and contents on each container.

Container Type	Best For	Storage Duration	Tips
Freezer bags	Space efficiency	4-6 months	Lay flat to freeze for stackable storage
Glass jars	Long-term storage	3-4 months	Leave 1.5-inch headspace; avoid sudden temperature changes
Plastic containers	Convenience	4-6 months	Choose BPA-free with tight seals
Silicone molds	Broth cubes	6 months	Freeze broth first, then transfer to bags

Optimal Freezing Duration

For best quality, consume frozen chicken noodle soup within these timeframes:

• Homemade soup: 4-6 months
• Store-bought soup: Follow package dates, typically 2-3 months after opening
• Broth without noodles: Up to 6 months

While frozen soup remains safe indefinitely at 0°F (-18°C), quality gradually declines after these periods. The USDA recommends consuming frozen soups within 2-3 months for optimal flavor, though proper packaging extends this window.

Thawing and Reheating Techniques

How you thaw and reheat frozen soup significantly impacts final quality:

Safe Thawing Methods

• Refrigerator method: Transfer container to refrigerator 24-48 hours before use (best for texture)
• Cold water method: Submerge sealed bag in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes
• Direct reheating: Add frozen soup directly to pot with small amount of water

Reheating for Best Results

When reheating frozen chicken noodle soup:

1. Bring to gentle simmer over medium-low heat
2. Avoid rapid boiling which breaks down noodles further
3. Add fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice to refresh flavors
4. Consider adding fresh cooked noodles if texture is compromised

Common Freezing Challenges and Solutions

Address these frequent issues when freezing chicken noodle soup:

Noodle Texture Problems

Noodles often become mushy after freezing due to continued starch absorption. Prevent this by:

• Undercooking noodles initially (about 75% done)
• Using egg noodles which hold texture better than pasta varieties
• Freezing broth separately and adding freshly cooked noodles when serving

Ingredient Separation

Fat separation is common in frozen soups. Fix this by:

• Skimming excess fat before freezing
• Adding a small amount of cornstarch slurry when reheating
• Blending briefly with immersion blender for emulsification

Special Considerations for Different Soup Types

Freezing requirements vary based on soup composition:

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Follow standard freezing procedures. For cream-based versions, expect some texture changes as dairy doesn't freeze well. Consider adding cream after reheating.

Store-Bought Canned Soup

Transfer to freezer-safe containers immediately after opening. Canned soups often contain preservatives that affect freezing behavior. Consume within 2-3 months for best quality.

Chicken Soup with Dumplings

Dumplings don't freeze well. Remove before freezing and add fresh when serving. The dough becomes dense and gummy when frozen and reheated.

Food Safety Guidelines

Maintain safety throughout the freezing process:

• Cool soup from 140°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and to 40°F within 4 hours
• Store at 0°F (-18°C) or below
• Never refreeze previously frozen soup that's been completely thawed
• Reheat to internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)

Maximizing Flavor After Freezing

Restore freshness to thawed soup with these professional techniques:

• Add fresh herbs during final minute of reheating
• Stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to brighten flavors
• Top with fresh parsley or dill before serving
• Consider adding a small amount of fresh chicken broth to refresh the base

Freezing Soup for Meal Prep

For efficient meal planning:

1. Freeze in single-serving portions using muffin tins or portion cups
2. Create labeled inventory of frozen soups
3. Rotate stock using first-in-first-out system
4. Keep a running list of frozen meals for quick reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze chicken noodle soup with egg noodles?

Yes, but egg noodles hold up better than pasta varieties when frozen. For optimal texture, undercook egg noodles by 25% before freezing and consider separating them from the broth. When reheating, add a splash of water to refresh the noodles.

How do you prevent freezer burn on frozen chicken soup?

Prevent freezer burn by using airtight containers with minimal air space. Leave 1-inch headspace for expansion, then press plastic wrap directly onto the soup surface before sealing. Freezer bags work well when excess air is squeezed out. Maintain consistent freezer temperature at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

Why does my frozen chicken noodle soup become watery after thawing?

Water separation occurs when vegetables release moisture during freezing. To fix this, simmer the soup after thawing to reduce excess liquid. Adding a small cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) helps thicken the broth. Skimming excess fat before freezing also prevents separation issues.

Can you freeze store-bought chicken noodle soup?

Yes, you can freeze store-bought chicken noodle soup, but transfer it to freezer-safe containers immediately after opening. Canned soups often contain preservatives that affect freezing behavior. For best results, consume within 2-3 months. Cream-based varieties may separate when frozen, so consider adding dairy after reheating.

How long can you keep homemade chicken soup in the freezer?

Homemade chicken noodle soup maintains best quality for 4-6 months in the freezer when properly packaged. While frozen soup remains safe indefinitely at 0°F, flavor and texture gradually decline after 6 months. For optimal results, label containers with freezing dates and use a first-in-first-out system to rotate your frozen stock.