How Long Does Chicken Soup Last Out of the Fridge?

Chicken soup is a popular comfort food many enjoy, especially during the cold winter or when feeling under the weather. However, it’s not always clear how Long does chicken soup last out of the fridge? Consuming sour soup can lead to food poisoning and other health issues.

Therefore, it’s important to know how long chicken soup can last at room temperature before it becomes unsafe. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that determine the shelf life of chicken soup. We’ll also provide tips for storing and reheating it to ensure it remains safe and delicious.

Factors that Affect Chicken Soup’s Shelf Life

Several factors can impact the shelf life of chicken soup. It is important to consider these factors to properly store and preserve soup.

Ingredients

The ingredients used in the soup can affect its shelf life. Certain ingredients, such as onions or garlic, can increase the soup’s acidity level, inhibiting bacterial growth and prolonging the soup’s shelf life.

Storage

How the soup is stored is also important in determining how long it will last. Storing chicken soup in an airtight container is crucial in preventing air exposure, which can cause bacterial growth and spoil the soup. It is also important to preserve the soup at the appropriate temperature, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or other heat sources.

Environment

The temperature and humidity of the environment can also affect chicken soup’s shelf life. Exposure to high temperatures can cause the soup to spoil more quickly, while high humidity can encourage bacterial growth and spoilage.

How Long Does Chicken Soup Last Out of the Fridge?

If you’re wondering how long chicken soup can last outside the fridge, it’s important to consider several factors. These factors include the environment’s temperature, the time the soup has been out of the fridge, and how the soup was prepared and stored.

Environment’s temperature

If the temperature is below 90°F, chicken soup can last up to two hours outside the fridge. However, if the temperature rises above 90°F, the soup should be discarded after just one hour. Higher temperatures can encourage bacterial growth, which can lead to food poisoning.

How Long can the soup been out of the fridge?

The time the soup has been out of the fridge is also important. If the soup has been out of the fridge for more than two hours, eating is generally unsafe. The longer the soup remains at room temperature, the increased the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage.

How was the soup prepared and stored?

It is also important to consider how the soup was prepared and stored. If the soup has been in the fridge for more than four days, it should be thrown away, regardless of how long it has been outside the fridge. This is because bacteria can continue to grow even in the refrigerator, and after four days, the risk of spoilage and contamination increases significantly.

Tips for Storing Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is a comforting and delicious dish that can be enjoyed all year round. Whether you’ve made a big batch of soup or have leftovers from a meal, it’s important to store it properly to ensure its freshness and safety.

Here are some tips for storing chicken soup:

• Use an airtight container: To prevent bacteria growth and spoilage, it’s important to store chicken soup in an airtight container. This will help to keep out any air, which can cause the soup to spoil faster.
• Store in the fridge: Chicken soup should be stored at a temperature of 40°F or below. This will help keep it fresh and safe to eat. If you don’t plan on eating the soup within a few days, you can freeze it for longer storage.
• Store in small portions: When storing chicken soup, it’s best to divide it up into smaller portions. This will make it easier to reheat later on and help prevent waste. You can store the soup in individual or one large container with portions marked off.

Conclusion

Chicken soup is a versatile and flavorful dish enjoyed for generations. It can be made in various ways, with different vegetables, spices, and meats, and is often enjoyed as a remedy for colds and the flu.

However, it’s important to know food safety when storing and reheating the chicken soup. Chicken soup can become a breeding ground for bacteria if left out for too long, leading to food poisoning. To prevent this, keeping chicken soup in an airtight container in the fridge at a temperature of 40°F or below is essential. Additionally, it’s best to store chicken soup in small portions so that it can be reheated easily and quickly.

When reheating chicken soup, it’s crucial to ensure it reaches a temperature of at least 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria that may have grown. A thermometer can help ensure the soup is heated to a safe temperature.