You may have just made chicken broth or opened a bottle of store-bought chicken broth and are wondering how long it will last in the refrigerator. Improper storage can cause it to spoil and even lead to stomach issues. This article will tell you everything you need to know about storing chicken broth.
Refrigerator Shelf Life for Different Chicken Broths
The shelf life of broth depends on whether you make it yourself or buy it. In any case, always keep the refrigerator temperature at 4°C (40°F) or below.
Homemade Chicken Broth
Homemade broth contains no preservatives. It can be stored fresh and safe for 3 to 4 days in an airtight refrigerator container. Here are some tips:
- Pour the cooked broth into a shallow container for rapid cooling. Deep pots cool slowly and are more prone to bacterial growth.
- Refrigerate the broth within 2 hours of cooking. If the room temperature exceeds 90°F (approximately 32°C), refrigerate within 1 hour.
Opened Store-Bought Chicken Broth
Boxed or canned chicken broth contains preservatives and has undergone pasteurization.
- Once opened, pour any remaining chicken broth into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- Do not store leftover chicken broth in open cardboard boxes or metal cans for extended periods. Opened packaging can easily absorb odors and bacteria from other foods in the refrigerator.
Unopened Store-Bought Broth
Unopened canned or boxed foods do not need to be refrigerated.
- Store them in a cool, dry cupboard.
- Consume before the expiry date printed on the packaging.
How to Tell If Chicken Broth Has Gone Bad
Do not judge the freshness of chicken soup by tasting it. First, check for the following obvious signs:
- It has an unpleasant sour or rotten smell.
- The soup is cloudy or has foreign objects floating in it.
- Mold appears on the surface of the soup.
- Bubbles appear inside the sealed container.
Even if the chicken soup smells normal after its safe storage period, it should not be consumed. Some harmful bacteria do not produce an unpleasant odor.
Tips to Make Broth Last Longer in the Fridge
- Always use clean spoons or ladles to take broth out. Dirty utensils bring bacteria into the whole container.
- Separate large batches into small containers. You only open one small box each time and keep the rest sealed fresh.
- Keep broth on the inner shelf of the fridge, not the door. The fridge door has changing temperatures.
If you cannot finish broth within 5 days, freeze it. Pour broth into ice cube trays or freezer-safe boxes. Frozen chicken broth keeps its quality for 2 to 3 months.
Extra Tips & Common Misunderstandings
- Don’t mistake thickened chicken broth or solidified fat on the surface for spoilage. Refrigerated chicken broth often thickens due to natural gelatin, and fat may solidify at low temperatures. Both are normal and safe to eat.
- Write the storage date on the sealed container. This simple step helps you easily track how many days your chicken broth has been in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Follow these simple chicken broth storage rules. Differentiate between homemade and store-bought chicken broth, and freeze any excess as needed. This way, you can enjoy fresh, safe chicken broth for your home cooking anytime.
FAQs
Can I still eat chicken soup that’s been in the refrigerator for 5 days?
Once opened, commercially available chicken soup can be consumed within 5 days if stored properly. Homemade chicken soup is not recommended to be stored for more than 4 days.
Does chicken soup need to be completely cooled before refrigerating?
No, you don’t need to wait for the chicken soup to cool to room temperature. Divide the hot chicken soup into shallow containers and refrigerate immediately.
Can chicken soup be left at room temperature overnight?
No. Chicken soup left at room temperature for more than 2 hours must be discarded. Bacteria multiply rapidly in warm, nutrient-rich liquids (such as chicken soup).
What kind of container is best for storing chicken soup in the refrigerator?
Sealed glass containers or BPA-free plastic airtight boxes are best. They prevent cross-contamination and also avoid odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
You may also find this blog post useful:
How Long After Preparing Smoked Meat Should It Be Refrigerated? A Full Useful Guide
Cooked Hamburgers: How Long to Refrigerate Freeze Leftovers (3–4 Days/2–4 Months Guide)
How Long Can You Keep Cooked Fish In The Refrigerator
Opened Canned Food Refrigerator Storage — A Complete Guide
About The Author
Evan Wang
I am Evan Wang, the General Manager, Marketing Director, and SEO Expert at Sunnyda Cold Room. I have over 20 years of experience in the refrigeration industry, and my expertise is in commercial refrigeration solutions.
I’d be delighted to share practical ideas about refrigeration products, project selection, export trade, SEO, and marketing.
Let’s connect!
