Soup Storage: Freezer Friendliness of Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed all year round. But what about when you have leftovers? Can you freeze chicken tortilla soup to save for later? The answer is yes! Chicken tortilla soup freezes well, making it a great way to meal prep or have a quick and easy meal on hand.

How to Freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup

Freezing chicken tortilla soup is a simple process. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Cool the soup completely. Before freezing, allow the soup to cool to room temperature. This will help prevent the soup from expanding and breaking the container.
2. Remove any excess fat. If there is any excess fat on the surface of the soup, skim it off before freezing. This will help prevent the soup from becoming greasy when thawed.
3. Portion the soup. Divide the soup into individual portions or freeze it in a large container. If freezing in a large container, leave about 1 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion.
4. Choose the right containers. Use freezer-safe containers that are airtight and leak-proof. Glass jars, plastic freezer bags, or airtight plastic containers are all good options.
5. Label and freeze. Label the containers with the date and contents. Freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

How to Thaw Chicken Tortilla Soup

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen chicken tortilla soup, there are two main ways to thaw it:
1. Refrigerator thawing: Place the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours until thawed. This is the safest and most gradual method of thawing.
2. Microwave thawing: Place the frozen soup in a microwave-safe container and thaw on the defrost setting. Be sure to stir the soup occasionally to ensure even thawing.

How to Reheat Chicken Tortilla Soup

Once the soup is thawed, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Be sure to stir the soup occasionally to prevent burning.

Tips for Freezing Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Use fresh ingredients. Fresh ingredients will freeze better and taste better when thawed.
• Don’t overcook the soup. Overcooked soup will become mushy when thawed.
• Remove the tortillas before freezing. Tortillas will become soggy when frozen. Add them to the soup when reheating.
• Freeze the soup in an airtight container. This will prevent freezer burn and keep the soup fresh.
• Label the soup with the date. This will help you keep track of how long the soup has been frozen.

Benefits of Freezing Chicken Tortilla Soup

Freezing chicken tortilla soup offers several benefits:

• Convenience: Having frozen chicken tortilla soup on hand makes it easy to have a quick and easy meal on busy weeknights.
• Meal prep: Freezing soup is a great way to meal prep and save time during the week.
• Portion control: Freezing soup in individual portions helps with portion control and prevents overeating.
• Reduced food waste: Freezing soup helps reduce food waste by preserving leftovers that might otherwise go to waste.

Final Thoughts

Yes, chicken tortilla soup freezes well! By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy this flavorful dish anytime you want. Freezing chicken tortilla soup is a great way to save time, reduce food waste, and have a delicious meal on hand for those busy weeknights.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I freeze chicken tortilla soup with tortillas in it?
A: No, it’s best to remove the tortillas before freezing. Tortillas will become soggy when frozen. Add them to the soup when reheating.
Q: How long can I freeze chicken tortilla soup?
A: Chicken tortilla soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I know if frozen chicken tortilla soup has gone bad?
A: If the soup has developed an off-color, smell, or taste, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded.