Chicken soup is a portion of healthy comfort food that brings feelings of nostalgia and memories of childhood to many people. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and can soothe and hydrate the body, improve your mood, manage weight loss, and so much more. All these benefits make it the ideal meal for anyone feeling ill.
In this article, I will tell you all about how you can reheat chicken soup to the perfect temperature that will soothe your body and mind.
Is It Safe to Reheat Chicken Soup in The Microwave?
Using the microwave to reheat chicken soup works almost as well as using the stove. As someone who is always on the go for work and school, I find it to be not only safe but quick and easy.
The microwave can be used to reheat your chicken soup without compromising on its texture or taste. Soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, so be sure to reheat and eat your soup before the 4-day mark.
Of course, you can extend this time to 3 months by storing it in the freezer. You should also only reheat the amount you intend to eat in one sitting. It is important to use a microwavable dish and keep it covered when reheating soup in the microwave.
Can You Reheat Cooked Chicken Soup?
Of course, you can definitely reheat already cooked chicken soup that has cooled over some time. It is, however, not recommended for you to reheat a given portion more than once. This is in the best interest of your health.
When the chicken soup (or any other food for that matter) is cooked and cooled, bacteria begin to form on the surface of your food, rapidly multiplying and, and spreading all throughout.
These organisms can disrupt the good health of your gut bacteria when you consume the food, leading to unwanted digestive problems.
When you reheat the food, the heat kills off some of these bacteria, but not all of them Constantly cooling and reheating will only cause more bacteria to form each time, thus increasing your risk of getting sick.
It is recommended that you reheat only once after cooking your chicken soup. If you have a large batch leftover in storage, make sure to carefully measure the exact amount you will need to eat in that sitting. Doing this will allow you to avoid wasting any of the soup.
How Long to microwave Soup in The Microwave?
Reheating chicken soup takes around 3 to 4 minutes. The time will vary based on portion size and if the soup had been placed in the refrigerator or freezer.
I typically keep my chicken soup in the refrigerator and leave the freezer for ice and meats. It makes the reheating process quicker as I do not have to defrost the soup before microwaving it. Reheating chicken soup is done in 30-second intervals, and I like to stir my broth in between each session.
How Do You Defrost Frozen Chicken Soup Before Reheating it in The Microwave?
Storing chicken soup in the freezer allows you to have it for months at a time. However, it also means extra steps must be taken before reheating it in the microwave.
There are several ways to defrost chicken soup. The first is simply to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. The microwave can always be done to speed up the process.
While I prefer the overnight method, sometimes I forget and end up popping my frozen chicken soup in the microwave the next morning.
You can defrost your chicken soup by microwaving it on low heat for 2 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up frozen chunks and keep microwaving in 30-second intervals. Once the soup is completely slushy, you can follow the steps below to reheat your chicken soup in the microwave.
Quick and Easy Steps on How to Reheat Chicken Soup
- Choose a microwaveable container and pour your soup into it
- Remove the chicken soup from the refrigerator/freezer and transfer it into the container.
- Cover the container with the accompanying lid or a plastic wrap. If you intend to use the accompanying lid, do not completely seal the container. This will allow the steam to have an escape avenue so that the container does not explode during heating.
- Heat your soup in the microwave on high power for 1 minute
- Continue heating your soup in 30-second intervals, stirring periodically.
- Remove the soup while it is hot. Be careful not to burn yourself (use a suitable dishcloth or oven mitt)
- Recombine all the ingredients by mixing
- Let the soup sit for 2 minutes before eating
Tips on How to Reheat Chicken Soup in The Microwave
The perfect reheated chicken soup requires more than just putting it in the microwave and blasting it. There are several tips and tricks that will help retain the taste and texture of your ingredients. I always use these tricks to ensure my chicken soup is safe and tastes just as good as when I made it.
- Remove the noodles from the broth. This will prevent the noodles from getting soggy during the reheating process. Reheat the noodles separately, then recombine the ingredients once everything is piping hot.
- Always leave space in your microwaveable container. This will prevent your soup from boiling over.
- Ensure the cover on your microwave dish is loose. This allows for a vent for hot air to travel through.
- Microwave the soup for 1 or 2 minutes before continuing the reheating process in 30-second intervals. This gets the soup warmed up without turning all the ingredients to mush. Using 30-second intervals after this has been done helps you to control the temperature and monitor your soup.
- Stir your soup after each 30-second interval. This ensures that your soup heats evenly and will remove hotspots that would otherwise cause the soup to explode in the microwave.
- Make sure your microwave temperature is high. This not only kills bacteria but helps your soup get piping hot before the solid ingredients get mushy.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure your soup reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the center. Use the thermometer to check your broth, chicken, and vegetables
Conclusion
Chicken soup is a staple in many households. It serves as healthy comfort food that provides hydration and nutrients to the body, especially when you are feeling sick. Reheating chicken soup in the microwave is safe, but you can take steps to ensure that your safety is never compromised.
You can use a loosely covered microwaveable container. Space should be left in the container to avoid spills, and you should only reheat the amount you intend to eat at one time. You should also stir the soup after each 30-second interval to prevent explosions.
Separating the noodles from the chicken and broth will help to preserve their texture and taste. In reheating your soup, the microwave’s temperature should be set to high. A food thermometer will help you to ensure that your chicken soup is at the right temperature.
By following the steps above, you can recapture your childhood with the perfect bowl of chicken soup. I hope this article was helpful.
FAQ
How can I safely reheat leftover home cooked meals?
To safely reheat leftover home cooked meals, it is important to ensure that the food’s technically safe for consumption. You should refrigerate any leftovers within two hours of cooking and use chicken or meat broth when reheating soup. Cooked foods can be safely reheated multiple times, but you should avoid reheating canned soup more than once.
What are the risks of consuming improperly reheated food?
Consuming improperly reheated food can lead to food poisoning, which is caused by bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli. These bacteria thrive in warm environments like those found in poorly stored or undercooked meats and can cause severe illness if ingested.
Can I reheat soup more than once?
While it is generally safe to reheat soup, you should avoid doing so more than once. Reheating food multiple times increases the risk of bacterial growth and contamination, which could result in food poisoning.
How many times can you safely reheat leftover cooked food?
Cooked foods can be safely reheated multiple times as long as they are stored properly and heated to a temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). However, it is recommended that you only reheat leftovers one time to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
What’s the best way to store leftover soup for later consumption?
The best way to store leftover soup for later consumption is by refrigerating it within two hours after cooking with a lid on top using meat broth instead of water. Leftover soups must be kept at temperatures below 40°F (4°C) until ready for consumption.
How can I prevent the quality of my broth-based soups from decreasing?
To prevent the quality of your heat broth based soups from decreasing, it is recommended to store soup in a big pot and refrigerate soups immediately after they have cooled down. Additionally, reheating leftovers should be done at medium heat to avoid overcooking and defrosting soup should be done slowly in the refrigerator or under cold running water.
What is clear soup?
Clear soup is a type of thin and light-colored broth that has been clarified by removing any impurities such as fat, bones, or vegetables. It is usually made with only what ingredients are necessary for flavor and nutrition.
Can I refreeze leftovers?
It is generally not recommended to refreeze leftovers because this can lead to food waste and potentially harmful bacteria growth. However, if you have defrosted only that portion which you need then it’s safe to refreeze leftovers once they have been thoroughly reheated.
What are some guidelines for storing prepared food items?
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), leftover food should be stored in an airtight container within two hours of cooking at room temperature. If you’re planning on keeping them longer than 2 days then freeze them instead of refrigerating them.
How do I make thick soup thinner?
If your thick soup needs thinning out, add more liquid like water or stock until it reaches your desired consistency. Be sure not to add too much liquid all at once as this may dilute its flavor too much.