Last updated: June 10, 2026.
Chicken broth usually keeps 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator after opening or cooking, unless the package label gives a different rule. Keep it covered at 40 degrees F or below, freeze it if you need more time, and throw it away if it smells sour, looks moldy, or the container swells.
Quick Storage Table
| Broth type | Fridge guidance | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade chicken broth | Use within 3 to 4 days | Cool quickly and refrigerate in shallow containers |
| Opened boxed or canned broth | Follow the package; 3 to 4 days is a conservative default if no clear label is available | Move opened canned broth to a covered food-safe container |
| Chicken soup or broth with meat, noodles, or vegetables | Use within 3 to 4 days | Reheat leftovers to 165 degrees F |
| Broth you will not use soon | Freeze it | Leave headspace because liquid expands |
How To Store Chicken Broth Safely
- Refrigerate broth promptly after cooking or opening.
- Keep the refrigerator at 40 degrees F or below.
- Use clean utensils so you do not contaminate the container.
- Label the container with the date opened or cooked.
- Freeze broth in small portions if you will not use it within a few days.
Signs Chicken Broth Has Gone Bad
- Sour, rotten, or yeasty smell.
- Mold or unusual floating growth.
- Swollen carton, bulging can, or leaking container.
- Fizzing or pressure when opened.
- Unknown storage time. If you cannot tell how long it has been open, discard it.
Can You Boil Old Broth To Make It Safe?
Do not use boiling as a rescue step for broth that smells bad, shows mold, or sat too long. Reheating is for leftovers that were stored safely. Chicken broth or soup leftovers should be reheated to 165 degrees F before serving.
Freezing Chicken Broth
Freeze broth in freezer-safe containers, silicone trays, or bags laid flat. Leave room for expansion and label the date. Thaw frozen broth in the refrigerator, then reheat it fully before using in soup, sauce, rice, or braises.
FAQ
Can chicken broth last 7 days in the fridge?
Do not assume 7 days is safe. Some commercial labels may give their own timing after opening, but homemade broth and broth-like leftovers should usually be used within 3 to 4 days.
How do you tell if chicken broth is bad?
Discard it if it smells sour or rotten, shows mold, fizzes, comes from a swollen container, or has been open for an unknown length of time.
Can you freeze chicken broth after opening?
Yes. Freeze it while it is still fresh, ideally in small portions. Do not wait until the broth is near spoilage and then freeze it.
What temperature should leftover soup or broth reach?
Reheat broth-based leftovers to 165 degrees F before serving, especially if the broth contains chicken, noodles, vegetables, or other leftovers.