How Long Can You Keep Marinated Chicken in the Fridge? Safe Storage Tips
Marinating chicken is one of my favorite ways to add deep flavor with minimal effort. Marinating chicken overnight is the best. You wake up to a meal that’s almost ready to cook. Marinating chicken makes it special. It can be zesty with citrus, savory with soy, or spicy with chili and garlic. Each mix adds unique flavor. But there’s always that lingering question—how long is too long?
Have you ever taken marinated chicken from the fridge and wondered if it’s still safe to eat? Should you cook it immediately, or can it sit for another day? And what happens if you leave it in there for too long? Proper storage guidelines can turn a great meal into a waste of chicken.
In this blog post, I’ll explain how long marinated chicken lasts in the fridge. I’ll also cover the best ways to store it safely and share tips to boost flavor and freshness. Whether you’re meal prepping or planning a last-minute dinner, this guide will help you avoid food waste and keep your meals safe.
Understanding Chicken Marinades
Marinades are a blend of ingredients designed to enhance the flavor, tenderness, and juiciness of chicken. They infuse meat with spices, acids, and oils. This not only enhances flavor but also helps break down proteins. As a result, you get a more tender bite. The right marinade can transform your grilled, baked, or pan-seared chicken.
A typical marinade includes three key components: acid, oil, and seasoning. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt help tenderize the chicken, while oils such as olive or sesame oil lock in moisture. Herbs, spices, and aromatics—like garlic, paprika, and soy sauce—provide depth of flavor.
The choice of ingredients also plays a role in food safety. Acidic marinades slow bacterial growth, while dairy-based ones can spoil more quickly. Balancing flavors and ensuring food safety leads to a tasty and safe meal.
How Long Can Marinated Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Marinated chicken can last in the fridge for up to two days when stored properly.
Chicken is a versatile and popular ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. One way to add flavor to chicken is to marinate it before cooking. Marinating chicken in a mixture of spices, oil, and acid can help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
However, you need to follow food safety guidelines when marinating chicken. Most marinades contain acid, which can act as a breeding ground for bacteria. For this reason, it is important not to marinate chicken for longer than necessary.
Generally, the chicken should be marinated for at least thirty minutes but no longer than two hours.
If you are planning to marinate chicken for longer than two hours, it is best to do so in the refrigerator. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria. So, do you know how long a rotisserie chicken is good for?
How Long Can You Keep It in the Freezer?
Chicken stored in the freezer for more than three months is not safe to eat.
According to the USDA, chicken that has been marinated can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
However, if you plan to freeze the chicken, it is important to do so before the marinade has had a chance to spoil.
Marinated chicken can be a delicious and easy way to add flavor to a meal. However, you need to follow food safety guidelines when storing and preparing marinated chicken.
| Read: How Long Do Cooked Chicken Wings Last In The Fridge? |
How Long Can Marinated Chicken Last at Room Temperature?
It is generally recommended that chicken only be marinated for two hours or less at room temperature. If you need to marinate the chicken for longer, it is best to do so in the refrigerator. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and keep the chicken fresh.
Most marinades have acidity from lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt. This keeps the chicken moist and tasty. However, these acids can also break down the chicken’s protein if left for too long.
Storing Marinated Chicken The Safe Way
The first step is to choose the right container. Glass or stainless steel is a great choice. If you’re using an acidic marinade, like one with lemon juice or vinegar, avoid aluminum or plastic. They can react with the acid and change the chicken’s flavor.
Once you’ve selected a suitable container, label it clearly with the contents and date. When you’re ready to use the marinade, take the chicken out of the fridge. Defrost the chicken in the microwave. Then, add your desired amount of marinade. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
And that’s all there is to it! By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, flavorful chicken anytime you want.
“The USDA says to store raw chicken in the fridge. Keep it at 40°F (4°C) or lower. Use it within 1 to 2 days, whether it’s marinated or not. Exceeding this time frame can increase the risk of bacterial growth, leading to potential foodborne illnesses. Source: USDA”
How To Know If Marinated Chicken Is Spoiled
Regarding food safety, chicken is one of the foods people are most concerned about. After all, chicken is a common source of food poisoning. So how can you tell if your marinated chicken is spoiled?
There are a few things to look for.
First, check the color of the chicken. Fresh chicken should be pinkish-white, while spoiled chicken often has a greenish tint.
Second, smell the chicken. Fresh chicken smells mild and pleasant. Spoiled chicken, on the other hand, has a sour or putrid odor.
Finally, touch the chicken. If it feels slimy or sticky, bacteria has likely begun to grow on it.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to throw out the chicken.
FAQs on Keeping Marinated Chicken in the Fridge
Should you wash chicken before marinating?
Yes. Washing the chicken will help remove any contaminants on the bird’s surface. Using a marinade with vinegar or citrus juice helps kill bacteria on the chicken. However, it’s best to wash the chicken first if you’re using a marinade that doesn’t contain vinegar or citrus juice. Find out what temperature you should cook chicken on Pit Boss here.
Can you safely reuse chicken marinade?
Yes, you can safely reuse chicken marinade. But, the longer you marinate the chicken, the greater the chance of bacteria growing.
So, it’s a good idea to save some marinade for a sauce or dip. Then, throw away the rest after using it on the chicken.
How do you defrost frozen marinated chicken?
You can defrost frozen chicken in one of two ways: in the refrigerator or cold water.
To defrost chicken in the refrigerator, place it in a covered dish and let it sit overnight. To defrost chicken in cold water, put the sealed package in a big bowl or sink filled with cold water.
Change the water every 30 minutes until the chicken is thawed. But should you put warm chicken in the fridge?
Why should you marinate chicken?
Marinating chicken is a great way to add flavor and juiciness to the meat. The marinade can also help to protect the chicken from drying out during cooking.
| Check out: Raw Chicken in the Fridge: How Long Does It Last? |
Final Thoughts
Chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
If you are marinating chicken for more than one day, flip it over every 12 hours to ensure even coverage. Any leftover marinade should be thrown out and not reused. Chicken can also be frozen for future use.
Now that you know how long chicken lasts in the fridge, you can cook a big batch on Sunday. It will last you all week. To freeze your chicken, follow these steps. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months.
Reference:
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/marinade-overview-and-tips-335970
