How Long Can You Keep Marinated Chicken In The Fridge? (2024)

Last Updated on May 14, 2024 by Shari Mason

A quick and healthy meal idea is to marinate your chicken overnight and cook it in the morning. This simple tip can save you time and provide a delicious dish!

But how long can you keep that marinated chicken in the fridge before it goes bad?

In this blog post, we will answer that question and give tips on storing your chicken correctly.

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, it is important 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.

But how long is a rotisserie chicken 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, it is important to follow food safety guidelines when storing and preparing marinated chicken.

Read: How Long Can Marinated Steak Stay 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.

Generally speaking, most marinades contain acidity from lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt, which helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. However, these acids can also break down the chicken’s protein if left for too long.

How To Store It

The first step is to choose the right container. Glass or stainless steel is always a good choice, but if you’re using an acidic marinade[1] (such as one made with lemon juice or vinegar), it’s best to avoid aluminum or plastic; as they can react with the acid and affect the flavor of the chicken.

Once you’ve selected a suitable container, label it clearly with the contents and date. Then, when you’re ready to use the marinade, remove the chicken from the fridge, add the desired amount of marinade, and 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. But how do you defrost chicken in the microwave?

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. The fresh chicken will have a mild, pleasant odor, while spoiled chicken will often have a sour or putrid smell.

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

Should you wash chicken before marinating?

Yes. Washing the chicken will help remove any contaminants on the bird’s surface.

If you’re using a marinade that contains vinegar or citrus juice, those ingredients will help to kill any 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. However, it’s important to note that the longer you marinate the chicken, the more likely it is to become contaminated with bacteria.

For this reason, it’s best to reserve a portion of the marinade specifically for use as a sauce or dip and discard 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 the chicken in cold water, place the sealed packaging of the chicken into a large bowl or sink full of 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.

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 can last in the fridge, you can plan and cook up a big batch on Sunday that will last throughout the week. If you want to freeze your chicken instead, follow these same steps, and it will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months.

Reference:

1. https://www.thespruceeats.com/marinade-overview-and-tips-335970