You just whipped up the perfect chicken marinade and now you’re ready to sit back and let it work its magic. But how long does marinated chicken last in the fridge? That all depends on the ingredients in your marinade. In this blog post, we will discuss the shelf life of a marinated chicken and how to make it last as long as possible. We will also provide some tips on how to store marinated chicken properly.
Let’s get started without further ado!
How Long Does Marinated Chicken Last in The Fridge?
Chicken is a versatile protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One popular method is to marinate the chicken before cooking, as this can help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. But how long does marinated chicken last in the fridge?
Assuming you’re starting with fresh, raw chicken, the general rule of thumb is that it will last in the fridge for up to two days. However, this can vary depending on the type of chicken and the marinade. For example, chicken that has been marinated in a vinegar-based sauce will last a day or two, while chicken marinated in a citrus-based sauce will only last a few hours.
Additionally, bone-in chicken will usually last longer than boneless chicken. With that said, it’s always important to err on the side of caution and to check the expiration date on your chicken before cooking.
When it comes to cooking marinated chicken, there are two schools of thought. Some people believe that you should cook the chicken immediately after marinating, while others believe that you should allow the chicken to marinate overnight for maximum flavor. If you’re short on time, cooking the chicken immediately is perfectly fine. However, if you have the time to spare, we recommend marinating the chicken overnight for the best results.
Now that we’ve answered the question “How long does marinated chicken last in the fridge?”, let’s talk about how to store it properly.
How To Store Marinated Chicken?
Marinated chicken is a great way to add flavor to your chicken dishes. But, if you don’t know how to store it properly, you can end up with dry, bland chicken. Here are six tips on how to store marinated chicken so that it stays moist and flavorful.
1. Store the Chicken in the Refrigerator
The fridge is the safest place to store marinated chicken. It will keep the chicken fresh and prevent the growth of bacteria. Make sure that the chicken is in a covered container or bag, and place it on the bottom shelf of the fridge so that it doesn’t come into contact with other food. You should use the chicken within two days.
Moreover, if you are marinating chicken breasts, it is best to pound them before storing them in the fridge. This will help the marinade to penetrate the meat better.
2. Use a Ziplock Bag
Another great way to store marinated chicken is in a ziplock bag. This will help to keep the chicken from drying out and will also help to keep it fresh. Ziplock bags are also great for keeping the chicken from freezer burn.
But how do you ensure that your chicken stays fresh and delicious? Here’s a detailed look at how to store marinated chicken using a zip-lock bag.
- First, make sure that the bag is large enough to fit all of your chicken. You don’t want the chicken to be crammed in, as this can lead to a freezer burn.
- Next, remove as much air from the bag as possible. This can be done by using a straw to suck out the air or by using a vacuum sealer.
- Once the bag is sealed, label it with the date and name of the recipe. Then, place it in the fridge for up to two days.
- When you’re ready to cook the chicken, simply remove it from the bag and cook as usual.
What About Glass Jars?
Glass jars are also a great option for storing marinated chicken because they’re easy to clean and can be reused over and over again. Make sure to use a jar that’s big enough to fit all of the chicken pieces, and be sure to leave some headspace at the top of the jar so that the chicken can marinate properly.
When you’re ready to cook, simply remove the chicken from the jar and cook as desired. Glass jars are also convenient because they can go straight from the fridge to the oven – no need to dirty another dish! Just be careful when handling hot glass, and don’t forget to let the chicken rest before cutting into it. Enjoy!
Read Also: How long can thawed chicken stay in the fridge?
3. Make sure the chicken is completely covered by the Marinade!
One of the most important things to remember when storing marinated chicken is to make sure that the chicken is completely covered by the marinade. This will ensure that the chicken stays moist and doesn’t dry out. To do this, you can either submerge the chicken in the marinade or put it in a zip-top bag and then pour the marinade over top. Once the chicken is fully coated, be sure to seal the bag or container tightly and store it in the refrigerator.
Another option is to place the chicken and marinade in a glass jar and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Whichever method you choose, just make sure that the chicken is fully immersed in the marinade. Otherwise, you’ll end up with dry, flavorless chicken.
4. Store in the Coldest Part of the Fridge
One of the most important things to remember when storing marinated chicken is to keep it cold. Chicken should always be stored in the coldest part of the fridge, typically at the back of the bottom shelf. This will help to prevent the chicken from spoiling or developing bacteria. Additionally, it is important to use marinated chicken within two days of preparation.
Beyond that, the quality of the chicken will begin to decline. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your marinated chicken stays fresh and safe to eat.
5. Don‘t store chicken near raw meat, dairy, or produce
One important tip to remember when storing marinated chicken is to keep it separate from raw meat, dairy, and produce. Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria that can contaminate other food, so it’s important to keep it stored in a separate area.
It’s best to use a designated storage container or fridge drawer for raw chicken. This will help to prevent any cross-contamination. In this way, you can be sure that your chicken is stored safely and correctly.
And finally, always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your chicken is safe to eat.
6. Use Acidic Marinade (Lemon Juice, Vinegar) to preserve chicken
When it comes to storing marinated chicken, one of the most important things you can do is to use an acidic marinade. Lemon juice and vinegar are both great options for this, as they help to preserve the chicken and keep it from going bad. Acidic marinades also help to tenderize the chicken, making it more flavorful and juicy.
If you are using a store-bought marinade, make sure to check the label to ensure that it contains an acidic ingredient. If you are making your marinade, simply add a few tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to the mix. With these simple tips, you can be sure that your marinated chicken will stay fresh and delicious.
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Bonus: How To Marinate Chicken?
If you’re looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your chicken, then marinating it is a great option! There are many different ways to marinate chicken, but in this section of the blog post, we’ll be providing a detailed step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Before we get started, here are a few things you’ll need:
- A non-reactive container (such as a glass bowl or plastic bag) that is large enough to fit all of the chicken pieces you’re planning on marinating.
- Enough time to allow the chicken to marinate. This could be anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the recipe you’re using.
List of Ingredients
Ingredients could be anything from olive oil and vinegar to a more complex mixture of spices and herbs. For this recipe, we will be using the following list of ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic cloves
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare Your Marinade
The first step is to prepare your marinade. If you’re using a store-bought marinade, simply mix it together according to the instructions on the bottle. If you’re making your own marinade, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl or jar and stir until they’re well combined.
Below are some tips to consider in this regard:
- If you’re using fresh herbs, chop them finely before adding them to the marinade.
- If you’re using dried herbs, crush them between your fingers to release their flavor before adding them to the marinade.
- If you’re using garlic, we recommend mincing or pressing it so that its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the marinade.
- If you’re using salt and pepper, we recommend adding them to the taste.
You also need to answer the following questions before heading to the next step.
- How much olive oil should I use?
- What is the best ratio of lemon juice to garlic?
- Should I add any other spices or herbs?
- How much salt and pepper should I season my marinade with?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Add The Chicken To The Marinade
Once the marinade is ready, add the chicken to the container and make sure that all of the pieces are coated in the mixture. If you’re using a bowl, you can just turn the chicken over a few times to ensure that it’s evenly coated. If you’re using a bag, seal it up and shake it until the chicken is evenly coated.
Read Also: Chicken Thigh Internal Temp: All You Need To Know
Step 3: Let The Chicken Marinate
Now, it’s time to let the chicken marinate! If you’re in a hurry, you can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes. However, if you have more time, we recommend letting it marinate for at least a few hours, or even overnight.
Step 4: Cook The Chicken
Once the chicken is finished marinating, it’s time to cook it! You can cook marinated chicken in a variety of different ways, such as grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Just make sure that the chicken is cooked through before serving.
And there you have it! That’s all there is to marinating chicken. We hope that this section of the blog post has helped you learn a little bit more about this cooking technique. If you’re looking for more information on how to cook chicken, be sure to check out our other blog posts. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
What is a good recipe for marinated chicken?
There are many recipes for marinated chicken, but a good recipe will include flavorful ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. The chicken should be marinated for at least two hours, or overnight for best results. After it has been cooked, the chicken can be served with rice and vegetables.
Can you freeze marinated chicken?
You can freeze marinated chicken, but there are a few things to consider when doing so. First, the quality of the chicken may suffer if it is frozen for an extended period of time. Additionally, the flavors of the marinade may become more concentrated and potentially overwhelming after being frozen. Therefore, it is best to use frozen marinated chicken within a few months for optimal flavor and quality.
How do I make sure refrigerated marinated chicken doesn’t get dry when I cook it?
If you’re using a marinade that has acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice, cook the chicken within a day or two to prevent it from drying out. When cooking, make sure to bake the chicken with the marinade to keep it moist.
Wrapping Up
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to food. By marinating your chicken in advance, you can save yourself some time and hassle later on. Plus, if you store it properly in the fridge, that delicious chicken will last for up to two days. So go ahead and get cooking – your taste buds (and stomach) will thank you!