Marinating chicken is a great way to infuse flavor and make the meat extra juicy and tender. But how long can you safely keep chicken marinating in the fridge before cooking it? There are several factors to consider when determining the optimal marinating time. Follow these tips to marinate chicken properly without compromising food safety.
Overview of Marinating Chicken
-
Marinades impart flavor and moisture into chicken. Acidic ingredients like vinegar citrus and yogurt help tenderize the meat.
-
Marinating times range from 30 minutes to overnight in the fridge Excessive marinating can make chicken mushy
-
Food safety is crucial. Marinate at 40°F or below to inhibit bacteria. Never reuse marinade.
-
Factors like marinade ingredients, size of chicken pieces, and temperature affect ideal marinating time.
Recommended Marinating Times
-
Boneless chicken breasts: 30 minutes to 2 hours
-
Bone-in chicken (drumsticks, thighs): 2-4 hours
-
Whole chicken: At least 2 hours, up to 24 hours
-
Chicken cubes/strips: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Keep marinating times on the shorter side for highly acidic marinades and longer for oil- or yogurt-based marinades. Refrigeration temperature also slows down the marinating process, allowing you to safely marinate for longer without compromising texture.
Signs of Over-Marination
-
Mushy, overly soft texture
-
Unpleasantly acidic or salty flavor
-
Dry, tough, or “cooked” texture if marinated too long in an acidic marinade
-
Extremely salty flavor if chicken was marinated too long in a salt-heavy brine
If you notice these signs after cooking the chicken, reduce the marinating time in the future.
Tips for Safe Marinating
-
Always marinate in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Never leave chicken marinating at room temperature.
-
Use nonreactive containers like glass, plastic, or stainless steel. Avoid aluminum.
-
Submerge chicken fully in the marinade. Use just enough marinade to coat.
-
Discard used marinade after removing raw chicken. Never reuse it.
-
Rinse chicken under cold water after marinating to remove excess marinade clinging to the surface. Pat dry with paper towels.
-
Cook chicken thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.
Answering Common Marinating FAQs
Can you marinate chicken too long?
Yes, over-marinating chicken can make it mushy and impair the texture. Acids in the marinade will start to “cook” the chicken if left too long. Limit marinating time to what is recommended for the specific recipe and ingredients.
How long can you marinate chicken in yogurt?
Yogurt’s thicker texture and mild acidity make it an ideal marinade ingredient. Marinate chicken in yogurt-based marinades for 6-24 hours for best results. The lactic acid tenderizes without over-marinating.
Can you marinate chicken for 48 hours?
Marinating chicken for 48 hours in the refrigerator is not recommended, as the texture and flavor will start to degrade. Stick to 24 hours or less for optimal marinade infusion without compromising food safety and quality.
Can I marinate chicken in the fridge for 2 days?
Marinating chicken for 1-2 days in the fridge is generally considered safe, but the texture may start to suffer past 24 hours. If marinating for 48 hours, use a more neutral marinade and avoid highly acidic ingredients to prevent over-marination.
How long can I marinate chicken thighs?
Bone-in chicken thighs do well with a longer marinating time of 2-4 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the marinade to penetrate into the meat. Marinate for no more than 12-24 hours to prevent the thighs from becoming overly soft.
The Takeaway
Marinating chicken in the refrigerator safely for the ideal amount of time results in juicy, flavorful meat. Follow recipe guidelines and food safety best practices. Marinate boneless cuts and small pieces for shorter times and bone-in or larger cuts longer. Limit total marinating time to 24 hours maximum. Monitor for signs of over-marination and adjust your technique accordingly for the best results.
Is It Safe to Marinate Chicken for 4 Days?
According to the USDA’s recommended time frame, 4 days is too long to marinate chicken. The texture changes, the protein fibers have begun to break down, and you’ll risk a food-contaminated illness; therefore, it is not safe to marinate chicken for 4 days.
How Long to Marinate Chicken in the Fridge
According to the USDA, chicken should be marinated in the fridge for 2-24 hours for the best flavor and texture. Except for citrus marinades, which only need 30 minutes.
The maximum recommended time chicken can sit in the fridge in a marinade is 2 days; after that, the protein begins to break down with the acids in the marinade, and your chicken can go bad.
Personally, I prefer to marinate chicken anywhere from 20 minutes to four hours, it all depends on the type of marinade being used. More on this below.
The table below provides examples of common marinades and the time to marinate chicken in each.
| Marinade Type | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Citrus containing | 20 min | 4 hour |
| Dairy (Greek yogurt) | 2 hours | 24 hours |
| Vinegar + Oil | 20 min | 1 hour |
| Soy sauce containing | 20 min | 2 days |
| Store-bought marinade | 20 min | 1-2 days |
| Seasonings + Oil | 20 min | 2 days |
| Salad dressing | 20 min | 1 hour |