Last Updated on October 4, 2022 by Lauren Beck
Have you ever made a big batch of marinated chicken, only to find that you can’t use it all in one go? If you’re like most people, you probably refrigerate the leftover chicken and plan to use it within a few days. But how long can you actually leave marinated chicken in the fridge before it goes bad?
The answer may surprise you. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, it is safe to leave marinated chicken in the refrigerator for up to two days. After that, the chicken should be cooked or frozen.
So, if you have leftover marinated chicken that you want to use later, go ahead and refrigerate it. Just be sure to use it within two days. And, as always, when in doubt, throw it out. Better safe than sorry!
How Marinades Work
A marinade is a mixture of oil, acid, and herbs or spices. The acid helps to break down the chicken’s muscle fibers, making the meat more tender. The oil helps to keep the chicken moist, while the herbs or spices add flavor.
When you marinate chicken, the flavors from the marinade are absorbed into the meat. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavor it will have. However, you should never marinate chicken for more than two days, as the acid in the marinade can begin to break down the protein in the chicken, making it tough.
Difference Between a Marinade and a Brine
The difference between a marinade and a brine is that a marinade only contains oil, acid, and herbs or spices, while a brine also contains salt.
Another difference is that marinating only affects the surface of the chicken, while brining actually changes the structure of the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
Brine is also used to help preserve meat. For this reason, you should never leave chicken in a brine for more than 24 hours.
How to Refrigerate Marinated Chicken Properly?
Here are a few tips to help you refrigerate your marinated chicken properly:
- Use a food-safe container: Be sure to use a clean, food-safe container to store your marinated chicken. A glass or ceramic dish is ideal. Avoid using plastic containers, as they can absorb flavors from the marinade.
- Cover the chicken: Be sure to cover the chicken completely with the marinade. This will help to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
- Place the chicken in the fridge: Put the container of chicken in the fridge, making sure that it is not touching any other food.
- Use within two days: Use the chicken within two days for best results.
How Long Can You Keep Marinated Chicken Breast in the Fridge?
If you’re marinating chicken breast, you can keep it in the fridge for up to two days. Just be sure to use a food-safe container and cover the chicken completely with the marinade. After two days, cook or freeze the chicken.
Can You Keep Marinated Chicken in the Fridge for a Week?
No, you should not keep marinated chicken in the fridge for a week. The acid in the marinade can begin to break down the protein in the chicken, making it tough. For best results, use the chicken within two days.
Does Marinated Chicken Go Bad in the Fridge?
Yes, marinated chicken can go bad in the fridge. The acid in the marinade can begin to break down the protein in the chicken, making it tough.
Should We Keep Marinated Chicken in the Fridge or Freezer?
Both the fridge and freezer can be used to store marinated chicken. However, the fridge is the better option, as it will help to keep the chicken moist. The freezer is a good option if you want to store the chicken for a longer period of time.
What Happens When Meat Marinates Too Long?
If meat marinates too long, the acid in the marinade can begin to break down the protein in the meat, making it tough. For best results, use the meat within two days. If you want to store it for a longer period of time, place it in the freezer.
When it comes to marinated chicken, you should always err on the side of caution. If you’re not sure how long it’s been in the fridge, throw it out. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Handling Chicken the Safe Way
The best way to prevent food poisoning is to cook chicken thoroughly [1]. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure that it does not touch bone.
If you’re cooking marinated chicken, be sure to discard the marinade. It can contain bacteria that can contaminate the cooked chicken.
When handling raw chicken, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. You should also wash all utensils, cutting boards, and countertops that come into contact with raw chicken.
Conclusion
Marinated chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Be sure to use a food-safe container and cover the chicken completely with the marinade. After two days, cook or freeze the chicken.
When it comes to marinated chicken, you should always err on the side of caution. If you’re not sure how long it’s been in the fridge, throw it out. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Reference:
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/bbc-good-food-guide-handling-raw-chicken
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