How Long Can You Marinate Chicken? Simple Chicken Marinade Recipes

Marinating chicken is a surefire way to enhance its flavor, tenderness, and juiciness. Whether you're prepping for a weeknight dinner or cooking for a crowd, marinated chicken can be your go-to solution for quick and easy meals. With the FoodSaver® FM5000 Series System, FoodSaver® bags, and FoodSaver® Fresh Containers, you can easily store and prepare marinated chicken that’s full of flavor and stays fresh longer.

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How Long Can You Marinate Chicken?

The marinating time for chicken can vary depending on the cut, the ingredients in the marinade, and the flavor intensity you’re after. Generally, you can marinate chicken for anywhere between 30 minutes to 24 hours. However, with a vacuum sealing system like FoodSaver®, marination can take just minutes. Here’s a guide to how long you can marinate different cuts of chicken:

• Quick Marination: Using the FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealer, you can marinate chicken in just 10-20 minutes.
• Traditional Marination: Marinate chicken for 1-4 hours in the refrigerator for optimal flavor absorption.
• Overnight Marination: For deeper flavor, marinate chicken for 6-12 hours in the fridge.

Be cautious not to marinate chicken for more than 24 hours, especially with acidic marinades (those with citrus or vinegar), as the acid can break down the chicken and make it mushy.

How to Marinate Chicken Like a Pro

• How to marinate chicken: Start by patting the chicken dry before adding the marinade. This helps the marinade adhere better and allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
• How to tenderize chicken: Acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar can help break down the proteins in chicken, resulting in a tender bite. Be careful not to over-marinate, as it can affect the texture.
• Easy chicken marinade: Stick to pantry staples like olive oil, vinegar, and garlic for a quick and simple chicken marinade. Pair these with fresh herbs, spices, or citrus for a balanced flavor.
• Best way to marinate chicken: Using a FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System is hands down the best way to marinate chicken quickly. The vacuum seals in all the flavors.

Simple Chicken Marinade Recipes

Marinating chicken doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are two delicious, simple chicken marinade recipes that will make dinner prep a breeze. These recipes use common pantry ingredients and are perfect for grilling, baking, or skillet cooking.

1. Italian Dressing Chicken Marinade

This easy chicken marinade is as simple as it gets. Italian dressing offers a perfect balance of acidity and seasoning, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights.

• 2 pounds chicken tenders
• 2 cups Italian dressing (or any dressing of your choice)

1. Place the chicken tenders in a FoodSaver® bag along with the Italian dressing.
2. Using the “wet” setting on your FoodSaver® System, vacuum seal the bag for optimal flavor infusion.
3. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or freeze for longer storage.
4. When ready to cook, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight, or cook directly from frozen in a large skillet. Pour the contents of the bag into the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until the dressing has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

2. Greek Chicken Marinade

Bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your viewing party with this awesome marinade. It tastes great on chicken breast.

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons oregano, dried
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Place the chicken breast in your marinator and pour the sauce on top.
3. Seal the container and let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken and prepare using your favorite method.
5. Serve on a bed of brown or white rice.

Spice Up Your Dish with Marinated Chicken

With FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing and FoodSaver® bags, marinating and preparing chicken becomes easier, faster, and more convenient. Keep a few bags of marinated chicken in your freezer for quick weeknight meals, or impress guests with flavorful dishes like lemon garlic chicken or Italian dressing chicken. With these simple chicken marinade recipes and tips, you'll always have a delicious meal ready to go!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can you marinate chicken?

Marinating chicken is a fantastic way to infuse it with flavor, and you have flexibility with timing. You can marinate chicken for as little as 30 minutes to as long as 24 hours, depending on your recipe and the depth of flavor you desire. If you’re using the FoodSaver® Quick Marinator, you can achieve a well-marinated chicken in just 10-20 minutes thanks to the rapid infusion process. It's important to avoid marinating chicken for more than 24 hours, as extended marinating can cause the texture of the meat to become overly soft or mushy, especially if the marinade is highly acidic.

How long can chicken marinate in the fridge?

When marinating chicken in the fridge, it is generally safe to do so for up to 24 hours. For the best flavor and texture, aim for a marinating time of 1-4 hours. This allows the marinade to penetrate the chicken without overwhelming it. As the marinating time extends, especially with acidic marinades, the flavors intensify. However, be cautious with very acidic marinades, as prolonged exposure can alter the texture of the chicken, making it too soft.

What is a good chicken marinade?

A well-balanced chicken marinade combines acidity, fat, and seasoning to enhance the meat’s flavor and tenderness. Classic options include an Italian dressing marinade, which offers a blend of oil, vinegar, and a medley of spices for a savory touch. Another popular choice is a lemon garlic marinade, which provides a fresh, zesty flavor that's ideal for grilling or baking. For a more adventurous twist, consider a yogurt-based marinade with spices, which not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a rich and creamy texture.