In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long does marinated chicken last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of a marinated chicken. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled marinated chicken.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does marinated chicken last in the fridge?
Marinated chicken lasts in the fridge for about 2 days if kept in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit on one of the shelves of the refrigerator.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for marinated chicken’s expected shelf life.
Moreover, the sort of marinade you use on the chicken has a significant impact on the shelf life of the meat. Meat that has been marinated with olive oil or red wine, for example, has a longer shelf life than chicken that has been marinated with yogurt or buttermilk.
What is the best temperature to keep marinated chicken at?
Marinated chicken should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your marinated chicken at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does marinated chicken last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, marinated chicken lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, marinated chicken left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and marinated chicken left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does marinated chicken last in the freezer?
Marinated chicken lasts for several months in the freezer but you should always store your marinated chicken without the marinade or else your chicken will become too soft and mushy.
As a result, freezing the marinated chicken extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the marinated chicken.
How to defrost frozen marinated chicken?
You can quickly defrost frozen marinated chicken by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before cooking and consuming it.
If you’re defrosting frozen marinated chicken in a bowl of cold water, in the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize it right away after cooking it till its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to vacuum seal marinated chicken at home?
You may even vacuum seal your marinated chicken at home to extend its shelf life. It involves placing the marinated chicken in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal marinated chicken at home.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated chicken?
Once the previously cooked refrigerated/frozen chicken has been reheated, it should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the chicken goes above 40 degrees Fahrenheit when reheated and we know that bacteria develops rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, bacteria will make their way into your chicken, and reheated chicken should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume it completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
What are different ways to spot spoiled marinated chicken?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your marinated chicken has gone bad. To determine if the marinated chicken has gone bad, look at its appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your marinated chicken or if it has turned gray, green, or brown, it’s time to throw it out.
Texture
If you touch the marinated chicken and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw it out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or ammonia-like while sniffing your marinated chicken, it’s time to throw it out.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your chicken and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
How to properly store chicken?
- Because the temperature swings a lot near the fridge door, it’s best to put your marinated chicken on one of the shelves rather than the door.
- To keep the freshness of marinated chicken after opening the package, place the remaining chicken in an airtight container or plastic zipper bag.
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the cooked chicken within 2 hours it is cooked in airtight containers to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of chicken, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. Chicken that has been frozen at 0°C is safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Cooked chicken should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow it to cool quickly.
You can read whether or not pork is bad for you here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long does marinated chicken last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of a marinated chicken. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled marinated chicken.