How Long Can You Leave Marinated Chicken in the Fridge?

 

Question: How long can you leave marinated chicken in the refrigerator before it becomes unsafe to eat?

Answer: You can safely leave marinated chicken in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

But bear in mind that some marinade recipes are designed to work in a matter of hours -- not days. So while leaving chicken marinated for two days may be fine from a safety standpoint, the end result could be chicken with an undesirable texture or flavor. Be sure to check the recipe for recommended timing.

Keep marinated chicken covered while it’s in the refrigerator.

See Also:

Can You Safely Reuse Marinade?

Do You Have to Thaw Frozen Chicken Before Cooking It?

Is It Necessary to Rinse Raw Chicken Before Cooking It?

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