Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely put apple cider vinegar in chicken. Apple cider vinegar is a popular ingredient used to marinate and tenderize chicken. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar helps break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful end product. Apple cider vinegar also adds a tangy, bright flavor to chicken that many people enjoy. It’s an easy way to infuse more flavor into basic chicken dishes.
How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Tenderize Chicken?
Apple cider vinegar is able to tenderize chicken because of its acetic acid content. Acetic acid is the main active compound in vinegars that gives them their sour taste and prized culinary qualities. When apple cider vinegar is used on raw chicken, the acetic acid partially breaks down the proteins on the surface of the meat through a process called denaturation. This makes the chicken more tender and receptive to absorbing other flavors.
The acid in apple cider vinegar also brings out more of the savory umami flavors in the chicken and helps balance out the richness. The tanginess brightens up the overall flavor profile. Marinating chicken in apple cider vinegar for 30 minutes up to several hours will make a noticeable difference in texture and taste. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender it will become.
Benefits of Using Apple Cider Vinegar on Chicken
Here are some of the top benefits of using apple cider vinegar when preparing chicken:
– Tenderizes – The acidic marinade gently breaks down tough proteins and connective tissue in chicken to make it more tender. This is especially helpful for tougher cuts.
– Adds flavor – Apple cider vinegar infuses chicken with bright, tangy flavor and accentuates the savory notes. The acidity also balances the richness.
– Brings out moisture – Many acidic ingredients like vinegar help break down proteins and allow chicken to retain more moisture when cooked, making it juicier.
– Can be a binder – Apple cider vinegar can be used as a binder to help spices and herbs adhere to the chicken better for more flavorful crusts or breadings.
– Boosts shelf life – The antimicrobial effects of vinegar extend the shelf life of marinated raw chicken stored in the refrigerator.
– Adds versatility – Apple cider vinegar chicken can be used in everything from salads to sandwiches to tacos. It’s a quick and easy way to amplify flavor.
Best Practices for Marinating Chicken in Apple Cider Vinegar
Marinating chicken in an apple cider vinegar solution will yield the most flavorful and tender results. Here are some tips:
– Use raw chicken – Vinegar marinades work best on raw chicken versus cooked since it can better penetrate and tenderize the proteins.
– Use bone-in, skin-on chicken – The bones and skin will impart more flavor during marinating. Remove before cooking or eating if desired.
– Make a marinade – Mix apple cider vinegar with oil, herbs, spices, mustard, honey, etc. to add layers of flavor. Aim for at least 2 parts vinegar to 1 part oil.
– Marinate for 30-60 minutes – Coat all sides of the chicken. Aim for at least 30 minutes up to overnight in the fridge. Longer times yield more tender results.
– Pat chicken dry – Remove excess marinade from the chicken before cooking. This allows for better browning.
– Bake, grill or pan sear – Baking, grilling or searing will give the best caramelized and crispy finishes to complement the seasoned interior.
Apple Cider Vinegar Chicken Marinade Recipes
Apple cider vinegar pairs well with a wide variety of seasonings and ingredients to make delicious chicken marinades. Here are a few top-rated recipes to try:
Simple Apple Cider Vinegar Chicken Marinade
– 1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1⁄4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp dried oregano
– 1⁄2 tsp salt
– 1⁄4 tsp pepper
Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl or resealable plastic bag. Add raw chicken and coat well. Marinate for 30-60 minutes in the refrigerator, turning occasionally. Discard excess marinade before cooking.
Apple Cider Vinegar Chicken Thighs
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp maple syrup
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1⁄2 tsp each salt, pepper, paprika
Combine marinade ingredients. Add chicken and coat all over. Marinate 30-60 minutes. Grill or bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Asian Apple Cider Vinegar Chicken Marinade
– 1⁄3 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
– 1⁄4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Whisk together all marinade ingredients. Use to coat 1-2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Marinate 30 mins to overnight. Grill, bake or pan fry.
What to Avoid When Marinating Chicken in Apple Cider Vinegar
While apple cider vinegar offers many benefits for marinating chicken, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
– Don’t marinate for too long – Beyond 24 hours, the acidity can start to break down the texture of the chicken rather than just tenderizing it.
– Don’t reuse marinade – Once chicken has marinated in the mixture, it is no longer safe for reuse due to risk of bacteria transfer. Discard any leftover marinade.
– Don’t forget to pat chicken dry – Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken can prevent it from browning and crisping up nicely.
– Don’t marinate at room temp – Refrigeration is important to prevent bacteria growth.
– Don’t use vinegar with cooked chicken – The acidity works best when vinegar can penetrate into raw chicken. It will not make cooked chicken more tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does apple cider vinegar tenderize meat?
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which acts as a meat tenderizer by breaking down collagen and muscle fiber proteins. This makes the chicken easier to chew without changing the flavor.
How long should you marinate chicken in apple cider vinegar?
Only 30 minutes to an hour of marinating time is needed to tenderize and flavor chicken. Longer (up to 24 hours) is fine for more intense flavor. But too long can make the texture mushy.
Can you bake chicken after marinating in apple cider vinegar?
Yes, baking is a great cooking method after marinating raw chicken in apple cider vinegar. The oven will gently finish cooking the chicken and concentrate the flavors of the marinade.
Is apple cider vinegar chicken safe to eat?
Properly handled, apple cider vinegar chicken is completely safe to eat. Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, which makes the raw chicken inhospitable to bacteria growth during marinating. Cook the chicken thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature.
Does apple cider vinegar fully cook chicken?
No, marinating in apple cider vinegar does not cook chicken. It only tenderizes and flavors the meat. Chicken marinated in apple cider vinegar still needs to be cooked to a safe internal temperature using methods like baking, grilling, sautéing or air frying.
Conclusion
Apple cider vinegar is an ideal ingredient for tenderizing and adding bright, tangy flavor to chicken dishes. Make a simple marinade by combining apple cider vinegar with oil, herbs and spices. Allow raw chicken to marinate for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking through your preferred method. Apple cider vinegar chicken is incredibly juicy, flavorful and works in all different types of cuisines. With a few easy tricks, you can incorporate apple cider vinegar into your chicken recipes for bolder flavor with minimal effort.