Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely cook chicken in the marinade it was soaking in. As long as the marinade was stored properly in the refrigerator, it is perfectly safe to reuse it for cooking. Some precautions need to be taken, but cooking the raw chicken in the marinade allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat during cooking.
Safety Precautions
While it’s fine to cook chicken in its marinade, you do need to follow some basic food safety guidelines:
- Marinate the raw chicken in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Bacteria from the raw meat can contaminate the marinade if left at room temperature.
- Marinate for no longer than 24-48 hours. Any longer and the marinade risks becoming contaminated.
- Bring the used marinade to a full boil before cooking the chicken in it. This kills any bacteria from the raw meat.
- Never baste chicken with marinade that touched raw meat unless it has been boiled first.
As long as you follow these precautions, the marinade is perfectly safe to reuse. The boiling step is key to kill off pathogens.
Benefits of Cooking in the Marinade
There are a few advantages to cooking chicken in the marinade it was soaking in:
- Increased flavor – Marinades impart flavor. Cooking the chicken in the marinade allows those flavors to really penetrate the meat.
- Better browning – Marinades often contain acidic ingredients like wine, lemon juice or vinegar which help the chicken brown better.
- Convenience – You don’t have to make an extra sauce, just reuse the marinade.
- Saves marinade – Since you boil the marinade first, you can use any leftovers as a sauce over the cooked chicken.
It’s an easy way to add lots of flavor to basic chicken breasts, thighs or drumsticks.
Methods for Cooking Chicken in Marinade
There are several cooking methods that work well for making chicken in its marinade:
Baking
After bringing the marinade to a boil, pour it over chicken pieces in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F until the chicken is cooked through and browned.
Grilling
Boil the marinade first then pour some over chicken pieces on a hot grill. Use reserved marinade to baste the chicken as it cooks.
Sautéing or Pan Frying
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken pieces in the boiled marinade until browned and cooked through.
Slow Cooker
Place chicken and marinade in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until tender.
Marinade Ideas for Chicken
Chicken tastes great marinated in all kinds of sauces and seasonings. Here are some tasty marinade recipes to try:
Greek Yogurt Marinade
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Tandoori Chicken Marinade
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
Be creative and make your own signature marinades too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to cook chicken in its marinade?
No, it’s perfectly safe as long as you boil the marinade first before cooking to kill any bacteria from the raw chicken. This precaution is key for food safety.
Should you bake chicken in its marinade?
Yes, baking chicken in its marinade is an easy and flavorful cooking method. Bring the marinade to a boil first, then pour it over the chicken in a baking dish before cooking.
Can you grill chicken in the same marinade you used to marinate it?
Absolutely! Boil the used marinade first to make it safe, then pour some over the chicken right on the grill. The marinade will help keep the chicken moist and impart lots of flavor.
Does cooking chicken in marinade make it more tender?
Yes, cooking chicken in a flavorful liquid like a marinade will help keep it tender and juicy. The acidic ingredients in many marinades also help break down connective tissue.
Should you marinate chicken for 24 hours?
Chicken should not marinate for longer than 24 hours since the marinade can become contaminated. 12-24 hours is ideal to allow the flavors to permeate without risking food safety. Always marinate in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken in its marinade is a great way to infuse flavor and save time in the kitchen. As long as basic food safety guidelines are followed, the marinade is perfectly safe to reuse. Boil it before cooking the raw chicken to destroy any bacteria. Then bake, grill, sauté or slow cook the chicken in the flavorful marinade for juicy, tender and tastier results. Get creative with global marinade recipes and enjoy this easy cooking trick.