Freezing chicken with marinade is a common question many home cooks have. Marinating chicken can add great flavor, but some worry that freezing chicken after marinating may lead to food safety issues. Below we’ll discuss whether it’s safe to freeze marinated chicken, any precautions needed, how long it keeps frozen, and the best practices for thawing and cooking it.
Is it Safe to Freeze Chicken with Marinade?
Yes, it is safe to freeze raw chicken that has been marinated. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), there are no safety concerns with freezing poultry in marinade. However, there are some best practices to follow.
It’s important that the raw marinated chicken is frozen promptly and properly. You’ll want to make sure the chicken is fully submerged and sealed in the marinade in an airtight freezer bag or container. Any air pockets or exposure to air during freezing can lead to freezer burn, which can negatively impact the texture and flavor.
As long as the raw marinated chicken has been handled safely prior to freezing, freezing stops any bacteria from growing. The USDA confirms that while freezing does not kill most bacteria, it does stop bacteria from multiplying. And marinades are typically too acidic for bacteria to multiply rapidly.
Safety Tips for Marinating Chicken
To make sure your raw chicken is safe to marinate and freeze, follow these tips:
- Always thaw chicken safely in the refrigerator before marinating.
- Use marinades made with acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus, or yogurt which inhibit bacterial growth.
- Marinate chicken in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Use clean utensils and containers for marinating.
- Marinate for no more than 2 days before freezing or cooking.
- Discard used marinade after use.
How Long Does Frozen Marinated Chicken Last?
Properly frozen marinated raw chicken will last in the freezer safely for up to 2-3 months. The marinade helps keep it from drying out or becoming freezer burnt. But for best quality and flavor, it’s best to use frozen marinated chicken within 1-2 months.
Always make sure your freezer is maintaining 0°F or below. Any temperature fluctuations can impact the safety and quality of frozen marinated meats over time. Chicken that has been continuously frozen at 0°F for under 2-3 months will still be safe to cook and consume after thawing.
Thawing Frozen Marinated Chicken
To safely thaw frozen marinated chicken, you have a few options:
Refrigerator Thawing
For best quality, thaw frozen marinated chicken slowly in the refrigerator. Allow approximately 8-12 hours per pound, or 24 hours for a package. The chicken will thaw gradually at a safe temperature below 40°F as it sits in the marinade.
Cold Water Thawing
For faster thawing, place the frozen chicken sealed in its marinade in a leak-proof bag submerged in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. For food safety, cook thawed chicken immediately rather than refreezing.
Microwave Thawing
You can thaw frozen marinated chicken in the microwave, but it may start lightly cooking the chicken. Microwave at 50% power, allowing about 6-8 minutes per pound. Cook the chicken immediately after microwaving.
Do not thaw chicken at room temperature or in hot water, as this allows bacteria to rapidly multiply.
Cooking Thawed Marinated Chicken
Always cook thawed marinated chicken immediately until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check the temperature with a food thermometer in the thickest part.
The marinade helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful as it cooks. Popular cooking methods include:
- Grilling – baste with reserved marinade as it cooks
- Baking – bake in a baking dish with reserved marinade
- Sautéing or stir-frying – slice or cube chicken and cook quickly
- Broiling – broil chicken with marinade brushed on top
Do not reuse any marinade after thawing or cooking chicken, as it can contain bacteria. Always discard unused marinade.
Tips for Freezing Chicken in Marinade
Follow these best practices when freezing raw chicken in marinade:
- Choose an acidic marinade like vinaigrette, yogurt, citrus, or vinegar-based.
- Marinate chicken no more than 2 days before freezing.
- Pack chicken tightly in freezer bags or containers leaving no air pockets.
- Label bags with chicken type and date frozen.
- Freeze at 0°F or below for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Cook thawed chicken to 165°F internal temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze chicken marinated in yogurt?
Yes, it is safe to freeze chicken that has been marinated in yogurt. Yogurt is acidic enough to inhibit bacteria growth. Make sure to freeze it promptly at 0°F or below for up to 2-3 months.
How long can chicken sit in marinade before freezing?
Only marinate raw chicken for 1-2 days maximum in the refrigerator before freezing. Extended marinating time can allow bacteria to grow to unsafe levels.
Can you cook chicken from frozen without thawing?
It is not recommended to cook frozen marinated chicken without thawing it first, as it will cook unevenly. Always thaw chicken thoroughly in the refrigerator before cooking.
Is it better to marinate chicken before or after freezing?
It is best to marinate chicken before freezing rather than after thawing. Marinating before allows the chicken to absorb more flavor. The marinade also helps keep the chicken juicy as it freezes. Marinate for no more than 2 days before freezing.
Can I reuse marinade from cooked chicken?
No, you should never reuse marinade from raw or cooked chicken. Marinade can contain salmonella and other bacteria. Safely discard all used marinade.
Recipe Ideas for Frozen Marinated Chicken
Freezing chicken in marinade makes it quick and easy to whip up flavorful meals after thawing. Here are some recipe ideas:
Lemon-Herb Chicken
Marinate chicken breast in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Bake or grill after thawing for amazing flavor.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
For spicy jerk chicken, marinate chicken legs and thighs in a jamaican jerk seasoning blend before freezing. Grill or broil after thawing.
Asian Orange Chicken
Mix soy sauce, orange juice, ginger, and garlic for an easy asian marinade. Bread and sauté thawed chicken for a restaurant favorite.
Chicken Fajitas
Marinate chicken breast strips in lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and cilantro. Sauté with peppers and onions for easy fajitas.
Tandoori Chicken
Yogurt marinated chicken is perfect for Indian tandoori dishes. Marinate chicken in yogurt, spices, and lemon before freezing. Bake or grill after thawing.
Conclusion
Freezing raw chicken in marinade is completely safe when done properly, and offers the convenience of flavorful chicken ready to cook anytime. Be sure to marinate chicken for no more than 2 days in the refrigerator before freezing, and freeze at 0°F in an airtight container. Thaw frozen marinated chicken gradually in the fridge before cooking thoroughly to 165°F. Follow safe handling tips, and discard used marinade after cooking. With the right techniques, you can enjoy delicious marinated chicken straight from the freezer.