Can You Freeze Marinated Chicken? – Guide on Freezing & Shelf Life of Frozen Marinated Chicken

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Can you Freeze Marinated Chicken? Are you someone who loves to cook but sometimes lacks the time, and energy to do it? Well, that’s where marinated chicken comes in! It’s a great way to have flavorful, tender chicken without all the work. But can you freeze marinated chicken? And what is the right way to do it?

In this blog post, we will explore the best to preserve marinated chicken, as well as tips and tricks for getting the most out of your frozen chicken. Thereby, whether you’re looking to save time or just want to have some good-tasting chicken on hand, read on for everything you need to know about freezing marinated chicken.

Can You Freeze Marinated Chicken

Can you Freeze Marinated Chicken?

Yes! Marinated chicken is essentially a time-saving preparation of chicken that has been steeped in a marinade, which is commonly composed of oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. Marinating chicken before cooking helps tenderize and provide flavor to the meat. In addition, it proves to be an excellent choice for meal-prepping or preparing for a large group, as freezing it before cooking can assist save preparation time.

How To Freeze Marinated Chicken?

If you’re looking to save time on dinner preparation, freezing marinated chicken is a great option. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

  • Place the marinated chicken in a good quality, thick freezer bag or airtight container.
  • Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
  • Squeeze out any excess air from the bag, then seal it tightly. After sealing, shake and toss the bag/container thoroughly to properly mix the marinade. It should ideally seep into every hole, crack, and crevice in the chicken.
  • Label it with the date and pop it in the freezer for preservation.

How Long Can You Freeze Marinated Chicken?

As a general thumb rule, the marinated chicken can be frozen for about 3-4 months for the best flavor and texture. However, this also depends on the recipe of the marinade itself. If the recipe includes any dairy products (like yogurt or buttermilk), then it’s best to use the chicken within 2 months as dairy products can spoil more quickly.

Whereas, if the marinade is made with only oil and vinegar (or another acid), then it can be stored for up to 6 months without any issues. So, ultimately, it just depends on what ingredients are in your particular marinade.

How Do You Defrost Marinated Chicken?

The best and safest way to thaw marinated chicken is to place it in the refrigerator. This allows the marinated chicken to defrost slowly but steadily, in a cool atmosphere, without getting too warm for too long. For defrosting in the refrigerator, remove the marinated chicken at least 24 hrs before the requirement. Place it in the refrigerator, and leave it overnight. Cook within the maximum duration of a day or two.

Some Tips for Freezing Marinated Chicken

If you’re looking to save time on dinner prep, freezing marinated chicken is a great option. Here are a few tips to help you get the best results:

  • Avoid using a lot of marinades. In fact, it is advisable to coat the chicken in thin, evenly layers.
  • Choose a marinade that is oil-based, acid-based, or has a high sugar content – these types of marinades will help keep the chicken moist during freezing.
  • Avoid water-based marinades as they can make the chicken tough and dry.
  • The marinade can actually help protect the chicken from freezer burn. So, if you’re looking to freeze your marinated chicken for longer periods of time, be sure to double-bag it or store it in a tightly sealed container. This will also help in preventing the marinade from dripping all over the place.
  • Label and date the container so you know how long it’s been in the freezer (chicken can be safely frozen for up to 3 months.

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Can You Refreeze Marinated Chicken?

No, it is not safe to refreeze it. This is because bacteria can start to grow when chicken is thawed at a temperature that is higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you attempt to refreeze your marinated chicken, the bacteria will continue to grow, which could alter the texture, and flavor of the chicken, and make you sick if you eat it. Therefore, thaw only the required quantity and do not refreeze the marinated chicken.

However, what do you do if have defrosted more than the requirement and you don’t want to waste it? Well, the best option is to cook it immediately. Chicken can be safely cooked from a frozen state, so cooking it will kill any bacteria that may have started to grow. And in case, you don’t want to cook the chicken right away, you can also place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just make sure to cook it within those two days so that it doesn’t go bad.

Does Marinated Chicken Freeze Well?

The marinated chicken freezes really well. In fact, freezing marinated chicken is perfectly alright and safe. In this preserving method, the freezing halts the marinating process, until the meat is thawed, making it safe to preserve marinated chicken for up to three months. Besides that, it is simple to prepare, yields a delectable supper, and tastes incredible. So, what are you waiting for? Freeze your marinated chicken and enjoy it whenever you desire. Just be careful to cook it within 24 hours of it is completely defrosted.

Some Recipes Use Frozen Marinated Chicken

While there are endless possibilities for recipes using frozen marinated chicken, here are a few of our favorites:

  • Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken: This sweet and spicy chicken is perfect for summer BBQs. Simply grill your frozen chicken breast until cooked through, then brush with a chipotle honey glaze. Serve with grilled veggies or salad for a complete meal.
  • Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette: A healthier take on classic fajitas, this recipe features grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty cilantro lime vinaigrette. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and can easily be made ahead of time. Grill your frozen chicken and assemble the rest of the ingredients when you’re ready to eat.
  • Thai Peanut Chicken Soup: A hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly nights, this recipe features frozen marinated chicken, rice noodles, and a flavorful Thai peanut broth. Top with green onions and chopped peanuts for extra flavor and texture.

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FAQs On Freezing Marinated Chicken

1. Can You Freeze Buttermilk Marinated Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken marinated in buttermilk as well. However, it is best to keep it in the freezer for a maximum period of about 2 months.

2. Does freezing raw chicken ruin it?

No, not at all. In fact, if properly frozen and stored at a steady temperature, raw chicken may be preserved for up to nine months with the highest quality, flavor, and texture.

3. Is it better to freeze uncooked or cooked chicken?

Freezing uncooked chicken is better than its cooked counterpart. This is because cooking takes away moisture, so raw meat and poultry stay better (when frozen) for longer than their cooked chicken.

4. Can I marinate meat and then freeze it?

Yes, whether you brought pre-packaged and marinated meat or marinated it at home, marinated meat may be frozen as long as all of the raw components are still within their expiration dates.

KeyTakeaways

Marinated chicken can be frozen for up to three months without affecting the quality or taste of the meat. In fact, when it comes to convenience, few things can top frozen marinated chicken. So go ahead and stock your freezer with marinated chicken so that you always have a quick and easy meal option on hand. If you are looking for other interesting articles on freezing, you can just browse our collection of articles on freezing at canyoupreserve.com website.

 

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