Food Safety Issues/marinating chicken

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Expert: Carol Schlitt - 8/27/2006


Question
How long can you safely marinate chicken in a sause with vinigar and oil in the fridge?

Thank you

Pat

Answer
Hi Pat,

Sorry to have taken so long in responding -- my computer connections was down all weekend!!

Your question is safety -- not quality of the chicken - right?  As far as safety, chicken can be refrigerated raw 3-4 days. You must realize that marinades change the texture and flavor of the chicken and thus while the chicken may be safe, it may not be a product that will taste very good.  Most chicken marinades specify 30 minutes to an hour of marinading. Excessive marinading breaks down the animal tissue making it mushy.

So -- as far as safety -- several days.  As far as palatability -- several hours maximum.

Hope this helps.  Please let me know if you have further questions.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutritiona and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension

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Carol Schlitt

Expertise

I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).

Experience

I am a former Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety, having retired August 1, 2010. I am a certified HACCP manager, a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health and a 3rd party food safety and OSHA auditor of restaurants.

Organizations
International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, St. Louis Culinary Society.

Education/Credentials
BS - University of Illinois MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

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