Marinating raw chicken before freezing is a convenient way to add flavor to chicken while also preserving it for longer storage. However, there are some important safety considerations when marinating meat that is intended for the freezer. Here is a comprehensive look at whether it is safe to marinate raw chicken prior to freezing it, along with tips for the best results.
Is It Safe to Marinate Raw Chicken Before Freezing?
Yes, it is safe to marinate raw chicken before freezing it, as long as proper food safety guidelines are followed. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw chicken can be marinated for up to 2 days at refrigeration temperatures before it is frozen.
It is not recommended to marinate the raw chicken for longer than 2 days prior to freezing, as this allows more time for bacteria like salmonella to grow. Marinating the chicken while it is still frozen is also not advised, as the marinade will not properly penetrate the frozen chicken.
Proper Food Safety
When marinating any raw meat, poultry or seafood that will be frozen, it is essential to follow food safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illness:
- Always marinate raw chicken in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Do not marinate on the counter or at room temperature.
- Use a non-reactive container such as glass or stainless steel for marinating. Do not use aluminum.
- Make sure chicken is submerged in the marinade. If needed, place a plate on top to keep chicken down in the liquid.
- Sanitize any surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw meat before and after marinating.
- Never reuse marinade used on raw chicken. Discard it after use.
As long as these precautions are taken, marinating before freezing is considered safe practice by food safety experts.
Tips for Marinating Raw Chicken to Freeze
Follow these tips for the best results when marinating raw chicken prior to freezing it:
1. Choose the Right Marinade
When marinating raw chicken to be frozen, choose a marinade that does not contain ingredients which can separate or weep when frozen. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar and wine are not ideal. Stick to oil- or dairy-based marinades instead.
Good options include:
- Yogurt
- Buttermilk
- Olive oil and herbs
- Pesto
- Barbecue sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
2. Marinate for Short Time
Only marinate the raw chicken for the recommended 1-2 days before freezing. Marinating longer can start to break down the texture of the chicken, as acidic marinades act like a food tenderizer given enough time.
3. Blot off Excess Marinade
Before freezing, blot off any excess marinade coating the chicken using paper towels. This prevents large ice crystals forming from the marinade during freezing which can damage the texture.
4. Use Shallow Container
Put marinated chicken in a shallow, freezer-safe container or zip top bag to freeze. Avoid large, deep containers or bags, which make temperature regulation harder during freezing.
5. Freeze Right Away
Quickly place the marinated chicken in the freezer after marinating time is up. Do not let it linger in the refrigerator. Freeze at 0°F if possible.
6. Label with Date
Always label bags or containers of frozen chicken with the date. Frozen chicken keeps best for 9-12 months in the freezer before quality declines.
Thawing and Cooking Marinated Frozen Chicken
When ready to use frozen marinated chicken, thaw it safely in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw at room temperature or in hot water.
Allow the chicken to thaw completely before cooking, so the marinade has a chance to penetrate any areas that froze before marinating. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer.
Discard any leftover marinade after thawing for food safety. Do not reuse marinade previously on raw meat.
Freezing Marinated Chicken Parts vs Whole Chicken
You can freeze a whole marinated chicken, but chicken parts are ideal for even freezing and thawing. The thinner cuts allow marinade to better penetrate and they freeze solid faster.
If freezing a whole chicken, consider spatchcocking or butterflying it first so it freezes evenly. Also avoid stuffing the chicken cavity, as this affects safe thawing.
Marinated Chicken Parts to Freeze
These chicken parts work well for marinating and freezing:
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken thighs
- Chicken legs
- Chicken wings
- Chicken drumsticks
Cut these parts into smaller, thinner pieces if needed to ensure thorough, even freezing. Marinate chicken pieces in gallon size freezer bags laid flat for quick freezing.
Storing Marinated Frozen Chicken
Marinated raw chicken that is properly frozen at 0°F and packaged in airtight wrapping or bags keeps safely in the freezer for 9-12 months.
For best quality, use frozen marinated chicken within 3-4 months. Monitor your freezer temperature to ensure it remains constant for longest storage.
Avoid freezing marinated chicken longer than one year, as the quality declines over time. Use frozen chicken older than one year for cooking applications like chicken noodle soup or casseroles.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Marinated Chicken?
Previously frozen marinated raw chicken should not be refrozen once fully thawed. Refreezing chicken risks allowing bacteria like salmonella to regrow to dangerous levels.
You can safely re-freeze marinated chicken only if it still contains ice crystals and was never fully thawed. But quality decline may be noticed.
For food safety, it is best to fully cook thawed marinated chicken within 1-2 days and either refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days or discard the unused portion.
Conclusion
Marinating raw chicken before freezing is safe when proper guidelines are followed, such as marinating for no more than 1-2 days at refrigeration temps. Oil and dairy-based marinades work best to avoid separation and texture damage. Package the chicken in shallow, freezer-safe containers and freeze at 0°F for up to 9-12 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Marinating chicken prior to freezing makes it easy to have tasty, flavorful chicken ready from the freezer anytime.