Pre-marinated chicken can usually last 3-5 days in the refrigerator, as long as it has been handled and stored properly.
What is pre-marinated chicken?
Pre-marinated chicken refers to raw chicken that has been soaked or injected with a marinade before being packaged for sale. The marinade is a seasoned liquid that helps tenderize and add flavor to the chicken.
Common marinade ingredients include oil, vinegar, lemon juice, soy sauce, herbs, spices, and sometimes dairy products like yogurt or buttermilk. The marinade helps infuse flavor into the meat and makes it juicier when cooked.
How long does pre-marinated raw chicken last in the fridge?
An unopened package of pre-marinated raw chicken can be kept refrigerated at 40°F or below for up to 5 days from the sell-by date printed on the package. Once opened, it will last 3-5 days in the fridge.
Here are some general guidelines for refrigeration times:
- Unopened pre-marinated chicken: 5 days from the sell-by date
- Opened pre-marinated chicken: 3-5 days
However, always check the use-by or expiration date on the package as a more definitive guide, as refrigeration times can vary depending on the specific brand and type of marinade.
How to tell if pre-marinated chicken has gone bad
Here are some signs that pre-marinated chicken has spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Slimy texture or sticky/tacky marinade
- Off-putting sour smell
- Grayish color
- Discoloration or slimy liquid in package
If the chicken has developed these characteristics before the expiration date, it is safest to discard it.
Proper storage for maximizing fridge life
To help pre-marinated chicken last as long as possible in the fridge, follow these storage tips:
- Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator (below 40°F), not in the door
- Keep package tightly sealed until ready to use
- Don’t reopen the package repeatedly, as this exposes the chicken to more air
- Use within 2 days of opening package
- Don’t re-freeze after thawing
Food safety with raw chicken
Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Follow these food safety practices when handling pre-marinated raw chicken:
- Wash hands before and after handling
- Keep raw chicken sealed and stored below ready-to-eat foods in the fridge to prevent cross contamination
- Sanitize any surfaces the raw chicken touches
- Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria present
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
How long does cooked pre-marinated chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked pre-marinated chicken will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Store it in a sealed container to maximize freshness. Reheat cooked chicken to 165°F before eating.
Freezing pre-marinated chicken
For longer term storage, pre-marinated raw chicken can be frozen safely. Here are some freezing guidelines:
- Freeze in air-tight packaging or freezer bag
- Press out excess air before sealing
- Label package with date
- Freeze at 0°F or below
- Use within 2-3 months for best quality
- Thaw in the refrigerator, not at room temperature
Previously frozen pre-marinated chicken should be used within 1-2 days after thawing in the fridge.
Conclusion
Pre-marinated raw chicken typically lasts 3-5 days past its sell-by date if kept chilled at 40°F or below. For food safety, it’s important to check for signs of spoilage and follow proper storage methods. Using the chicken within 2 days of opening the package helps prevent spoilage. Freezing can extend the shelf life for 2-3 months. Follow safe handling practices when working with raw chicken.