When it comes to white meats like chicken, . It infuses those otherwise bland cuts with aromatic flavors while tenderizing the meat to make it extra juicy. Although and plenty of marinade recipes to match them, a good basic marinade should always include five essential elements: fat, salt, sugar, aromatics, and acid.
When combined in the right proportions, these components create a harmonious soaking bath that infuses your chicken with deep, delicious flavors. One of the secrets to creating extra flavorful and tender chicken lies in acidic ingredients like citrus juice, vinegar, buttermilk, or yogurt. They help the meat soak up rich flavors while breaking down proteins for that irresistible tenderness.
But here's the catch: more marinade time doesn't equal more flavor. In fact, leaving chicken in an acidic marinade too long can turn it into a mushy disaster rather than enhancing its taste. While many recipes recommend marinating poultry anywhere from 6 to 24 hours, it's important not to overdo it.
Although it's safe to keep the meat in the marinade for longer, after about two days the acidic components can begin to break down the fibers which leaves the meat with an unpleasant softness instead of that perfect texture you were aiming for. And be sure to always marinate in the refrigerator and not on your kitchen counter, as this prevents harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses from multiplying. Here's what you can do instead For best results when marinating poultry, it.
