POULTRY MARINADES: 30 MIN OR OVERNIGHT?

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

What's the difference?

Lawry's makes 30-minute marinades, and I think it works in such a short time because of the high salt content.

Some marinades say to put on hens and chill overnight. I was planning on leaving it on overnight, but I'm not sure what determines the length of time.

Does anyone know what makes the difference? Higher acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice? Less salt?

rockygems123 · ‎06-04-2012

@Tinkrbl44

Acids i.e. lemon juice and vinegar can make chicken mushy after more than 4 hours in marinade.

Just looked it up and yep that's what it says on the internet.

Unless a recipe specifically calls for overnight like the classic Chicken Marbella from the Silver Palate I wouldn't do it for that long.

Sweet Kitties · ‎09-03-2017

I think the tougher the meat, the longer you can marinate. Beef does well marinated longer. It can be marinated 12 to 24 hours. Chicken will break down too much if you marinate overnight. Optimal time for chicken is 2 to 6 hours. Fish is the most delicate. You should marinate it 15 to 30 minutes.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@Sweet Kitties wrote:
I think the tougher the meat, the longer you can marinate. Beef does well marinated longer. It can be marinated 12 to 24 hours. Chicken will break down too much if you marinate overnight. Optimal time for chicken is 2 to 6 hours. Fish is the most delicate. You should marinate it 15 to 30 minutes.

@Sweet Kitties

I'm assuming Cornish Hens would be the same. I keep changing my mind about the ingredients, but better make a decision soon ... lol.