Marinate raw meat only in the fridge: poultry up to 2 days; beef, veal, pork and lamb up to 5 days. You can freeze meat in its marinade; it stays safe indefinitely at 0°F.
Storage times from USDA, FoodSafety.gov, FDA and university extension services. Checked .
How long does raw marinated meat last in the fridge?
2–5 days at 40°F (4°C) or below. in the fridge only: poultry up to 2 days; beef, veal, pork and lamb up to 5 days
Can you freeze raw marinated meat?
freezing is fine; use the freezer time for the raw cut (e.g., chicken parts 9 months, steaks 4-12 months); best quality; safe indefinitely at 0°F
- Freeze meat right in its marinade in a flat, sealed freezer bag.
- Label with the cut and date.
After thawing: Thaw in the fridge and cook within 1-2 days for poultry or ground meat, 3-5 days for whole beef, pork or lamb cuts.
How long can raw marinated meat sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.
How to tell if raw marinated meat has gone bad
- Sour or off odor beyond the marinade
- Slimy texture
- Gray or greenish color
Bacteria that cause food poisoning don't always change the look or smell of food, so go by the storage times above. When in doubt, throw it out.
Questions people ask
Can I reuse marinade from raw chicken?
Only after bringing it to a full boil. Otherwise discard it, or set some aside before it touches raw meat.
Can I marinate meat on the counter?
No. Always marinate in the refrigerator, covered.
How long can marinated chicken stay in the fridge?
Raw marinated meat keeps 2–5 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
How long can you leave marinated chicken in the fridge?
Raw marinated meat keeps 2–5 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
How long can you keep marinated chicken in the fridge?
Raw marinated meat keeps 2–5 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
Can you freeze marinated meat?
Not as is. Freezing is fine; use the freezer time for the raw cut (e.g., chicken parts 9 months, steaks 4-12 months); best quality; safe indefinitely at 0°F.
How long does marinated chicken last in the fridge?
Raw marinated meat keeps 2–5 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.