After how many hours of marinating should marinated chicken ideally be cooked?

The ideal marinating time for chicken typically falls around 12 hours. This duration allows the marinade to infuse the meat thoroughly, enhancing flavor and tenderness. When marinating chicken, it's crucial to strike a balance; too short a marination period may not impart enough flavor, while an extended time beyond 12 hours could lead to undesirable textures, as the acids in the marinade can begin to break down the proteins too much.

Marinades often include acidic components like vinegar or citrus juice, which help tenderize the meat. At around 12 hours, the chicken absorbs a substantial amount of these flavors without compromising its texture, making it a practical choice for grilling, roasting, or frying. Thus, cooking the chicken after this marinating period will yield optimal taste and texture.