What is the recommended marination time for chicken before breading and cooking?

The recommended marination time for chicken before breading and cooking is 12 hours. This duration allows the flavors of the marinade to sufficiently penetrate the chicken, enhancing its taste and ensuring that the meat remains moist during cooking. Marinating for around 12 hours strikes a balance; it is long enough to infuse flavor without causing overly softening the protein, which can happen if chicken is left to marinate for too long.

A shorter marination period may not allow enough time for the chicken to absorb the marinade’s flavors, leading to a less flavorful dish. On the other hand, marinating for 24 or 48 hours can result in a texture that some might find undesirable, as the meat can become mushy due to the breakdown of proteins by the acids or enzymes present in many marinades. Maintaining this 12-hour window is ideal for achieving the best combination of flavor and texture.