Marinating Chicken in Milk (or Buttermilk)
on Mar 03, 2023, Updated Nov 19, 2023
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If you’ve made Southern fried chicken before, you probably marinated the chicken in milk or buttermilk. Marinating Chicken in Milk acts as both a tenderizer and a flavor enhancer. In this post, we’re sharing some tips on using milk or buttermilk to marinate chicken.
Why Do You Soak Chicken In Milk?
Milk marinades help to tenderize the chicken. The lactic acid in milk helps to break down the protein in chicken, resulting in more tender results.
Milk marinades are also mild in flavor, so won’t affect the overall taste of the chicken.
What You’ll Need to Marinate Chicken
- Chicken Breasts or Chicken Thighs (You can also use chicken wings or chicken drumsticks)
- Milk or Buttermilk
- Optional Seasoning
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Marinate Chicken in Milk
First, add chicken breasts and milk to a mixing bowl. Make sure to submerge the chicken completely.
Cover with plastic wrap and marinate the chicken in the fridge for 5 to 24 hours.
Milk Substitutes
Other ingredients can be used to replace milk in marinades.
- Yogurt is an excellent option. It’s often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Use sugar-free yogurt for the best result.
- You can also use buttermilk as a substitute.
Soaking Chicken In Milk Vs Buttermilk
Milk and buttermilk are effective marinades. If you’re looking for a marinade that will tenderize chicken faster, buttermilk is an even better option.
Note that buttermilk will likely add a tanginess to the chicken whereas regular milk will not.
How Long Can Chicken Sit In Milk?
Chicken can be marinated anywhere from 5 to 24 hours. Note that the chicken should always be kept in the fridge while marinating.
FAQ
Can You Soak Chicken In Dairy-Free Milk?
Dairy-free milk can be used to marinate chicken, but you may not get the same tender and delicious results.
High-calcium dairy-free milk like rice milk is probably your best bet. Acidic ingredients like pineapple juice, vinegar, and lime or lemon juice can be added to dairy-free milk to make the chicken more flavorful and tender.
Can You Soak Pork Chops In Milk?
Yes, pork chops can be marinated in milk. Note that the chops won’t be as tender as chicken because pork has longer fibers and is more dense than chicken.
Pork marinated overnight in buttermilk will produce tender and juicy results.
Is it Easy to Make Buttermilk?
Yes, simply add one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk. Let it stand until thickened and use as you would regular buttermilk.
How to Marinate Chicken in Milk
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 cups milk
- optional seasoning
Instructions
- Add chicken breasts and milk to a mixing bowl.
- Submerge the chicken completely.
- Cover with plastic wrap and marinate the chicken in the fridge for 5 to 24 hours.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
Thank you on the different options and visuals on how to marinade chicken breast.