how long should a marinade sit
1 Removing the skin from the chicken will help it absorb marinade. 2  In general, two hours of marinating is long enough for the meat to soak up the flavor, but poultry can marinate for up to two days in the refrigerator, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Fish and shellfish should marinate for only 30 minutes to an hour; any longer and the flesh might start to âcookâ and go mushy. 2  DO think ahead: If possible, start marinating meat the night before, or in the morning before you leave for work.