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Can I Reuse The Marinade From The Buttermilk Roast Chicken?

Asked by eddy_. Answered on 13th August 2025

Full question

Hi Nigella and team, I’d like to know if I could reuse the excess buttermilk chicken marinade from the Buttermilk Roast Chicken, or is it only good for the bin? It seems a bit of a waste but I have no idea what to do with it other than possibly bulking it up with everything and make the chicken dish again. Thank you.

NIGELLA EXPRESS UK book cover
Buttermilk Roast Chicken
By Nigella
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Our answer

Nigella's Buttermilk Roast Chicken (from NIGELLA EXPRESS) marinates chicken drumsticks in a combination of buttermilk (or you could use other fermented dairy such as plain yogurt or kefir) spice and seasoning. The marinade helps to flavour, season and tenderise the chicken.

Unfortunately you should not keep or reuse the marinade and it should be thrown away as soon as you remove the chicken. The marinade has been in contact with raw chicken, which means that there is always a risk that it has been contaminated with salmonella. In addition, some chicken juices may have mingled with the marinade, meaning that it will not last as long as pure buttermilk in a carton or container. As an alternative to buttermilk, you could use Nigella's substitute for buttermilk by mixing lemon juice with whole or semi-skimmed (reduced fat) milk. For each 250ml (1 cup) milk use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir and leave to stand for a couple of minutes before using.

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