When you hear the word thanksgiving, you’ll probably think of turkey. Turkey is a classic meal that usually brings the family together. And for it to be cooked right, it needed to be thawed right. So, how long can thawed turkey stay in the refrigerator?
The quick down and dirty science answer is, “You could keep a thawed turkey in a refrigerator for one to two days only if it was thawed using a refrigerator.”
If you thawed your turkey using other means, it can’t be refrozen and should be cooked immediately to minimize the growth of harmful bacteria.
Thawing turkey is as simple as letting it unfreeze, right? We all think “that’s what my gram did so why can’t I?”
Well, there’s so much more to it than that. While a fully frozen turkey is safe, bacteria starts to grow as soon as it thaws.
The key to success is preparation. Make sure you have cleared a space in the refrigerator and have everything you need before you bring the turkey home from the store. Clean out the fridge and make sure you have something large enough to place the turkey in so as it defrosts, it doesn’t leak all over.
This will allow you to store it in your refrigerator immediately. You don’t want to leave your frozen turkey in any place where the temperature isn’t suitable for very long.
Frozen poultry or any meat thawing for more than two hours on a table will begin to grow bacteria. Though the center of the package is still cold, the outer part may be within the “Danger Zone.” Temperatures between 40 and 140°F allow bacteria to multiply at a faster rate.
Pro tip: Bring a cooler with you to the store the day you plan to purchase so you can keep the bird safe, especially if bringing home a fresh turkey.
With the popularity of turkey breast for sandwiches, salads and more many home cooks buy large frozen turkey breasts for convenience. But to enjoy turkey at its best proper thawing and storage are key. So how long after thawing does turkey breast stay fresh and safe to use?
Here’s a guide to maximizing the shelf life and quality of thawed raw turkey breasts:
Overview of Thawed Turkey Breast Storage Times
Once thawed raw turkey breast can be kept refrigerated for
- 1-2 days past the printed “sell by” or “use by” date on the packaging
- 3-5 days from the initial thaw date if no date is present
- No more than 5 total days after removing from the freezer, according to USDA guidelines
Following these timeframes helps prevent spoilage and reduce the risk of foodborne illness when handling raw poultry
Proper Refrigeration Is Critical
To optimize freshness after thawing turkey breast:
- Keep in original airtight packaging or rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place on a plate or pan to contain any juices and avoid cross-contamination.
- Store in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally at 40°F or below.
- Separate raw turkey from cooked foods, produce, and other items.
- Avoid frequent opening of the refrigerator.
Controlling temperature and sealing in moisture are vital to extending the usable lifespan after thawing.
Signs Your Thawed Turkey Breast Has Spoiled
Watch for these indications that thawed turkey breast has gone bad:
- Slimy, sticky skin and dull appearance
- Grayish color instead of pink or cream tones
- Off odors like sourness or rotting
- Any mold growth
- Discoloration, bruising, or mushy spots
- Dry, faded look lacking plumpness
- Passed expiration date or more than 5 days after thawing
- Exposure to temperatures above 40°F for over 2 hours
If turkey exhibits any of these, play it safe and throw it out. Don’t risk eating turkey that shows signs of spoilage.
Refreezing Preserves Freshness
To safely extend the shelf life of thawed turkey breast:
- Refreeze within 1-2 days after initial thaw.
- Only refreeze once – do not refreeze turkey thawed a second time.
- Store in airtight bags or containers with air excluded.
- Freeze at 0°F or below.
- Use within 2-3 months for best quality.
- Keep original sell by date visible or mark repackaged date.
Proper, quick refreezing right after thawing keeps turkey breast tasting fresh longer when frozen.
Cook Thoroughly for Food Safety
Always cook thawed raw turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165°F checked with a food thermometer. This kills any harmful bacteria present. For best quality, cook within the recommended timeframe after thawing.
Tips for Thawing Frozen Turkey Breasts
To safely thaw large frozen turkey breasts:
- Thaw in the refrigerator allowing 24 hours per 4-5 lbs.
- Submerge in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes.
- Thaw in the microwave if cooking immediately after.
- Avoid thawing at room temperature.
When thawing turkey breast:
- Keep the turkey in its airtight original packaging.
- Place on a tray or dish to catch any juices.
- Once thawed, use within 1-2 days.
- Refrigerate right away, don’t let sit out.
- Cook to 165°F internal temperature.
Storing Thawed Turkey Breast
Once thawed, maximize freshness by:
- Leaving in original packaging or rewrapping tightly.
- Refrigerating at 40°F or below.
- Using within 1-2 days, no more than 5 days total after thawing.
- Freezing only once if not using right away.
- Checking for signs of spoilage like odor, sliminess, or discoloration.
Monitoring time, temperature, avoiding cross-contamination, cooking completely, and focusing on proper storage are key to safely handling thawed turkey. Follow these guidelines to keep turkey breast fresh and delicious after thawing.
Three Ways to Safely Thaw Food
Whether you plan to do a simple season and stuff the bird or use a simple brine as we did on our Turkey Cheat Sheet, the three methods below are your safest bets for thawing your bird in time for the big day. Reference our Thanksgiving Planner which has an entire section dedicated to defrosting your bird.
⚠️ AVOID Thawing on the Counter
Some people thaw their fish, meat, or poultry by leaving it on the counter.
You should avoid this as much as possible because raw meats should not be placed at room temperature for more than four hours.
If you leave your turkey or any other meat for more than four hours, plan on it being unsafe and throw it out.
Quick and Safe Thawing of a Frozen Turkey Breast
FAQ
How long will a thawed turkey breast keep in the fridge?
- Carve leftover turkey into pieces before refrigerating to cool more quickly
- Use leftovers within 3 days
- If freezing leftovers, use within 2 to 6 months for best quality
How long after a turkey is thawed should it be cooked?
- The turkey should be kept in its original packaging and placed on a tray or pan to catch any juices.
- It takes about one day to thaw every 4–5 lbs of turkey.
- A turkey that has been thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen, but there may be some loss of quality.
Is 7 days too long to thaw a turkey?
Refrigerator Thawing (Recommended)
If your turkey weighs 16 pounds, it will take about four days to thaw. Once thawed, the turkey is safe for another two days, so you can start thawing it six days before thanksgiving (the Friday before Thanksgiving).
How can you tell if a thawed turkey has gone bad?
It should be okay. It will take several days just to thaw while in the fridge. If it was bad, it will usually give off a strong smell, be slimy or sticky. It might be grayish brown, or even have patches of white or blue-green mold.
Can You refreeze a thawed turkey breast?
Yes, it’s safe to refreeze the thawed turkey breast as long as it has been thawed in the refrigerator and not at room temperature. How long does it take to thaw a turkey breast in cold water? A turkey breast can be thawed in cold water in 30 minutes per pound, but the water needs to be changed every 30 minutes.
How long do thawed Turkey breasts last?
Once thawed, raw boneless or bone-in turkey breasts remain usable in the refrigerator for: 3-5 days from the thaw date if no date is printed. These timeframes help prevent spoilage and reduce risk of foodborne illness when handling raw poultry. Make sure thawed turkey breasts are stored properly to optimize freshness
How long can a thawed Turkey stay in the fridge?
A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen. How long after defrosting turkey should it be cooked? A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking.
How long does it take to thaw a Turkey?
The water should cover the turkey by at least 1 inch. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Allow 5-6 hours of thawing time for every 4 pounds of turkey. For example, a 12-pound turkey will take 20-24 hours to thaw.
How do you store thawed turkey breast?
1. Keep the turkey breast at a consistent temperature of 40°F or lower in the fridge. 2. Use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor the temperature of the fridge. 3. Consume the thawed turkey breast within the recommended time frame to avoid any potential food safety issues. 4.
How long can you keep cooked turkey breast in the fridge?
Leftover cooked turkey breast can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. What is the best way to thaw a turkey breast? The safest way to thaw a turkey breast is in the refrigerator. It’s best to plan ahead, as this method can take 1 to 2 days. Can I speed up the thawing process by leaving the turkey breast on the counter?