It doesnt matter how many unique side dishes you make, a festive holiday spread just isnt complete without the star of the show: the turkey. Whether you want to barbecue or fry the bird or go the traditional route with roasting, the recipe options are endless. The only caveat with cooking the holiday staple is that the process takes a lot of time and planning. How long does it take to defrost turkey? How do you thaw it? And how long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge? Then the cooking questions start — how to prep turkey for roasting, how to get crispy turkey skin, etc.
Of these questions, some of the most essential are how to thaw turkey and how long thawed turkey can stay in the fridge. You need to build your cooking schedule around making sure your bird is defrosted early enough for it to get into the oven on time — but not so early that it sits in the fridge for longer than is safe. Its also important to know how long cooked turkey can stay in the fridge, so you can plan your post-Thanksgiving leftover bonanza.
To help you time everything right, we gathered turkey tips from Butterballs turkey experts and nutrition expert Toby Amidor so you know just how to handle your frozen, thawed, cooked, and leftover meat this year.
Planning a delicious holiday meal often starts with getting a frozen turkey weeks or even months in advance. But how long can you safely keep frozen turkey in the fridge before cooking it? Here’s what you need to know about maximizing frozen turkey fridge life.
Overview of Frozen Turkey Fridge Life
Whole frozen turkeys will last indefinitely in the freezer, but quality starts to decline after about 12 months For best flavor and texture, you should cook frozen turkeys within a year.
Once transferred from the freezer to the fridge to thaw, you have a more limited window before the turkey must be cooked
- Whole Turkey: 1-2 days
- Turkey Breast: 1-2 days
- Turkey Pieces or Cutlets: 1-2 days
The exact fridge life depends on a few factors, especially the thawing process. But generally, thawed raw turkey shouldn’t sit in the fridge for more than 2 days before cooking.
Thawing Timeline
To safely maximize fridge life, carefully plan the thawing timeline:
- Allow 24 hours of fridge thawing per 4-5 lbs turkey. A 12 lb turkey takes 3 days to thaw.
- Cook within 1-2 days after thawing for optimal safety and quality.
- Check thaw progress daily by pressing the breast. When soft, it’s thawed.
- If you run out of time, cook from frozen, though cooking may take 50% longer.
This thawing timeline table provides estimates:
| Turkey Weight | Days to Thaw | Max Days After Thaw in Fridge |
|---|---|---|
| 4 – 12 lbs | 1 – 3 days | 1 – 2 days |
| 12 – 16 lbs | 3 – 4 days | 1 – 2 days |
| 16 – 20 lbs | 4 – 5 days | 1 – 2 days |
| 20 – 24 lbs | 5 – 6 days | 1 – 2 days |
As shown, even large turkeys should not be in the fridge more than 2 days after thawing before cooking.
Thawing Methods
Proper thawing maximizes fridge life safely. Recommended methods:
- Refrigerator: Safest method. Thaw breast up on a plate to catch juices. Keep wrapped on lower shelf.
- Cold Water: Submerge sealed turkey, changing water every 30 mins. Cook immediately after thawing.
- Microwave: Follow defrost instructions, 6 mins per lb. Cook immediately after thawing.
Avoid thawing at room temperature or in hot water, allowing rapid bacteria growth.
Food Safety Tips
To safely maximize frozen turkey fridge life:
- Store turkey on the bottom fridge shelf away from ready-to-eat foods.
- Use a fridge thermometer to maintain temperature below 40°F.
- Check turkey daily during thawing. Cook immediately if spoilage detected.
- Cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days until 165°F internal temperature.
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
Following proper fridge storage, thawing, and cooking guidelines ensures your frozen turkey stays safe through the holidays.
Signs of Spoiled Turkey
Although thawed turkey lasts up to 2 fridge days before cooking, watch for:
- Unpleasant odor
- Grayish or greenish discoloration
- Slimy texture
- Mold growth
Discard any turkey with these signs of spoilage. Don’t risk eating spoiled turkey, which can cause foodborne illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a frozen turkey stay in the fridge before cooking?
A whole frozen turkey can last 1-2 days in the fridge after fully thawing before it should be cooked.
Can you thaw a turkey in the fridge for a week?
Yes, a 20+ pound turkey may require 5-6 days of fridge thawing. But cook within 1-2 days after it’s fully thawed.
Is it safe to cook a turkey thawed for a week?
No, discard raw turkey refrigerated over 2 days after thawing, as it becomes unsafe to eat.
Can you refreeze a thawed turkey?
Yes, if thawed safely in the fridge and not left for over 2 days. When refreezing, use within 2-6 months.
What happens if a thawed turkey is in the fridge too long?
If left for over 2 days, the turkey can become unsafe due to rapid bacteria growth. Discard any turkey kept in the fridge more than 48 hours before cooking.
The Takeaway
It’s perfectly safe to store a fully frozen turkey in the fridge for 1-2 days before cooking. Be sure to allow enough thawing time and avoid keeping raw thawed turkey in the fridge over 48 hours. With proper planning, you can enjoy a delicious holiday turkey safely thawed and stored.
Experts Featured in This Article
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends defrosting turkey in the refrigerator at 40°F or below for several days before you plan on cooking it. Thawing a turkey takes about one day per four pounds of turkey, Amidor says, which means a smaller 12-pound turkey will take three days, whereas the largest turkey of 20-24 pounds can take up to six days to defrost. (Butterball has a handy calculator that can tell you exactly how long youll need to thaw your bird.
Once its thawed, the turkey can stay in the refrigerator for an additional two days before it needs to be cooked, Amidor says. So, for example, if youre cooking a 20-24-pound bird, you need to stick it in the fridge to thaw at least six days before youll be eating it (so it has time to fully thaw), and no more than eight days before youll be eating it (to stay within that two-day window). For a 12-pound turkey, youll want to put it in the fridge for a minimum of three days and a maximum of five.
When youre ready to thaw, keep the turkey in its plastic wrap and place it on a rimmed sheet tray or roasting pan to keep any juices from making a mess in your fridge. Put it in the coldest part of your fridge to defrost, or better yet, store it in a spare fridge that isnt opened often. And “if you thaw the turkey in the refrigerator and choose not to cook it, you can refreeze it without cooking, but there will be some loss of quality,” Amidor says.