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.
Turkey breast is a lean, tasty meat that can be used in everything from sandwiches to full holiday dinners. But to enjoy it at its best, proper thawing and storage are essential. So how long after thawing does turkey breast remain fresh and safe to use?
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
These timeframes help prevent spoilage and reduce the risk of foodborne illness when handling raw poultry. Proper storage is key to keeping thawed turkey breasts as fresh as possible.
Proper Refrigeration Maximizes Shelf Life
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.
Monitoring time, temperature, avoiding cross-contamination, cooking completely, and focusing on proper storage are key to safely handling thawed turkey breast. Follow these guidelines to keep turkey fresh and delicious after thawing.
Thawing With a Microwave
Before you start thawing with the use of a microwave, you should already have a plan in place to cook it as soon as it thaws.
You can find the instructions on how to defrost the turkey in its package. So, it’s not difficult to thaw your turkey using a microwave.
To thaw using a microwave, you’ll need to remove your turkey from its packaging, remove the neck, liver and other organs in the packaging, and place it in a microwave-safe container. Once you’ve made sure the turkey fits the container appropriately, set the microwave to defrost according to your turkey’s weight.
As you start defrosting the turkey, remember to shift its position by rotating or flipping it to ensure it defrosts evenly as much as possible. You can help your turkey thaw faster by separating chunks that are stuck together.
Keep in mind that using a microwave to defrost your turkey will not only warm the meat, but it may start cooking parts of the bird.
If you’ve managed to fully thaw your turkey, you should know that partially cooked food should immediately go into the oven to finish cooking.
Thawing in a Refrigerator
Thawing your turkey in the refrigerator is the only method that makes refreezing it okay.
Note that thawing your turkey will result in its juices dripping. This is the reason why you need to place the turkey on a tray while thawing in the refrigerator. Trust me! I have cleaned up that mess a few times.
When you decide to thaw your turkey in the refrigerator, plan your time accordingly, because it takes days to thaw a frozen turkey. It takes around 24 hours for every four to five pounds in a refrigerator set to 40°F.
With this in mind, you should be able to calculate the number of days it would take you to thaw your turkey according to the date you plan to cook it.
How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking?
FAQ
How long will a thawed turkey breast keep in the fridge?
In the Refrigerator (40 °F or below)
Place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak. 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 a turkey is thawed should it be cooked?
- Securely wrap the turkey
- Submerge it in cold tap water
- Change the water every 30 minutes
- Cook immediately after thawing
Is 7 days too long to thaw a turkey?
- The USDA recommends allowing 24 hours for every 4–5 lbs of turkey.
- A turkey weighing 20–24 lbs can take 5–6 days to thaw in the refrigerator.
- A turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator can remain in the refrigerator for 1–2 days.
- A thawed turkey can be refrozen if necessary.
- Never thaw a turkey at room temperature.
- Thaw turkey breast side up, in an unopened wrapper on a tray in the fridge (40 degrees F or below).
Is turkey still good after 7 days in the fridge?
- Raw Turkey: – Sell-By Date: Generally, raw turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days after the sell-by date if it has been kept at a consistent temperature (below 40°F or 4°C).
- Cooked Turkey: – Cooked turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days after cooking.
How long can you keep thawed turkey breast fresh?
Proper storage preserves quality and prevents bacterial growth. Follow these guidelines for keeping your thawed turkey breast fresh. The USDA recommends using thawed raw turkey within 1-2 days of refrigerator thawing. For thawed turkey breasts, aim for 1 day max.Cook immediately after the thawing timeline ends.
How long does a thawed Turkey last?
The shelf life of thawed turkey depends on a number of factors, including: * Temperature: The warmer the temperature, the faster the turkey will spoil. Thawed turkey should be kept in the refrigerator at 40F or below. * Packaging: Thawed turkey should be stored in a leak-proof container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
How do you Thaw a turkey breast?
* Answer: To thaw a turkey in the sink, fill a large sink with cold water and place the turkey breast-side down in the sink. The water should cover the turkey by at least 1 inch. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Allow 3-4 hours of thawing time for every 4 pounds of turkey.
Can you eat thawed turkey breast?
If turkey breast exhibits any of these qualities, it is no longer safe to cook or eat. err on the side of caution and discard turkey that is even potentially spoiled. If thawed turkey will not be cooked within the recommended freshness timeframe, safely refreeze it: Within 1-2 days after thawing.
Can You Thaw a Turkey before cooking?
* Thaw turkey in the refrigerator. This is the safest way to thaw a turkey, but it can take several days. To thaw a turkey in the refrigerator, place it in a large bowl or baking dish in the refrigerator. The turkey should be completely thawed before cooking. * Thaw turkey in cold water.
How long does a thawed Turkey take to cook?
Once thawed, you still have 1 to 2 days before it needs to be cooked or frozen. – A 20-pound turkey takes about 5 days to thaw, granting you an additional 1 to 2 days for cooking. Knowing how long to keep a thawed turkey is only part of ensuring food safety. You should also keep an eye out for signs that your turkey may have spoiled.