Maximizing Days of Enjoyment: Safely Storing Thawed Turkey Breast

If you’re looking to extend the life of some turkey you’ve stocked up on, you might be wondering: how long does turkey last in the fridge, and how long does turkey last in the freezer? Read on to learn the basics of storing turkey for later use.

You defrosted the turkey breast in preparation for a delicious meal. But before cooking day arrives, how long does thawed raw turkey last in the fridge? Proper storage preserves quality and prevents bacterial growth. Follow these guidelines for keeping your thawed turkey breast fresh.

Refrigeration Timeline After Thawing

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.

Refrigerate thawed turkey in a container on the bottom shelf at 40°F or below. Freeze if unable to cook within this timeframe. Don’t attempt to refreeze thawed meat.

Step-by-Step Thawing Instructions

Place frozen turkey breast in fridge 24 hours per 1 pound,
Remove from packaging. Place in airtight container or rewrap.
Refrigerate on bottom shelf at 40°F or below.
Cook within 1-2 days, discarding if thawing takes longer.
Do not refreeze after thawing.

Why Timeline Matters

Refrigeration slows but doesn’t halt bacterial growth. Leaving thawed turkey too long causes harmful microbes like salmonella to multiply, increasing food poisoning risks.

Adhering to the 1-2 day timeline lowers chances of illness. Discard turkey breasts not cooked within this timeframe. Don’t take risks by consuming spoiled poultry.

Signs of Spoiled Turkey

Watch for these indications your thawed turkey breast has gone bad:

Foul, unpleasant odor
Slimy texture and appearance
Discoloration or graying
Mold growth

When unsure if your thawed turkey is still useable, remember: when in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk getting sick.

Storage Do’s and Don’ts

Follow proper techniques for maximizing shelf life:

DO:

Refrigerate promptly at 40°F or below
Store in airtight packaging or container
Place on bottom shelf away from door
Cook within 1-2 days of thawing

DON’T:

Leave at room temperature over 2 hours
Attempt to refreeze after thawing
Exceed 1-2 day use timeline
Consume if signs of spoilage

Freezing Cooked Leftovers

Cooked leftover turkey can be frozen for longer term storage. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Then package in freezer bags or airtight containers within 3-4 days.

For highest quality, eat refrigerated leftovers within this 3-4 day timeline. But properly frozen cooked turkey will keep for 4 months in the freezer.

Answering Your Turkey Questions

Get answers to your top turkey breast storage FAQs:

How can I speed up thawing?

Only use the refrigerator method. Other ways like cold water increase risk.

What if the fridge power goes out?

Discard turkey if temperature exceeds 40°F for over 2 hours. Don’t take risks.

Can I freeze thawed turkey?

No, only freeze uncooked turkey prior to thawing.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate within 2 hours. Freeze within 3-4 days for longer storage.

Can I make stock with thawed juice?

Yes, but refrigerate immediately and use within 2 days.

Can I leave turkey in the original package?

No. Unwrap and place in airtight, moisture-proof container.

The Takeaway

Follow the 1-2 day use or freeze rule for thawed turkey breast. Monitoring time limits, proper refrigeration, and watching for signs of spoilage reduces foodborne illness risks. Employ smart storage to safely enjoy your turkey’s fullest flavor.

how long can you keep thawed turkey breast in refrigerator

Freezing Cooked Turkey and Raw Turkey

If you have enough turkey leftovers to last more than a few days, you might want to consider freezing cooked turkey instead of refrigerating it. The same is true if you’re stocked up on raw turkey that you don’t plan to cook right away. Luckily, the process for storing turkey in the freezer — whether it’s cooked or raw — is really simple.

Create an airtight seal around each individual piece of turkey using Glad® Press’n Seal®, then put them into an airtight bag, such as Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Freezer Quart Bags, making sure to squeeze out any extra air before sealing. If you’re freezing a whole turkey, just wrap your bird in several layers of Glad® Clingn Seal™ or Glad® Press’n Seal®. In both cases, you’ll want to store the turkey in the deepest part of the freezer. When properly stored, raw turkey pieces should stay good in the freezer for up to 9 months, while whole raw turkeys last for a year when frozen. Cooked turkey pieces last in the freezer for 4–6 months.

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Per the USDA’s guidelines, you should never thaw frozen turkey on the counter or in hot water, nor should you leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

The best way to thaw turkey (whole or in pieces) is to move the frozen package from the freezer onto a plate and into the fridge, and then let it thaw gradually. Depending on the size of what you’re thawing, this method can take a full day. If raw frozen turkey is thawed in the refrigerator, the defrosted turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days before it needs to be cooked or refrozen.

If you’re in a hurry to thaw your turkey, there’s a faster method you can use. Ensure the turkey is in an airtight bag — like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags — then submerge it in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw. You can also thaw frozen turkey pieces in the microwave, but if you want to use that method, you should plan to cook it immediately after thawing to prevent bacteria from growing.

how long can you keep thawed turkey breast in refrigerator

You can learn more about how to store meat and how long meat can last in the fridge or freezer with our meat storing tips.

For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.

Storing Turkey in the Fridge

Unsure of the best process for storing turkey in the fridge? Don’t worry — it’s pretty simple! Raw pieces of turkey can be wrapped in Glad® Press’n Seal®, then stored in an airtight bag like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags. Sliced cold cuts can be stored in a food storage bag, with any extra air squeezed out before it’s sealed. Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling turkey, especially if it’s raw.

If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

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How long can you keep a fresh turkey breast in the refrigerator?

FAQ

Can you keep a thawed turkey breast in the refrigerator for 4 days?

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.

Can you cook a thawed turkey after 5 days?

A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking. Foods thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking but there may be some loss of quality.

How long can a turkey be thawed out before it goes bad?

Information. It takes approximately 24 hours for every four to five pounds of whole turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. Once the turkey is thawed, you can keep it in the refrigerator for one to two additional days before cooking. For more information about thawing a turkey, go to Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing.

How long is uncooked turkey breast good in the fridge?

The safe time limit for refrigerating raw poultry is 1-2 days; 3-4 days if it’s cooked. Your turkey may have begun to spoil. Even without spoilage indicators like an off-odor or sticky surface, harmful bacteria may be present.