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. Also important is knowing how long cooked turkey can stay in the fridge, so you can plan your post-Thanksgiving leftover bonanza.
Turkey is a delicious and versatile protein enjoyed by many households during the holidays and year-round. However, raw turkey is highly perishable and can go bad quickly if not stored properly. Knowing how long turkey can safely be kept refrigerated before cooking is key to avoiding foodborne illness and food waste.
Overview of Turkey Storage
In general, raw whole turkey and turkey parts can be kept refrigerated at 40°F or below for 1 to 2 days before cooking Ground and processed turkey, like ground turkey and turkey cutlets, only last 1 to 2 days Cooked turkey and leftovers can last 3 to 4 days refrigerated.
Here is a quick overview of turkey fridge life:
- Raw whole turkey: 1 to 2 days
- Raw turkey parts: 1 to 2 days
- Raw ground turkey: 1 to 2 days
- Cooked turkey: 3 to 4 days
- Processed turkey (lunchmeat): 3 to 5 days
How to Tell if Turkey Has Gone Bad
You don’t want to risk eating turkey that has spoiled, as it can cause food poisoning. Here are some signs that indicate your raw or cooked turkey has gone bad:
- Slimy texture or sticky surface
- Unpleasant sour odor
- Graying or dull, discolored flesh
- Slimy package leaking juices
Trust your senses. If the turkey smells bad looks weird or feels slimy, play it safe and toss it.
Proper Turkey Storage
To get the maximum fridge life, proper storage is essential. Here are some turkey storage tips:
- Store turkey in the coldest part of the fridge, 40°F or below. Keep the temperature consistent.
- Place turkey on a plate or in a container to prevent juices from dripping.
- Wrap raw turkey tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for longer storage.
- Store cooked turkey covered in foil or an airtight container.
- Don’t overstuff the fridge, as this reduces airflow.
Ground turkey and processed turkey like lunchmeat are more perishable than whole cuts. Use opened packages within 1 to 3 days.
Freezing Turkey
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of turkey for several months. Here are some freezing guidelines:
- Freeze turkey no more than 1 to 2 days after purchasing.
- Place in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Raw turkey parts can be frozen for up to 9 months. Whole turkeys up to 1 year.
- Cooked turkey maintains best quality frozen for 2 to 3 months.
Thaw frozen turkey safely in the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave. Do not thaw at room temperature. Cook thawed turkey immediately; do not refreeze.
Bottom Line
So how long can turkey stay in the fridge before cooking? 1 to 2 days is the recommended max for raw turkey parts and whole turkey. Just 3 to 4 days for leftovers. Be sure to store turkey properly to maximize freshness and avoid illness. Freeze turkey for longer storage. If in doubt, remember the motto “when in doubt, throw it out!”
How Long Can a Frozen or Thawed Turkey Stay In the Fridge?
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. And if you dont have that much time, heres how to defrost turkey more quickly.)
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.
How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking?
FAQ
How long can an uncooked turkey stay in the refrigerator?
Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for 6 days?
Is turkey still good after 7 days in fridge?
Can a turkey sit in the fridge for 5 days?
How long can you keep a thawed Turkey in the fridge?
If you want to keep a thawed turkey in the fridge for a while, the only safe way to defrost it is to keep it in the fridge the entire time. If you use any other method, you’ll have to cook the bird off right away. For whole turkeys, allow one day of thawing for each 4 to 5 pounds of weight. A 20-pound turkey should be fully thawed in 4 or 5 days.
How long does Turkey last in the fridge?
Turkey can last between 1-4 days in the fridge depending on whether it was previously cooked or not. Food that is not properly stored in the fridge can quickly spoil and cause bacteria growth. That’s why it’s important to know how different long types of food will last in the fridge to keep you safe and away from food poisoning.
Can You Refrigerate a frozen turkey?
Pick up your frozen turkey from the grocery store or schedule it for delivery at least a week before your dinner. Thawing a turkey takes about one day per four pounds of turkey. (Here’s how to defrost turkey more quickly .) Then, once it’s thawed, the turkey can be refrigerated for an additional four days before it needs to be cooked.
How long does leftover Turkey last in the freezer?
The general consensus is that most food can safely be kept in the freezer indefinitely, but the USDA recommends consuming most frozen foods within two to six months for the best quality, depending on what you’re freezing.