Freezing leftover turkey is a great way to save it for fast easy dinners in the future. Follow these simple steps to keep your leftover turkey for months to come.
With families all over the country having smaller Thanksgivings this year, it is likely that you will have some leftover turkey. I’ve used this method to freeze both my Turkey Breast recipe and my Roast Turkey – it works great for both!
These simple and easy steps make it possible to keep turkey on hand for lots of great recipes. There is no need to get sick of turkey. Freeze your left overs and use them a month from now in leftover turkey recipes.
Freezing cooked turkey is a great way to preserve leftovers and make the most out of your holiday bird or any other turkey meal With proper freezing and storage techniques, you can keep turkey fresh for months and have ready-to-eat meat on hand for sandwiches, casseroles, soups, and more.
Why Freeze Cooked Turkey?
Freezing cooked turkey has several advantages
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Preserves flavor and texture Turkey frozen promptly after cooking maintains moisture and flavor better than refrigerating for a week.
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Reduces waste: Freezing leftovers prevents having to throw away uneaten turkey.
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Saves time: Frozen pre-cooked turkey is quick and easy to defrost and reheat for meals or incorporate into recipes.
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Provides convenience: Keeping cooked turkey in the freezer gives you an instant protein source whenever you need it.
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Allows bulk prep: You can prep and freeze turkey in batch for future meals and meal prep.
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Last in the Freezer?
Properly stored frozen cooked turkey lasts for 3-6 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline. Poultry frozen for longer than this becomes dry and stringy. For best flavor and texture, try to eat frozen turkey within 1-2 months.
Turkey parts like breast meat and thighs last slightly longer than whole turkey in the freezer. Ground and shredded turkey has a shorter freezer life of just 2-3 months.
Tips for Freezing Turkey to Maximize Freshness
Follow these tips for freezing cooked turkey correctly:
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Chill: Refrigerate turkey for 30 minutes before freezing so it doesn’t warm up the freezer.
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Portion: Cut turkey into smaller pieces or slices before freezing for easier thawing and use.
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Package: Use freezer bags, plastic wrap, foil, or airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
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Exclude air: Squeeze out air and seal packages tightly to prevent ice crystals.
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Label: Mark packages with contents and freeze date so you know what’s inside.
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Freeze fast: Get turkey in the freezer within 1-2 days of cooking for best quality.
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Organize: Arrange packages neatly so you can easily find what you need.
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Monitor temperature: Keep freezer at 0°F or below so turkey stays frozen solid.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Freezing Cooked Turkey
Follow these simple steps for freezing cooked turkey perfectly every time:
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Allow cooked turkey to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes after cooking. Then refrigerate until completely chilled, about 1-2 more hours.
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Meanwhile, label any freezer bags, containers, plastic wrap, or foil you’ll use with type and quantity of turkey and date.
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Once turkey is chilled, carve meat from the bone and slice or dice into portions, keeping them no more than 3⁄4-inch thick.
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Arrange turkey pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in freezer for 1 hour until firm. (Skip this step if not dicing turkey.)
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Transfer frozen turkey pieces into labeled freezer bags, pressing out all air and sealing tightly. Or wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and foil.
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For whole turkey slices, place directly into labeled freezer bags or containers, removing air.
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Freeze turkey right away, arranging bags or containers neatly so you can see labels.
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Once solidly frozen, turkey can be rearranged; try grouping meal-size portions together.
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Use frozen turkey within 1-2 months for best quality, up to 6 months maximum for safety.
How to Thaw Frozen Cooked Turkey
Always thaw frozen turkey safely in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. There are a few thawing methods:
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Refrigerator: Place turkey in a bowl or on a plate to catch drips. Thaw overnight or 24 hours for a large quantity.
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Cold water: Seal turkey in a bag and submerge in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. Thaws in 2-3 hours.
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Microwave: Thaw turkey pieces in microwave, following appliance directions. Use immediately after thawing.
Cook raw frozen turkey immediately after thawing, and reheat fully cooked frozen turkey to 165°F before eating.
Serving Ideas for Frozen Turkey
Frozen cooked turkey is endlessly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
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Sandwiches – For cold sandwiches, slice breast meat and combine with mayo, mustard, lettuce, and cheese on bread. For hot sandwiches, thinly slice turkey and melt on rolls or baguettes.
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Salads – Diced frozen turkey is perfect for chef, Cobb, or Caesar salads. Just defrost first.
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Soups – Drop frozen turkey pieces directly into simmering soups and stews to add protein.
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Casseroles – Mix thawed diced turkey into casseroles and baked pasta dishes for a protein punch.
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Snacks – Defrost shredded turkey to make turkey jerky, protein balls, or lettuce wraps.
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Stir fries – Thinly slice raw frozen turkey breast to stir fry with veggies and noodles or rice.
Storing and ReheatingFrozen Turkey Safely
To keep frozen turkey safe and prevent foodborne illness:
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Store at 0°F or below, keeping freezer organized so packages don’t get lost.
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Defrost only as much as needed in refrigerator, cold water, or microwave.
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Cook raw turkey to minimum internal temperature of 165°F after thawing.
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Reheat fully cooked frozen turkey thoroughly to 165°F.
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Use thawed turkey within 3-4 days; freeze again if not using right away.
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Do not refreeze turkey once thawed unless incorporating into a cooked dish first.
Follow proper freezing, thawing, and food safety practices, and you can enjoy delicious frozen cooked turkey for months after the big meal!
How to Freeze Leftover Turkey
Freezing turkey to have for later recipes is really simple. The key to is to flash freeze it in a single layer so you are able to pull out just one cup at a time in the future.
Step 1: Cut the turkey into bite sized pieces.
I suggest that you freeze leftovers as soon as possible so you can get the maximum life span from them.
Step 2: Spread the turkey into a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Freeze the cut up turkey for 1 hour.
This flash freezing is an important step. It will keep the turkey from clumping together when stored in the freezer. This way they freeze as individual pieces.
Step 4: Transfer the frozen turkey to a plastic bag.
That’s it! Now you can store the bag of frozen turkey in the freezer for up to three months.
If you are wondering what to do with leftover turkey after freezing it, I suggest some of these leftover turkey recipes (and I will have more coming next week).
With any soup or casserole recipe, you can add it to the recipe directly from the freezer. Just add a little more cooking time.
This turkey will last in the freezer in a sealed container for 3 months.
Leftover turkey will last in the refrigerator for 4 days and in the freeze for 3 months.
It depends on the recipe. For soups and casseroles, you can put the turkey right from the freezer into the recipe and add a little more time. For recipes like the sliders and the grilled cheese, thaw in the refrigerator overnight first.
Yes! This is exactly how I freeze rotisserie chicken as well. This is perfect for recipes like my Chicken Noodle Casserole. Follow me on social for more recipe ideas & inspiration!
Can you freeze cooked turkey then reheat?
FAQ
Does cooked turkey freeze well?
How do you freeze cooked turkey without drying it out?
How do you freeze a turkey and keep it moist?
How do you reheat frozen cooked turkey?
Can you freeze a frozen turkey?
Place all of the wrapped pieces into a large food storage bag. Squeeze out any excess air and then label and date the bag. Store in the freezer for 3-6 months. Wrap the turkey tightly in several layers of plastic wrap. Next, wrap it in a layer of aluminum foil or freezer paper. Label and date the turkey. Freeze for 3-6 months.
How do you store a frozen turkey?
Place the sheet into the freezer for 1-2 hours or until frozen. Transfer the turkey to your preferred container, removing as much excess air as possible. Label and date the container using a permanent marker. Store in the freezer for 3-6 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place all of the wrapped pieces into a large food storage bag.
Can you freeze leftover Turkey?
Don’t use thin plastic sandwich bags with fold-over tops to freeze leftover turkey, as they allow too much air into the package. The result could be bacteria growth and freezer burn. Once you have placed the leftover turkey in the freezer bag, smooth out all of the air before sealing the zip lock. Don’t fill up the plastic freezer bags.
How long can you keep cooked turkey in the freezer?
Frozen, raw turkey can be stored in the freezer indefinitely. Of course, I recommend cooking them within 1 year for the best texture and flavor. For cooked turkey, on the other hand, your leftovers can be frozen for 6 months at most. In my experience, I have found that it is best enjoyed within the first 3 months, though.