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.
With the convenience of purchasing large frozen turkey breasts, proper thawing is essential for both food safety and quality. So how long after thawing does turkey breast remain fresh and good to cook? Follow these turkey thawing and storage guidelines to determine the usable lifespan of thawed turkey breasts.
General Timeline for Thawed Raw Turkey Breast
Once thawed, raw boneless or bone-in turkey breasts remain usable in the refrigerator for:
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1-2 days past the “sell by” or “use by” date printed on the packaging
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3-5 days from the thaw date if no date is printed.
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No more than 5 days total after removing from the freezer, according to USDA guidelines
These timeframes help prevent spoilage and reduce risk of foodborne illness when handling raw poultry. Make sure thawed turkey breasts are stored properly to optimize freshness
Proper Storage Maximizes Shelf Life
Keep thawed turkey breasts as fresh as possible by:
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Leaving turkey in its original leak-proof packaging or rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
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Placing turkey breast on a plate or tray to catch any juices and prevent cross-contamination.
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Storing in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally at 40°F or below.
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Keeping raw turkey separated from cooked foods, produce, and other items.
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Avoiding repeated openings of the refrigerator door.
Proper fridge temperatures and sealing in moisture are key for preserving freshness and extending the usable life after thawing.
Signs Turkey Breast Has Spoiled
Monitor thawed turkey breasts for the following signs of spoilage:
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Slimy or sticky skin and film-like appearance.
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Gray, dull or mottled skin instead of pink or cream tones.
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Off odors like sourness or rotting.
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Mold growth anywhere on the turkey.
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Discoloration, bruising, or soft mushy spots.
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An overall faded, dry appearance lacking plumpness.
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Expired use by/sell by date or more than 5 days after thawing.
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Exposure to temperatures above 40°F for over 2 hours.
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.
Freezing Extends Shelf Life
If thawed turkey will not be cooked within the recommended freshness timeframe, safely refreeze it:
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Within 1-2 days after thawing.
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Only once – do not refreeze turkey thawed a second time.
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In freezer bags with all air pressed out or airtight containers.
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At 0°F or below.
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For use within 2-3 months for best quality.
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With original sell by date visible or date repackaged marked.
Proper freezing right after thawing extends the usable life of turkey breasts while preserving taste and texture that diminishes over time in the freezer.
Cook Thawed Turkey Completely
Always cook thawed raw turkey breast thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Check the temperature using a food thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and thigh if bone-in. This kills any bacteria that may be present and allows the turkey to be safely eaten. For optimal quality, cook turkey within the recommended freshness timeframes.
Monitoring time and temperature, avoiding cross-contamination, cooking completely, and focusing on proper storage are the keys to safely handling thawed turkey. Following these best practices for refrigeration and freezing will ensure turkey breast stays fresh and delicious to eat after thawing.
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.
Thawing with Cold Water
This thawing method is faster than using your refrigerator. Thawing in cool water can still take several hours, based on the weight of the turkey. This is a common practice for Thanksgiving morning when the bird didn’t quite get defrosted all the way in the fridge.
Before you thaw using this process, make sure that your meat is in a leak-proof package. This will also prevent the turkey from absorbing the water it’s submerged in.
You should grab a large pot that can accommodate as much water to submerge the meat.
After you’ve made sure that your meat’s packaging is leak-proof, place it in a container filled with cold water. Make sure that it’s submerged and replace the water every half an hour.
You should give around 30 minutes per pound to thaw the turkey completely.
How long does it take to thaw frozen turkey breast in cold water?
FAQ
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