How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey Safely: Step-by-Step Guide

Thawing a frozen turkey properly is essential to ensure a delicious and safe Thanksgiving meal. Whether you're dealing with a large bird or a smaller turkey breast, knowing the best turkey thawing methods can make all the difference.

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Refrigerator Thawing a Turkey

The safest method is refrigerator thawing turkey. Plan ahead to allow about 24 hours of thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. For instance, a 16-pound turkey will require approximately 4 days to thaw in the fridge. Once fully thawed, you can keep the turkey refrigerated for 1 to 2 days before cooking.

• Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
• Place the turkey in a container or dish to catch any juices that may leak as the turkey thaws.
• A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking.

Turkey can be safely thawed in a refrigerator but if you are short on time, this is not the method for you. Please refer to the cold water thawing method.

Cold Water Thawing Turkey

If you are short on time, the cold water thawing turkey method is a great alternative. Keep the turkey in its original packaging and submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to maintain a safe temperature. Allow about 30 minutes per pound for thawing; a 16-pound turkey will take around 8 hours. Remember to cook the turkey immediately after it has fully thawed.

1. Fill the large pot (or cooler) with cold water to start thawing frozen turkey. Be sure the turkey is completely submerged.
2. You will see that the frozen bird will have a tendency to want to float. That is because of the air pocket of the cavity of the bird will want to make the bird buoyant.
3. It is important that the entire bird be submerged in the cold water. If a portion of the bird is out of the water, it will thaw at a different rate and could reach an unsafe temperature.
4. So to keep the bird completely submerged, put a lid on the pot.
5. Now, set a timer and change out the cold water every 30 minutes or until the turkey is completely thawed.

Thaw Turkey In Sink Overnight

Here is a tip we would use when I was in the commercial food service industry.

What size container should I use?

Make sure you have a pot large enough to hold the entire frozen turkey. If you have a bird that is bigger than a pot you own, you could use a large insulated cooler.

There is no need to take the frozen turkey out of the store packaging. The packaging is sealed and will help keep the juices of the turkey from making a mess.

Turkey Defrost Times:

Cold Water Thawing Times  (approximately 30 minutes per pound)

• 4 to 12 pounds - 2 to 6 hours
• 12 to 16 pounds - 6 to 8 hours
• 16 to 20 pounds - 8 to 10 hours
• 20 to 24 pounds - 10 to 12 hours

*These are approximate times and you should check each bird individually for temperature.

Times taken from the USDA

What to Do After Thawing

After thawing your turkey using one of these methods, it's best to cook it right away if thawed in cold water. If thawed in the refrigerator, you have up to two days before cooking. Using the right thawing times and methods guarantees a juicy, flavorful turkey ready for your Thanksgiving feast.

Turkey Thawing Calculator

Need help determining how many hours it is going to take to thaw out your Thanksgiving turkey? The USDA has a handy turkey thawing calculator you can use.