Learn how to thaw turkey with two easy methods that help safely thaw your turkey in as little time as possible. Includes a free printable turkey thawing chart to easily reference each holiday season.
Table of Contents
Safely Thaw a Frozen Turkey
It’s that time of year to start thinking about your Thanksgiving turkey. If you’ve never cooked one before, you’re probably wondering what the turkey thawing time is. But have no fear, you’ll find all of the information you need to get started right here!
When making a roasted turkey or smoked turkey for your Thanksgiving menu, make sure you let it thaw in time before cooking! The last thing you want is to wake up on Thanksgiving morning with a rock hard frozen turkey. It happens to the best of us, but is definitely not ideal.
Today I’m going to show you how to thaw a turkey with two different thawing methods (in the refrigerator or in water). The refrigerator method is easier, but takes longer. Thawing a turkey in water requires a bit more work, but is quicker. Each way works great, so it all depends on what works best for your schedule.
Refrigerator Method
This is probably the most classic method for thawing a turkey. It’s super simple and requires hardly any work. The hardest part is just remembering to put the turkey in the fridge a few days in advance. It does take a little longer than other methods, so always allow about 24 hours for every 5 pounds. For instance, a 20-pound turkey will take 4 days.
Instructions: Place the packaged turkey (turkey breast-side up) in a large roasting pan, a rimmed baking sheet, or tray. This helps catch any liquid or juices that leak out while thawing. Then place in the fridge to thaw completely (refer to chart below for total thawing time). You’re now ready to make your favorite turkey recipe.
- 5 pounds: let thaw 1 day
- 10 pounds: let thaw 2 days
- 15 pounds: let thaw 3 days
- 20 pounds: let thaw 4 days
- 25 pounds: let thaw 5 days
- 30 pounds: let thaw 6 days
Thawing Turkey in Water
You can also thaw a frozen turkey with the cold water method. This method is a lot quicker, but requires more work and attention. You can place the whole turkey in your sink, a large pot, or a bucket of water nd set it inside on the counter or even in a heated garage. Allow 30 minutes of thawing time per pound of turkey.
Instructions: Before getting started, the turkey must be in a leak-proof package, original wrapping, or plastic bag (the raw meat should never touch the water). Place the wrapped turkey in the sink or bucket, then submerge with cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes so that it doesn’t get too warm.
- 5 pounds: thaw for 2.5 hours
- 10 pounds: thaw for 5 hours
- 15 pounds: thaw for 7.5 hours
- 20 pounds: thaw for 10 hours
- 25 pounds: thaw for 12.5 hours
- 30 pounds: thaw for 15 hours
FAQs
If you are using the refrigerator method for thawing frozen turkey, it can be kept up to 2 days in the refrigerator before cooking. If you have used the cold water method, your turkey will need to be cooked immediately.
Yes, but first ensure that it fits in your microwave. Next, remove all wrapping and place on a microwave safe dish to catch juices. A microwave-thawed turkey will need to be cooked immediately.
If you are using the refrigerator method and have a 20 pound bird, it will take 4 days. You can then safely keep it in the fridge for two days. With this timeline, you can thaw your turkey up to 6 days before cooking it. Adjust timeline as needed.
No, this is not a safe method. Even if the inside is still frozen the thawed outer layer will thaw first and be susceptible to bacteria.
While this is possible, it could take at least 50% longer to get done and for a partially thawed turkey it may take up to 30% longer in the oven. Always check with a thermometer inserted into the innermost part of thigh to determine if your turkey is ready to eat. The temperature should be 165°F.
FREE Printable Turkey Thawing Chart
This is a helpful visual to print out and have handy this holiday season. It also includes a turkey roasting chart. You can even get it laminated to reference year after year!
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How Long to Thaw a Turkey
Ingredients
- 5 pound turkey
Instructions
Refrigerator Thawing Method
- In a large roasting pan, a rimmed baking sheet, or tray, place the packaged turkey, breast-side up – this helps catch any liquid or juices that leak out while thawing.
- Place in the fridge to thaw completely. This size bird will thaw in 1 day, but refer to the chart or see notes for total thawing time based on the weight of your turkey.
Water Thawing Method
- Before getting started, the turkey must be in a leak-proof package, original wrapping, or plastic bag (the raw meat should never touch the water).
- Place the wrapped turkey in the sink or bucket, then submerge with cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes so that it doesn’t get too warm.
- Thaw completely. This size bird will thaw in 2 1/2 hours, but refer to the chart or see notes for total thawing time based on the weight of your turkey
Notes
- 5 pounds: let thaw 1 day
- 10 pounds: let thaw 2 days
- 15 pounds: let thaw 3 days
- 20 pounds: let thaw 4 days
- 25 pounds: let thaw 5 days
- 30 pounds: let thaw 6 days
- 5 pounds: thaw for 2.5 hours
- 10 pounds: thaw for 5 hours
- 15 pounds: thaw for 7.5 hours
- 20 pounds: thaw for 10 hours
- 25 pounds: thaw for 12.5 hours
- 30 pounds: thaw for 15 hours
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
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Categorized as: American, Christmas, Kitchen Tips, Miscellaneous, Thanksgiving
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Do you have a Thanksgiving checklist or planner printable too? Thanks and Happy Holidays!
Hi, yes we do! If you scroll to the bottom of this post (https://www.iheartnaptime.net/thanksgiving-menu/), you’ll find an editable Thanksgiving menu plan, cooking schedule and shopping list :)
Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing.
How do I get to copy the free printable?
Hi Jeretta, There is a box at the bottom of the post that says “Download it now.” Just enter your name and email and the printable will become available :)