The best way to thaw a frozen turkey safely is thawing in the refrigerator. This allows for the frozen turkey to thaw at a slow rate. It is also the easiest way to thaw a turkey. You simply just put it in the fridge on a tray (keep it in all the original wrapper or outside wrapping) and allow it to thaw slowly.

How Long to Thaw a Turkey (Easy Chart)

Thawing turkeys is the most common around Thanksgiving, for obvious reasons. For those of you looking to thaw your Thanksgiving turkey, we have created this handy chart as a guide for when to start thawing that turkey. This chart is current for the year 2022. 

Refrigerator Turkey Thawing Time

8 to 12 pounds: 2-3 days12 to 16 pounds: 3-4 days16 to 20 pounds: 4-5 days20 to 24 pounds: 5-6 days

Cold Water Thawing

The main objection to thawing using the refrigerator is sacrificing the fridge space. Sometimes having a 20 pound turkey in your fridge for a week isn’t the most convenient. In this case, your next best bet is to cold-water thaw. To do this, you want to thaw the turkey breast side down in cold tap water for 30 minutes per pound. You MUST change the water every 30 minutes. Drain the water and replace with fresh, cold water. This method can take up to 10 hours depending on the size of your turkey so plan accordingly for the day. This method is faster but requires attentiveness. 

COLD WATER THAWING TIMES 

4 to 12 pounds — 2 to 6 hours12 to 16 pounds — 6 to 8 hours16 to 20 pounds — 8 to 10 hours20 to 24 pounds — 10 to 12 hours

Microwave Method

This method really only works for smaller turkeys that can actually fit in a microwave. It really only works best for turkey breasts. Place on a microwave-safe dish and use the thaw/defrost function on your microwave and thaw according to microwave instructions. Be sure to rotate and turn often throughout the process. Though this method is possible, it isn’t one we recommend. Your turkey is more likely to end up dry using with method.

Cooking a Turkey from Frozen

Ok so what if you REALLY waited until the last minute and you are only hours away from your Thanksgiving feast? What if it is Thanksgiving morning and you just realized you have a frozen solid turkey on your hands? Don’t worry! All is not lost!Did you know that you can cook your turkey from frozen? That’s right. You can put the turkey straight into that roasting pan from frozen. Remember to take out the gravy packet or gizzards from inside the turkey before cooking. Allow 50% more cooking time if cooking from frozen. So if your turkey takes 4 hours to cook when thawed, allow up to 2 more hours of additional cooking time. This method works great in a pinch but it does have its disadvantages. Seasoning a turkey from frozen can be difficult and may have to be done part-way through the cooking process so the spices and seasonings stick. 

How NOT to Thaw a Turkey

Do not place your turkey outside or on the counter to thaw. Thawing at room temperature allows bacteria to grow and is not safe. Any method besides the methods mentioned above are not safe. Some say that you can thaw your turkey in a brine but we have not tested this method nor has it been given the green light with the USDA. We have checked the methods above with the USDA website and with FoodSafety.gov and they are the only methods we have found to be completely safe. Always err on the side of caution. If you question if a different method is safe, it probably isn’t. It’s not worth the risk of food poisoning. 

Tips for Thawing and Cooking a Turkey

Always use a food thermometer to determine doneness when cooking a turkey. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and also the thigh before serving. Fully cooked is 165-degrees F for the breast meat and 175-degrees F for the thigh. If using the cold water method in the sink, be sure to sanitize the sink with bleach or soap afterwards. Some of the juices may have leaked out into the sink so you will want to stop any bacterial growth or cross contamination. Pat your thawed turkey dry with paper towels before seasoning. This will help the oils and seasonings stick to the turkey when cooking. 

How to Cook A Turkey

Now that you have a freshly thawed turkey, it’s time to cook it! We have an entire post on how to cook a turkey, including step-by-step directions, seasoning instructions, and even an easy video to show you how. You can’t go wrong! We will help you every step of the way.

Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

We are happy to be your source for all things Thanksgiving! We have absolutely everything you need to have the best Thanksgiving EVER! 

Frequently Asked Questions About Thawing a Turkey

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