How long to defrost turkey in fridge

The number one question Butterball turkey gets each year: How do I thaw a turkey? There are a lot of variables to consider when thawing a turkey, from how much time you have to spare, to how much space you have in your fridge.

Then there’s the perennial issue of what to do when you completely forgot to defrost the bird.

How long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge

We aren’t surprised this question keeps coming up. 

While we have written plenty about turkey thawing guidelines, we decided to consult the turkey experts, to end the debate about how to thaw a turkey once and for all.

And who better to ask than the folks behind the famous Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, right?  

Here’s what Butterball had to say about defrosting turkey safely, whether you’re in a rush or not.

The Best Way To Thaw A Turkey

Samantha Woulfe, Turkey Talk-Line expert, says Butterball recommends two turkey thawing methods—a quick thaw and a longer thaw—and the one you should turn to first is defrosting it slowly in the fridge.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

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  how long should i thaw my turkey in the refrigerator
  how long should i defrost my turkey