How long does cooked turkey last?
Turkey (cooked) keeps 2 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer.
Fridge
After cooking
2days
Freezer
Can be frozen: yes
4months
Pantry
No known time
-
Mine has been in the fridge for
Refreeze after thawing in the fridge?
- United States
- Yes
- United Kingdom
- Only after cooking
How long does turkey last in the fridge?
- Cooked2 daysAfter cooking
Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.
Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.
Other forms
| Form | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole | 1-2 days | 12 months | - |
| Ground turkey | 1-2 days | 3-4 months | - |
| Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat | 2 weeks | 1-2 months | - |
| Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat, opened | 3-5 days | - | - |
What the official sources say
“Leftover turkey can be stored in the fridge for up to two days, but turkeys usually produce more than a couple of days’ worth of leftovers.”
“We all hate to waste food, so if you’ve stored cooked turkey in the fridge, eat it within two days.”
“Cooked turkey 3 to 4 days 4 months”
“3-4 days, unless covered in broth or gravy, then 1-2 days”
Sources
We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last checked: 1 October 2026.
- FoodSafety.gov Cold Food Storage Chart US
- Food Standards Agency - consumer food hygiene guidance GB
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension US
- Dover District Council GB
- University of Illinois Extension US
- University of Minnesota Extension US
- University of Georgia Extension US
- Clemson University Extension US
- University of Kentucky Extension US
- North Dakota State University Extension US
- Ohio State University Extension US
- Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech) US
- University of Delaware Cooperative Extension US
- Oregon State University Extension US
- WRAP GB
- USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data US
- USDA FSIS Safe Food Handling and Preparation US