Meat
Cooked

Cooked TurkeyShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide

Sourced from
USDA FoodSafety.govFDA

Pantry

Not Recommended

Not recommended

Cooked turkey is a perishable food and should not be stored at pantry temperatures.

Refrigerator

3 to 4 days

Refrigerate cooked turkey promptly within 2 hours after cooking. Store in shallow containers to allow for quick cooling. Keep at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Freezer

2 to 6 months

For best quality, freeze cooked turkey in airtight packaging or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date. Freezing to 0°F (-18°C) or below keeps food safe indefinitely, but quality decreases over time.

Signs of Spoilage

  • Off-odor (sour, putrid)
  • Slimy texture
  • Discoloration (grayish or greenish)
  • Mold growth

Room Temperature Safety

2-hour rule (1 hour above 90°F/32°C)

40°F–140°F (4°C–60°C)

Do not leave cooked turkey at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the ambient temperature is above 90°F (32°C), do not leave it out for more than 1 hour. Bacteria multiply rapidly in the danger zone.

Expert Tips

Safe Handling

1

Always wash hands with soap and water before and after handling raw or cooked turkey.

2

Use a food thermometer to ensure cooked turkey is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

3

Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw and cooked poultry.

4

Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour if temperature is above 90°F/32°C).

Related Items

Comparisons

Cooked ChickenSimilar storage guidelines for cooked poultry.
Pantry
Not recommended
Fridge
3 to 4 days
Freezer
2 to 6 months
Cooked Ground MeatGround meat has a slightly shorter freezer duration.
Pantry
Not recommended
Fridge
3 to 4 days
Freezer
3 to 4 months
Cooked HamCooked ham has a shorter freezer duration than cooked turkey.
Pantry
Not recommended
Fridge
3 to 4 days
Freezer
1 to 2 months