Poultry Cut Approx Weight (lbs) Thawing Time in Refrigerator Whole Chicken 3 - 4 lbs 24 hrs Whole Turkey 8 - 12 lbs 1 - 2 days 12 - 16 lbs 2 - 3 days 16 - 20 lbs 3 - 4 days 20 - 24 lbs 4 - 5 days Chicken or Turkey, cut-up pieces Up to 4 lbs 3 - 9 hrs