This Thanksgiving, I have a lot to be thankful for: a job I enjoy, a wonderful home, the people I love, and Popeyes chicken sandwich.
As a zealous apostle of Popeyes church of chicken, I was blown away when I found out that Popeyes sells Thanksgiving turkeys — and I also knew what would be on my kitchen table come Friendsgiving.
I went to my local Popeyes in Bushwick, Brooklyn, to preorder a month and a half before I wanted to pick it up to ensure I would not be disappointed. I asked for a turkey, selected a pick-up date, and paid up-front. The bird cost me $39.99 before tax. I also prepaid for a dozen biscuits, which cost $9.49.
I then spread the good word to my friends: For all those who sought satiating salvation, A Very Popeyes Friendsgiving was on the horizon.
Come Thanksgiving, all eyes turn to the turkey as the centerpiece of the big feast But not everyone wants to tackle roasting a whole bird That’s where convenience options like Popeyes Cajun turkey come in. The popular fried chicken chain has sold pre-cooked Thanksgiving turkeys since the 80s. But how does their famous spicy bird stack up? Let’s take a detailed look at Popeyes turkey to see if it’s worth your holiday table.
An Overview of Popeyes Cajun Turkey
Popeyes injects their fully cooked turkeys with a signature blend of Creole butter and Cajun spices. The cajun seasoning features paprika, onions, garlic, cayenne and other zesty flavors. They arrive frozen so you simply thaw, heat, and serve. Popeyes turkeys range from 8-16 pounds and serve 8-12 people.
The Potential Benefits of Choosing Popeyes
Ordering a pre-seasoned turkey from Popeyes offers several advantages
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Convenience – It saves you the work of thawing, seasoning, stuffing and roasting a raw bird.
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Predictable cook time – Since it’s pre-cooked, you just heat it through for 1-1.5 hours versus guessing doneness on a raw turkey.
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Taste – Reviews praise the Cajun spices for delivering flavorful, moist meat compared to a plain roasted turkey.
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Value – Popeyes turkeys are competitively priced versus grocery store options.
Possible Drawbacks to Consider
However, Popeyes turkey isn’t perfect. There are a few potential drawbacks:
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Leftovers – The bold Cajun flavor may limit leftovers versatility compared to plain turkey.
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Pre-cooked – Some people strongly prefer roasting a fresh raw turkey.
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Spice level – The Cajun kick may be too hot for sensitive palates. Removing the skin can reduce heat.
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Sides not included – You still need to make side dishes and gravy.
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Limited quantities – Popeyes requires preordering as supplies are limited.
How Does Popeyes Turkey Actually Taste?
So how does the flavor, texture and moisture of Popeyes Cajun turkey stack up? Here are some thoughts from people who have tried it:
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“The Creole butter keeps it incredibly moist. The Cajun flavor is bold without being overpowering.”
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“The white meat is tender and juicy. The dark meat could be a little more moist but the flavor is great.”
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“We were worried it would be too spicy for the kids but the heat level is mild enough for everyone.”
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“It has a kick of spice but isn’t nearly as spicy as expected. Way better than an oven roasted turkey.”
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“The seasoning penetrates deep into the meat, not just the skin. This is our go-to Thanksgiving turkey now!”
The consensus seems to be the turkey is juicy and tender with well-balanced, moderately spicy Cajun flavor. It may fall short of a fresh turkey but offers great convenience.
Nutrition Info on Popeyes Turkey
Here are the basic nutrition facts per serving of Popeyes Cajun turkey:
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Sodium: 450mg
So it’s relatively low calorie, high in protein, but also moderately high in sodium as expected with seasoned meat.
How to Order Popeyes Turkey for Thanksgiving
To order a Popeyes Thanksgiving turkey:
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Call your local Popeyes starting in early October to pre-order.
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Provide your contact info, desired turkey size and pre-pay.
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Select a pickup date and time and be prompt as quantities are limited.
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Thaw the frozen turkey for 24-48 hours in the fridge before cooking.
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Heat at 325°F for 60-90 minutes until 165°F.
Is Popeyes Turkey Worth Buying?
Based on taste reviews, nutrition, convenience and value, Popeyes Cajun turkey is absolutely worth considering for Thanksgiving dinner. The combination of flavored meat, easy preparation and cost makes it a wise choice.
It may not surpass a fresh roasted turkey. But the drawbacks like limited leftovers versatility and pre-cooked status are small tradeoffs for the overall experience. Some people may find the Cajun spice too bold. Yet you can scrape off the skin to adjust heat level.
Ordering a Popeyes turkey eliminates much of the prep stress. And cooking a frozen pre-cooked turkey is still easier than roasting one from raw. So if you want an alternative to plain turkey, Popeyes Cajun bird is a delicious option for your holiday feast!
Frequently Asked Questions About Popeyes Turkey
Here are answers to some common questions about Popeyes turkeys:
How much does a Popeyes turkey cost?
Popeyes turkey prices typically start around $40-50 for smaller 8-12 lb birds. Larger turkeys run $50-70+. Having one delivered pre-cooked is $99 extra.
What is Popeyes turkey seasoned and injected with?
Popeyes injects their turkeys with a Creole butter marinade. The Cajun rub contains paprika, garlic, onions, cayenne, and other spices.
Does Popeyes turkey need to be thawed before cooking?
Yes, Popeyes turkeys arrive frozen so you’ll need to thaw them 1-2 days in the fridge before reheating. Never thaw on the counter.
How long should I cook a pre-cooked Popeyes turkey for?
Plan on 60-90 minutes at 325°F to fully heat through. Check the breast, thigh and stuffing for a minimum 165°F.
Can I order a Popeyes turkey on short notice?
No, Popeyes requires preordering 1-2 months out as quantities are limited. Ask your local store when preorders begin.
Is Popeyes turkey spicy?
The turkey has a distinct Cajun kick but most reviewers say it’s moderately spicy versus overly hot. You can scrape off skin if it’s too spicy.
The Bottom Line on Popeyes Cajun Turkey
At the end of the day, Popeyes turkey delivers a deliciously seasoned, moist bird without the fuss of roasting your own. The flavorful Cajun twist offers something beyond a typical plain turkey. While it may not match a fresh-cooked turkey for some, it’s juicy, tender and infused with lots of spice and flavor.
For cooks looking to simplify Thanksgiving, Popeyes turkey eliminates much of the hassle. You skip thawing, prepping and roasting but still get a tasty centerpiece. The reasonable price also makes it easy for smaller groups.
All in all, Popeyes Cajun turkey absolutely lives up to the hype. The convenience combined with tasty spiced meat make it an amazing alternative to plain turkey. If you want bold cajun flavor without the prep stress, order a Popeyes turkey this Thanksgiving!
