Cooking a juicy, flavorful turkey for the holidays can seem intimidating, but Popeyes has made it easy with their convenient pre-cooked Cajun-style turkey. If you want to serve this zesty, ready-to-eat bird at your next gathering, you may be wondering – how long should I cook a Popeyes turkey to heat it to perfection?
Thawing Your Popeyes Turkey
Before cooking, you’ll need to safely thaw your frozen Popeyes turkey There are a couple recommended methods
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Refrigerator Thawing: Place the wrapped turkey on a tray in the fridge. Allow 24 hours of thawing time per 4-5 pounds of turkey.
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Cold Water Thawing Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold water under 70°F Change the water every 30 minutes, allowing 30 minutes of thawing time per pound
Never thaw at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth!
Once your bird is fully thawed, you’re ready to prep and cook.
Seasoning and Cooking Your Popeyes Turkey
Follow these simple steps for oven cooking your Popeyes Cajun turkey:
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Remove packaging and discard the neck and giblets from the cavity Rinse turkey and pat dry,
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Place turkey on a roasting rack in a shallow pan. Pour any juices from packaging into the bottom of the pan.
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Rub turkey all over with butter or olive oil for crispy skin. Generously season the inside and outside with salt, pepper and your favorite herbs/spices.
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Tightly cover the turkey and pan with foil.
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Roast for approximately 15 minutes per pound. This is the key cooking time. For example, a 12 lb turkey will need to roast for around 3 hours.
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Remove foil for the last 45 minutes to brown the skin.
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Turkey is done when the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F and the juices run clear when piercing the thigh.
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Let rest for 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Making Delicious Cajun Gravy
Your Popeyes turkey can be taken to the next level with rich, flavorful gravy:
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In a saucepan, whisk together 1/8 tsp pepper, 3 tbsp flour and 3 tbsp turkey drippings.
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Gradually whisk in 1 cup turkey juices from the pan and 1 cup water.
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Cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly until thickened.
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Bring to a boil then simmer for 4-5 minutes until gravy reaches desired consistency.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
Follow these handy tips for exceptionally moist, full-flavored Popeyes turkey:
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Inject turkey with chicken or turkey broth before roasting for incredible moisture and flavor.
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Baste turkey with white wine during the last 30 minutes for an aromatic essence.
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Place fresh rosemary and bay leaves under the foil for herbal undertones.
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Rub a spicy blend of cayenne, paprika and garlic under the skin before roasting for a little heat.
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Stuff the cavity with bread stuffing or veggies/cheese for extra flavor dimension.
Fixing Common Popeyes Turkey Issues
Undercooked turkey? No problem! Pop it back in the oven until the internal temp hits 165°F. You can also finish cooking in the microwave or air fryer.
For overcooked dry turkey, serve with extra gravy for moisture. Or shred the meat for flavorful turkey sandwiches and casseroles.
Time Your Popeyes Turkey Perfectly
Now you can confidently roast a mouthwatering Popeyes turkey by following the recommended 15 minutes per pound cooking time. In about 3 hours, your zesty Cajun bird will be ready to impress your guests. Just be sure to use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F internally before carving.
With these simple tips, your pre-cooked Popeyes turkey will turn out juicy, savory and full of spice. Enjoy this convenient holiday centerpiece that takes the guesswork out of roasting a turkey to perfection.
How to Cook POPEYES Cajun TURKEY! A Step-by-Step Guide to REHEAT, Serve and Enjoy!
FAQ
Is Popeyes Cajun turkey fully cooked?
How long to cook a Popeyes turkey in the oven?
Do you have to thaw Popeyes turkey?
How long to deep fry Popeyes turkey?
How long do you cook a Popeyes Turkey?
Bake for another 30 to 45 minutes, and before taking the Popeyes turkey out, make sure the turkey’s internal temperature is 175 °F or 70 °C. Leave it on the counter for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, and you are all set for your holiday feast. How to Make Popeyes Turkey Gravy?
Is the turkey at Popeyes already cooked?
The answer to the question of whether the turkey at Popeyes is already cooked is yes. This means that the turkey is fully cooked and does not need to be cooked any further. This can be a good thing for some people, as it means they do not have to cook the turkey themselves.
How do you make Popeyes Turkey Gravy?
To make Popeyes turkey gravy, you need four ingredients: water, flour, black pepper, and turkey juice. In a saucepan, add one cup of water, 1/8 of a tablespoon of black pepper, and two tablespoons of flour. Bring the stove top temperature to medium and start cooking the ingredients. Stir gently at all times.
How do you cook a Popeyes Turkey with white wine?
Baste it with white wine and turkey juice. While your Popeyes turkey cooks, in the last half an hour, baste the bird with the turkey juice that drips into the baking pan and add some white wine inside the turkey baster. The white wine will make your Popeyes turkey more aromatic, augmenting the flavors already existing.
How is Popeyes Chicken cooked?
Popeyes chicken is kept over an ice bath until it is used during the day. The bone in chicken is then coated evenly in batter and tossed in flour 20+ times before being cooked in the fryer for 15 minutes at around 360 degrees. Popeyes chicken is not cooked over an ice bath for the question asked.
Can Popeyes cook a frozen turkey?
According to the article, Popeyes can help you cook a frozen turkey, but it needs to be thawed in the fridge for at least two days before cooking.