Popeyes’ Cajun-style turkey is a favorite for many families during the holidays. With bold Cajun seasoning infused right into the meat, this pre-cooked turkey offers incredible flavor with minimal effort. But before you can crisp up the skin and carve the meat, you need to properly thaw your Popeyes turkey. Follow this guide for tips on the safest way to thaw your Popeyes Cajun turkey.
Why Thawing is Important
While it’s very tempting to pull a frozen turkey straight from the freezer and pop it right into the oven, this is risky from a food safety perspective. A frozen turkey takes a long time to cook through to a safe internal temperature. The outer parts of the turkey end up overcooked and dried out by the time the inside thaws.
Thawing your turkey thoroughly before cooking ensures
- The turkey cooks evenly for food safety.
- The meat stays juicy and tender.
- The skin crisps up nicely.
So take the extra time to thaw your Popeyes turkey; it really makes a difference!
Thawing Methods for Popeyes Turkey
Popeyes recommends thawing your Cajun turkey in the refrigerator. While you can quick thaw using cold water, this isn’t recommended for a pre-cooked turkey like the one from Popeyes.
Here are your safe thawing options:
Refrigerator Thawing
This is the preferred method according to Popeyes and food safety experts. Place your frozen turkey (still in its original wrapper) on a tray or pan to catch any drips. Allow 24 hours of thaw time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
For example a 10-12 lb Popeyes turkey would need 60-72 hours to thaw in the fridge. Check it periodically and drain any collected liquid.
Cold Water Thawing
While quick, this method isn’t ideal for a pre-cooked turkey. If just refrigerating won’t thaw your Popeyes turkey in time, you can speed it up with cold water:
- Place the frozen turkey in its airtight wrapper in a sink full of cold water.
- Change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold.
- Estimate 30 minutes per pound of turkey to thaw.
A 10-12 lb turkey would take 5-6 hours to thaw using this cold water method.
Handling Your Thawed Turkey
Once your Popeyes Cajun turkey is thawed, follow these tips:
- Cook it immediately. Don’t refreeze a thawed turkey.
- Keep it refrigerated until ready to cook.
- Use within 1-2 days for safety and quality.
- Drain any water that collects in the bag while thawing.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels before roasting.
Roasting Your Thawed Popeyes Turkey
Popeyes Cajun turkeys come already cooked, so you just need to reheat and crisp them up. Follow these tips:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Use a roasting pan with a rack.
- Place thawed turkey breast-side up on the rack. Tent with foil.
- Roast until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Remove foil and increase temp to 425°F to crisp the skin.
Now your Popeyes Cajun turkey is ready to serve! Let it rest before carving for juicy meat.
Thawing and roasting properly helps your Popeyes turkey come out with crispy skin and moist, flavorful meat. Use these guidelines for turkey thawing and cooking success!
How much is the Popeyes Cajun-style turkey?
The turkey comes seasoned with the brands iconic Louisiana-style seasonings that give it a zesty, bold flavor, according to Popeyes.
One Cajun-style turkey costs $99 plus tax with shipping included, and it feeds approximately 8 to 12 people, Popeyes said.
Popeyes is offering delivery for its turkey
The $99 price tag for the turkey includes shipping, which takes around one to three business days from the time of purchase.
Customers can also purchase the turkey in-store, but Popeyes recommends customers to contact their local Popeyes to ask about availability.
How to Cook POPEYES Cajun TURKEY! A Step-by-Step Guide to REHEAT, Serve and Enjoy!
FAQ
How do you defrost a Popeyes turkey?
Popeyes recommends using one of two thawing options: Placing the turkey in the fridge for 72 hours or filling a container with cold (below 70˚F) water and running water over the turkey until it is completely thawed.
Can you cook Popeyes turkey from frozen?
What is the best way to prepare a Popeyes turkey from frozen? Thaw it out for 12 hours. Roast it on an engine for two hours. Apply Louisiana Cajun style seasoning all over the turkey. Cook it to a perfect crispy brown. Thaw it in the refrigerator for three full days. Warm it up after thawing.
Can you leave a frozen turkey out overnight to thaw?
- Danger zone: Leaving a turkey out at room temperature for more than 2 hours can put it in the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F) where bacteria can rapidly multiply.
- Proper thawing methods: The best ways to thaw a turkey are in the refrigerator (allowing about 1 day per 4 pounds) or by submerging it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
- Never thaw on the counter: Do not thaw a turkey on the kitchen counter overnight.
How long does it take to thaw a 14.25 lb turkey?
It takes 24 hours for every four to five pounds of weight for a turkey to thaw in the refrigerator (a 15-pound turkey will take three days to thaw in your …Nov 14, 2023
How do you Thaw a Cajun Turkey?
There are two recommended methods for safely thawing your Cajun turkey: In the refrigerator: Keep the turkey in its original sealed plastic bag and place in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours of thaw time per 4-5 lbs of turkey. In cold water: Submerge the sealed turkey in a container full of cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes.
Does Popeyes Thaw a Turkey?
This conveniently seasoned bird eliminates the work of thawing, prepping and seasoning a raw turkey yourself. The Cajun-style turkey has Popeyes’ signature flavors infused throughout the meat, making it a delicious and hassle-free holiday centerpiece.
Can You refrigerate leftover Popeyes Cajun Turkey?
Like any cooked turkey, leftover Popeyes Cajun turkey needs to be handled with care: Allow turkey to cool completely before refrigerating. Store carved turkey meat in shallow airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F before serving again.
How do you cook a Popeyes Cajun Turkey?
Follow these simple steps for roasting your Popeyes Cajun turkey to perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Remove turkey from packaging and reserve juices. Prepare roasting pan: Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour reserved juices into the bottom of the pan. Cover and roast: Tent turkey tightly with aluminum foil.
Can you eat leftover Popeyes Cajun Turkey?
Time to eat! Like any cooked turkey, leftover Popeyes Cajun turkey needs to be handled with care: Allow turkey to cool completely before refrigerating. Store carved turkey meat in shallow airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Can You refreeze Turkey after thawing?
Always leave turkey in sealed plastic during thawing. DO NOT THAW at room temperature. If you do not consume the turkey right after thawing and heating, be sure to store it at 40˚F. Please do not refreeze after thawing. Thaw for 72 hours in the refrigerator and heat thoroughly according to Heating Instructions.