Where to Order Cooked Turkey for Thanksgiving or Any Occasion

For many people, Thanksgiving means spending hours in the kitchen roasting and basting a turkey But if you want to skip the hassle of cooking an entire bird this year, ordering a pre-cooked turkey is a convenient alternative

There are lots of places that offer complete cooked turkey meals and sides for pickup during the holidays You can also find ready-to-eat sliced turkey breast and whole roasted turkeys year-round at your local grocery store or online

Below are some of the best options for ordering cooked turkey, whether you need it for Thanksgiving or just want an easy protein for dinner.

Grocery Store Deli Sections

One of the easiest ways to buy cooked turkey is visiting the deli counter at your grocery store. Most major chains like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, etc. have hot and cold deli sections that offer:

• Sliced oven roasted turkey breast
• Smoked turkey
• Rotisserie turkey
• Fried turkey cutlets
• Whole roasted deli turkeys

The deli lets you select exactly how many slices or pounds of turkey you need. You can also pick up prepared side dishes and other ingredients to round out your meal. Deli turkey tends to be more affordable than ordering from a dedicated turkey retailer.

Just be aware that grocery store deli turkey often contains additives like sodium, preservatives, and flavorings. Check labels and ingredients for options with less sodium and no nitrites/nitrates.

Local Butcher Shops and Meat Markets

Visiting a local butcher shop is another excellent choice for cooked turkey. Many butchers offer:

• House roasted whole turkeys
• Smoked turkey breast
• Rotisserie turkey
• Fried or baked turkey cutlets
• Heat and eat turkey dinners

Quality whole roasted turkeys from the butcher provide amazing flavor. You’ll also find more natural, less processed sliced turkey options. Due to the extra labor involved, expect to pay more per pound than the grocery store deli.

Seek out butchers who source organic and pasture-raised poultry for premium taste and nutrition.

Meal Delivery Services

Ordering cooked turkey from a meal delivery company is extremely convenient, especially for Thanksgiving. Popular services like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and Home Chef let you order:

• Complete turkey dinners with sides
• Individual turkey breast entrees
• Turkey in prepared meals like pot pies or casseroles

Meal kits take the guesswork out of sides and cooking. Just pick a recipe, get the pre-prepped ingredients, and cook at home per included instructions.

For a fully prepared Thanksgiving or holiday meal, some companies ship an entire ready-to-heat turkey spread. While convenient, these services tend to be pricier.

Dedicated Turkey Catering Companies

Businesses that specialize in roasted turkeys and holiday meals are another option to try. Popular turkey caterers like HoneyBaked Ham offer:

• Fully cooked whole turkeys
• Turkey breast roasts
• Heat and serve turkey dinners
• Signature glazed hams
• Thanksgiving package meals

Expect incredible juicy, flavorful turkey from these experts. Catered turkey does cost more than alternatives. Order early, as holidays sell out fast.

Gourmet Markets and Specialty Food Stores

Upscale grocers like Whole Foods, Wegmans, Dean & DeLuca, and Central Market prepare high quality roasted whole turkeys and turkey breasts in-store. Their offerings include:

• Wood fired rotisserie turkey
• Apple cider brined turkey
• Herb roasted turkey
• Fried turkey cutlets
• Smoked turkey legs

These premium turkeys deliver on taste but also on price. If you want amazing quality and don’t mind paying more, check your local upscale market.

Meal Assembly Kitchens

Meal assembly kitchens have you pick prepared dishes and sides to take home and cook. Along with full meals, many offer:

• House roasted whole turkey
• Smoked turkey breast
• Fried turkey cutlets
• Savory turkey sides like gravy and stuffing

For Thanksgiving, you can fully assemble a turkey dinner. Meal assembly kitchens provide gourmet quality at lower prices than a catering company.

Ordering Tips

• Order 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per person for Thanksgiving meals.

• Allow 48 hours minimum when ordering a cooked turkey to ensure availability. More time needed for holidays.

• Reheat roasted whole turkeys to 165°F and sliced turkey to 140°F before serving.

• For maximum flavor and moisture, order fresh cooked turkey instead of frozen.

• When buying deli turkey, opt for minimal ingredients and lowest sodium options.

Ordering cooked turkey eliminates the need to slave for hours over a hot oven during the holidays. Grocery store delis, local butchers, meal delivery kits, caterers, and specialty food stores all offer convenient turkey options.

With so many choices for buying ready-to-eat turkey breast, fully cooked whole birds, and complete turkey day spreads, you can easily find an option that fits your needs, budget, and tastes.