Popeyes Cajun turkey has become a popular choice for many families looking to serve up something different and delicious for the holidays. This pre-cooked, pre-seasoned turkey offers big, bold Cajun flavor in a convenient package, but how long should you cook it to reach perfection? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a moist, tender Popeyes Cajun turkey with crispy skin.
What Exactly is the Popeyes Cajun Turkey?
The Popeyes Cajun turkey is a fully cooked, bone-in turkey that has been pre-rubbed with a proprietary blend of Cajun seasonings It comes frozen and can be purchased directly from your local Popeyes restaurant (availability varies by location)
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.
Thawing the Turkey
Before cooking your Popeyes turkey, you’ll need to properly thaw it out first. 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. Allow 30 minutes per pound of turkey.
Once thawed, the turkey must be cooked within 1-2 days.
Tip: For food safety, do not thaw the turkey at room temperature or in hot water. This increases the risk of bacterial growth.
How Long to Cook a Popeyes Turkey
The total cook time will vary based on the size of your turkey, but in general plan on roasting for 13-15 minutes per pound at 375°F. Unlike a raw turkey which requires a lower temperature, this pre-cooked Cajun turkey can go straight into a hot oven to reheat thoroughly and crisp up the skin.
Here are some general Popeyes turkey cooking time guidelines based on size:
- 8-12 lb turkey: Roast for 2-2.5 hours
- 12-16 lb turkey: Roast for 2.5-3 hours
- 16-20 lb turkey: Roast for 3-3.5 hours
- 20-24 lb turkey: Roast for 3.5-4 hours
To ensure food safety and proper doneness, use a meat thermometer to verify the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. If it hasn’t yet reached 165°F, continue roasting and checking the temperature every 10-15 minutes until it’s ready.
Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to reabsorb back into the meat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for roasting your Popeyes Cajun turkey to perfection:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Remove turkey from packaging and reserve juices.
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Prepare roasting pan: Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour reserved juices into the bottom of the pan.
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Cover and roast: Tent turkey tightly with aluminum foil. Roast on lower rack for 1 1⁄2 hours.
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Uncover and roast: Remove foil and roast for 30 minutes more.
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Check temperature: Insert meat thermometer into the thickest part of breast and thigh, without touching bone. Turkey is done when it reaches 165°F.
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Rest and serve: Let turkey rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Tricks for Maximizing Flavor
Beyond following the basic roasting instructions, there are a few easy ways to make your Popeyes Cajun turkey even more delicious:
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Baste with drippings: Use a turkey baster to collect drippings and baste turkey every 30 minutes while roasting uncovered.
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Rub with butter: Coat turkey with melted butter before roasting for extra moisture and richness.
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Turn up the spice: Give it an extra layer of Cajun flavor by rubbing on more Creole seasoning right before roasting.
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Make Cajun gravy: Use the flavorful pan drippings to make an easy, authentic Cajun gravy for serving.
How to Tell If Your Turkey is Done
Waiting for the Popeyes turkey to finish cooking can feel like an eternity, so here are some ways to tell when it’s ready to come out of the oven:
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Temperature test: Insert a meat thermometer into the deepest part of the breast and thigh, without touching bone. It’s done at 165°F.
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Visual test: The turkey skin will be golden brown and crisp when fully cooked.
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Leg wiggle: The leg and thigh joint should rotate easily when lifted.
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Juices run clear: Use a knife to cut into the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should be clear with no traces of pink.
Once you see these signs, you can be confident your Cajun turkey is perfectly cooked through. Time to eat!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Like any cooked turkey, leftover Popeyes Cajun turkey needs to be handled with care:
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Allow turkey to cool completely before refrigerating.
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Store carved turkey meat in shallow airtight containers.
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Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheat thoroughly to 165°F before serving again.
Slice the turkey meat and use for sandwiches, salads, soups, casseroles, and more. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about roasting this popular pre-cooked turkey? Here are answers to some common FAQs:
Can I cook the turkey directly from frozen?
No, you’ll need to thaw it completely first for even cooking.
Should I brine or stuff the turkey?
No need – it’s already fully seasoned and ready to roast!
Can I roast it at a lower temperature/longer time?
It’s safest to roast at the recommended 375°F to reheat thoroughly.
Can I microwave the turkey to reheat?
Not recommended. Oven roasting is best for evenly reheating.
What if my turkey is too dark or dries out?
Cook to the minimum time, then check often with a meat thermometer.
Can I prep and refrigerate it the night before?
Yes, just keep refrigerated until ready to roast.
What sides go well with Cajun turkey?
Cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and cranberry sauce.
Satisfy Your Cajun Cravings with Popeyes
For turkey lovers looking for big, bold flavor without the fuss, Popeyes Cajun-style turkey is sure to satisfy. Follow this handy roasting guide for tips on thawing, cooking times, temperature, and more. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering Cajun feast ready for your holiday table. So skip the raw bird and let Popeyes take care of all the seasoning this year. Happy roasting!
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