How Long Should You Cook a Popeyes Cajun Turkey for Maximum Flavor?

Popeyes’ famous Cajun-style turkey has become a staple for many families’ Thanksgiving celebrations With its signature blend of Louisiana spices infused right into the meat, this pre-cooked turkey offers convenience without sacrificing that iconic Popeyes flavor But to get the best results when cooking one of these Cajun birds, it’s important to follow some tips on thawing, prep, and cook time. Read on to get the inside scoop on how long you should cook your Popeyes turkey.

Thawing – 1 to 4 Days

Popeyes Cajun turkeys arrive frozen solid, so the first step is allowing ample time for thawing. There are two recommended methods:

• Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 4-5 pounds of turkey. This slower thawing helps maintain quality

• Submerge in a container of cold running water, ensuring the turkey stays below 40°F Change the water every 30 minutes until fully thawed Quicker, but requires monitoring temperature.

No matter the method, keep the turkey sealed in the original plastic bag during thawing. And once thawed, cook within 3 days.

Prep – 30 Minutes

After thawing, remove all packaging and place the turkey in a roasting pan, pouring any juices from the bag into the bottom of the pan.

Next, tent the entire pan with aluminum foil, sealing it tightly around the edges to lock in moisture.

Finally, let the turkey rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off.

Cook Time – 2.5 to 4 Hours

The total cook time will vary based on the size of your Popeyes turkey. The general rule of thumb is to allot about 13 minutes per pound.

For example, a 12 lb turkey would take roughly 2.5 hours to fully reheat. While a big 18 lb bird may need up to 4 hours of oven time.

Here are the complete cooking steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.

• Place foil-covered roasting pan on lower rack.

• Cook covered for 1.5 hours.

• Remove foil and continue cooking for 30 minutes more.

• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp, which should reach 140°F. Check breast, thighs, and drumsticks.

• Let rest 20 minutes before carving.

The key is bringing the entire turkey up to a safe internal temperature of 140°F. Since it’s already pre-cooked, you just need to thoroughly reheat both light and dark meat without overdrying.

Removing the foil for the last half hour allows the skin to crisp up. But monitoring temperature ensures the breast doesn’t end up dry.

Add About 30 Minutes If Brined

While Popeyes turkeys come pre-seasoned, some people prefer to brine or marinate the bird for added moisture and flavor. An overnight brine will increase the overall cook time.

If you do brine, plan to add about 30 extra minutes of cooking to account for the extra liquid absorbed. And remember to reduce or eliminate added salt.

5 Tips for Maximizing Flavor

Follow these tips for getting the most out of your Popeyes Cajun turkey:

• Cook gravy from the drippings. The concentrated seasoning in the juices makes an incredible, ready-made gravy base.

• Baste frequently. Spoon juices over the turkey every 30 minutes for moisture and flavor.

• Rub with butter and herbs. A compound butter adds richness, and herbs complement the spice blend.

• Carve against the grain. Slicing perpendicular to the muscle fibers makes the meat more tender.

• Store leftovers properly. Cut meat from the bones and refrigerate in shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking.

When cooked according to these guidelines, your Popeyes turkey will turn out juicy, spicy, and full of authentic Cajun flavor. Leftovers also make amazing sandwiches, soup, casseroles, and more.

So set aside the time needed for proper thawing and cooking, and your next Thanksgiving or holiday meal will be one to remember. Just be prepared for your guests to be asking where to buy their own Popeyes Cajun turkey for next year!