Finding the Best Places to Buy Fried Turkey Near You

As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, fried turkey has become a staple for many families’ festive meals. There’s nothing quite like the crisp, golden-brown skin and moist, flavorful meat of a perfectly fried turkey. If you don’t want the hassle and mess of frying at home, you may be wondering: where can I buy a pre-fried turkey near me?

Luckily there are several great options for buying ready-to-eat fried turkeys in your area. Here are some of the best places to check out when looking for fried turkey close by

Grocery Store Deli Sections

Many major grocery chains such as Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and Albertsons offer fried turkeys during the holiday season Check the deli department for whole fried turkeys as well as fried turkey breasts, legs, wings and more

Prices vary but expect to pay around $40-60 for a 10-12 lb fried whole turkey. Be sure to order in advance as quantities are limited.

Local Butchers and Meat Markets

Your local butcher shop or specialty meat market is a great spot to find juicy fried turkeys fresh from their kitchens. Longstanding neighborhood butchers often have generations of frying experience under their belts.

The quality and freshness of their turkeys is hard to beat. Prices are usually very competitive with grocery stores.

Family-Style Restaurants

Many family and locally owned restaurants offer complete Thanksgiving meals for takeout, fried turkey included. Try beloved establishments near you like Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, Hometown Buffet or Golden Corral.

Meal packages serve anywhere from 4 to 12 people and cost around $50-150 depending on the sides and quantity.

Fried Chicken Restaurants

Believe it or not, your local fried chicken joint may also sell fried turkey during the holidays! Places like Popeyes, Church’s Chicken, Bojangles, and KFC fry up limited batches of turkeys each November.

Supplies are extremely limited, so call ahead to check availability at your nearest location. Prices are very affordable, usually under $40 for a whole turkey.

Barbecue Restaurants and Smokehouses

BBQ restaurants and smoked meat purveyors are pros when it comes to frying up turkey. Many restaurants like Red Hot & Blue, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and other local smokehouses sell them by advance order.

Expect premium quality and flavors for around $50-100 depending on size. Order early, as quantities sell out fast.

Online Mail Order Companies

Can’t find a fried turkey nearby? Many companies ship ready-to-eat fried turkeys nationwide. Online retailers like CajunGrocer, FriedTurkeyCompany, and FriedTurkeyOnline vacuum-pack and ship juicy fried turkeys overnight.

Choose boneless turkey breasts or whole birds from 10-16 lbs. Prices range from $50-150 depending on weight and shipping distance. Order by cutoff deadlines in mid-November.

Tips for Buying the Best Fried Turkey

• Look for turkeys fried in peanut oil for optimal flavor and crunch.

• Opt for fully cooked turkeys to simply reheat and serve. Avoid par-fried that require further frying.

• Choose the correct size turkey based on the number of guests you’re serving. Estimate 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound per person.

• Make sure the skin looks crispy and golden brown without any soft or pale spots.

• For whole turkeys, check that the breast, thighs and legs are fully cooked through with no pink or red areas.

• Ask when the turkey was fried to ensure freshness. The closer to your meal, the better.

Enjoy Delicious Fried Turkey for the Holidays

Fried turkey is a tasty way to change up your holiday meal routine. With so many places to buy convenient ready-to-eat fried turkeys nearby, you can skip the mess and stress of frying at home. Pick up a juicy fried turkey or order online, reheat, and you’ll be ready to serve up a down-home holiday feast your family will love.