Is Popeyes Turkey Good? [Review]
Although the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving or Christmas table, the turkey can also be the most stressful part of the jolly season. The turkey not being just like you imagined it could seriously diminish your holiday spirit. Luckily, Popeyes turkey is an excellent way around holiday turkey stress. But, is Popeye turkey good?
Popeyes turkey is definitely a good and time-saving solution for your holiday feast. Generally, it is an excellent substitute for a homemade turkey, especially if you are not particularly crafty in the kitchen.
Since the holiday season is galloping here and you will definitely need some ideas on how to speed things along or simplify your work. However, not all shortcuts are worth doing. Therefore in this review, I will talk about Popeyes turkey and whether it is worth your time and money.
What do People Say About Popeyes Turkey?
When it comes to rating food products, there are as many opinions as there are people; and in the case of Popeyes turkey, that’s a lot. However, since so many people buy it, there must be something about it worth buying.
Generally, positive reviews are prevalent, but there are also those that aren’t that good too. The Popeyes turkey taste has no bad reviews, though not all of them are stellar. Mainly they refer to the intensity of the flavor, but, again, that is subjective.
Most of these comments revolve around the Cajun flavor being too mild, especially compared to last year’s. However, none implied that it wasn’t delicious. Also, it is always easier to add flavor than to take some away, so I wouldn’t call it a problem.
Another thing that seems to bother a substantial portion of consumers is that the skin isn’t crispy as it is, but they need to put in some extra effort to crisp it up. Related to this issue is also the issue of the readiness of the Popeyes turkey.
Popeyes turkey is advertised as ready-made, and all it needs is a little time in the oven or microwave. However, many would say that Popeye turkey comes slightly underdone, so they needed to cook it significantly longer than instructed.
Nevertheless, undercooked is better than overcooked, as overcooked turkey is often beyond repair. On the other hand, an undercooked turkey may require some time, but it can turn out delicious once it is done. In addition, even though Popeyes turkey is supposed to be baked, many opt to fry it instead, as it releases more flavor that way.
Another issue that a substantial portion of consumers seems to encounter is the texture and stability of Popeyes turkey. They claim it to fall apart after taking it out of the oven. Still, this isn’t that much of a problem, as tender meat tends to be juicier.
Taste and Seasoning
As I mentioned in the previous section, Popeyes turkey hasn’t gotten any explicitly bad reviews taste-wise. It is Cajun-flavored, so it is supposed to be spicy, as a Cajun blend consists of paprika, cayenne, garlic, pepper, and oregano. However, Popeyes uses a slightly different and proprietary blend for the turkey.
Even though the exact seasoning ingredients remain shrouded in mystery, some say that it is the famous Popeyes Cajun Sparkle. If this is the spice blend they use on the turkey, then the seasoning includes red and black pepper, garlic, and onion.
However, many would describe Popeyes turkey flavor as mild. It is Cajun, but a little milder than usual. It is probably because Popeyes turkey is intended for a wide consumer body, so it isn’t overly spicy, as not everyone likes it.
Also, most of the flavor-related issues emerge from not following the instructions properly. Namely, many have said that thawing is crucial to have a well-done Popeyes turkey. Rushing to make the jewel of the holiday table, aka the turkey, many skip or shorten the thawing, and therefore get a meal that doesn’t shine in full light.
In addition, Popeyes turkey isn’t especially juicy, but it isn’t dry, either. This is common for ready-made store-bought meats, so it isn’t unheard of. May fix this by adding pre-cooked stuffing to the Popeyes turkey so that they add some juiciness.
Nevertheless, even without the stuffing, Popeyes turkey isn’t dry and rough on the palate; on the contrary, it is moist and soft enough, so you are safe.
Preparation
Popeyes turkey is fairly easy to prepare, and there have been no complaints in this subject. However, many find the thawing to be the most demanding step, as they seem to lack information on how to do it properly.
Even though Popeyes turkey thaws faster at room temperature, it isn’t recommended. Popeyes recommends that the turkey is thawed for 72 days in the fridge. Many omit this step or shorten the time, so they end up with a gooey turkey instead of a moist and tender one.
Another problem people seem to have when preparing the Popeyes turkey is their expectations. Namely, they expect it to take less than it actually does. Popeyes turkey shortens the turkey-preparation time, but you still need an hour and 45 minutes to make it, or until the breast temperature is 140 °F, i.e., 70 °C.
Therefore, expecting it to be done in half an hour sets you up for disappointment. So, comments of this sort are not well-founded.
The oven should be preheated and hot when popping the Popeyes turkey in. The baking temperature should be 375 °F, i.e., 180 °C. Popeyes turkey needs to be covered in aluminum foil for the first hour, after which you need to uncover it and let it bake like so.
Appearance
Popeyes turkey is 14 pounds heavy, and it can feed from eight to 12 people. It is substantial but not too big. Its appearance is very inviting and alluring, so it will work up your appetite at first glance.
In this aspect, Popeyes knew what they were doing, as the turkey was a genuine decoration on the table. You don’t need anything else but clean plates and shiny silverware to make your setting fancy.
However, if you want to, and you probably will, you can decorate the turkey with French parsley, lemon, and orange wheels and the legendary cranberry sauce sliding over the deep honey-brown colored bird.
Sides
Popeyes turkey doesn’t come with sides if you don’t order for them specifically. There is a time-limited offer on the sides, which include mashed potatoes, biscuits, or one of the restaurant’s southern sides.
Some find this to be good, and some find it bad. It depends on how much time you have to make the sides and which ones you want. Some people prefer making the sides themselves, and others like having them done.
Nevertheless, the option exists, and all you need to do is to get the timing right.
Price and Availability
Popeyes turkey costs around $100 to have it delivered to your doorstep and around $50 to buy it at a Popeyes restaurant. This year the prices are expected to be higher, but it isn’t certain how much.
Given that you can feed up to 12 people with one Popeyes turkey and considering that it isn’t an everyday expense, I would say that it is worth buying it. It saves you time and energy you can spend with your close ones, it spares you the mess, and it makes a delicious meal.
Many opt to buy Popeyes jointly, so ten people can chip in with $5 or $10 and have a real feast. If you are the sole host bearing all the dinner costs, it may not be the most cost-effective solution.
You can pre-order your Popeyes turkey on the 18th of October, whereby the delivery starts on the 24th of October.
