Popeyes Lousiana Chicken is bringing back what it calls a fan-favorite Thanksgiving staple.
The fast-food New Orleans-style chicken chain is taking pre-orders of its Cajun Style Turkeys at participating restaurants nationwide, while supplies last. Prices start at $39.99 and can be pre-ordered by calling local restaurants or visiting restaurants.
“Hand-rubbed and infused with zesty Louisiana-style seasonings, the Cajun Style Turkey comes precooked so all you need to do is simply heat, serve and enjoy,” Popeyes said in a statement to USA TODAY.
For those not wanting to cook this year, sides also are available a la carte for pre-order. One that will be popular for Thanksgiving is mashed potatoes and gravy.
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The turkeys are usually available to order in advance through Thanksgiving and consumers can select their pickup date. Supplies are limited.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Thanksgiving is expected to look different for many families this year. The nation’s leading infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci is advising Americans to skip any big Thanksgiving plans.
Speaking to “CBS Evening News” last week, Fauci cautioned against “gathering together in an indoor setting” with large groups of out-of-town guests. “It is unfortunate because that’s such a sacred part of American tradition – the family gathering around Thanksgiving,” he said. “But that is a risk.”
In guidance issued for the fall holidays, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also classified “shopping at crowded stores just before, on or after Thanksgiving” on a list of higher-risk activities to avoid. Walmart is among the retailers changing its Black Friday sale to help reduce crowds amid COVID-19.
Popeyes cooking instructions
Here are Popeyes’ cooking instructions for how to prepare the Cajun-style turkeys:
- Thaw 48 to 72 hours in the refrigerator or 10 to 12 hours in cold water (changing water hourly). Popeyes says: “DO NOT thaw at room temperature. Always leave in sealed plastic during thawing.”
- Preheat conventional oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove all packaging, reserving juices.
- Place turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan and pour juices into pan.
- Reheat uncovered on lower rack in oven for 2 to 2.5 hours and until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by meat thermometer inserted into the deepest part of breast meat (not touching the bone).
- Let stand 20 minutes before carving.
- Save pan drippings for gravy if desired.
Source: Popeyes
Contributing: Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko