What is Turducken?
Turducken is a dish that combines everyone’s favorite holiday poultry—turkey, duck, and chicken. Each of the three birds is deboned, and then the chicken is stuffed inside the duck, which is then stuffed inside the turkey. There are layers of various dressings and seasonings between the birds. The final dish can weigh more than 15 pounds and feed as many as 25 people. This specialty cuisine has grown in popularity in Louisiana over the last few decades and is attracting attention from many areas outside the state. Turducken is available for purchase through many Louisiana butchers, and some retailers are able to ship nationwide.
The History of Turducken
The exact story of how the first turducken came to be isn’t clear. There are several variations of the story that credit different inventors, but the practice of stuffing whole animals with other animals has existed for centuries. In the specific case of the turducken, many credit Hebert’s Specialty Meats in Maurice, Louisiana. Nicknamed “the home of the deboned chickens,” Hebert’s Specialty Meats has been selling turducken for more than 25 years, and during the holiday season, Hebert’s Specialty Meats sells up to 200 turduckens every day. Chef Paul Prudhomme brought the turducken to the national stage in the 1980s and trademarked the term in 1986.
Turducken Tips
• Thaw completely.
• Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before cooking.
• Baste with melted bacon drippings.
• Tuck wings under to protect them from over-browning.
• Use a thermometer. The center must be cooked to 165°.
Where to Find Turducken & #OnlyLouisiana Specialties and Gifts
• Hebert’s Specialty Meats
• Big Easy Foods
The Oyster Bed
This grill- and oven-safe product is the perfect way to cook oysters, and they also make steak beds!
Konriko Rice
Treat yourself to quality rice produced by the oldest rice mill in America.
• Conrad Rice Mill
• Cajun Grocer
Slap Ya Mama
This collection of Cajun seasoning blends will add spice to any Louisiana dish.
• Slap Ya Mama
• Teet’s Food Store
Boudin
This Cajun specialty comprised of pork, rice, and seasoning in a sausage casing is known for satisfying cravings.
• T-boy’s Boudin
• Billy’s Homemade Boudin & Cracklins
Tabasco
Celebrating 150 years of bringing heat to your table, there’s never been a better time to try this hot sauce.
• Tabasco
• New Orleans Cajun Store
Steen’s 100% Pure Cane Syrup
Whether used in pecan pies, served on top of biscuits, or in another family recipe, this preservative-free syrup is sure to please.
