5 Chain Restaurants That Will Serve Your Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving can be tedious, whether you're cooking or socializing all day — not to mention the daunting task of cleaning the kitchen afterward. Sometimes people get sick due to flu season or foodborne illnesses due to a food recall or accidental cross-contamination while preparing a roasted turkey. Others may live far away in another state or country. There may be some relatives who simply can't (or won't) cook. All in all, getting a large group of people to gather for a holiday feast is tiring.

So don't worry: If you want to avoid the Thanksgiving cooking chaos by ordering a restaurant-quality meal from a chain near you, there's no judgment here. Most waffle houses, Halal Guys, fast food joints, and Chinese take-out restaurants remain open during the holidays for those who want to skip the festivities altogether. However, if you're looking for a more traditional Thanksgiving meal, these five chain restaurants have you covered: Cracker Barrel, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Maggiano's Little Italy, Popeyes and Bob Evans.

It only makes sense that a country restaurant like Cracker Barrel would offer a full Thanksgiving-themed catering menu—just give them 24 hours' notice before the food is needed. The Thanksgiving Heat n' Serve Feast serves eight to ten people and includes two roasted turkey breasts as an entree. It comes with a side dish of turkey gravy, cornbread dressing, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet yeast rolls and a sweet potato casserole with pecans. To sweeten the deal, pumpkin and pecan pie are included in the menu for dessert.

Cracker Barrel also offers a smaller Heat n' Serve Family Dinner for four to six people with a turkey breast. However, this option does not come with mashed potatoes or either cake. According to the restaurant's website, any of the available Thanksgiving feasts can be prepared from oven to table in just two hours.

If you're wondering what a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse even is, just know that the restaurant chain is cooking up delicious food for you on Thanksgiving. Dine indoors and enjoy a fresh, hot meal prepared by popular chefs, or order a full dinner to go with advance notice. Since the eatery takes reservations, we strongly recommend that you book in advance if you want to eat there (and avoid having to do the dishes at home).

What makes Ruth's Chris Steakhouse a top Thanksgiving dining choice is the wine pairings, This can save you the hassle of going to the liquor store during the holidays. If you're covered in the beverage department, the grab-and-go meal includes a choice of salad, half a roasted turkey breast, gravy, cranberry relish, sausage and herb stuffing, two classic sides, and pumpkin cheesecake. The entire dinner serves four people, but you can also order individual sides, as described on the Ruth's Chris Steakhouse website.

Maggiano's Little Italy brings a piece of home to your table for the perfect Italian-American Thanksgiving dinner. The chef-designed take-out package includes everything you could want and more. Make this year unique by serving four cheese ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, and chocolate cake with the usual toppings like mashed potatoes and cranberry relish. Enjoy a warm appetizer by dipping the restaurant's freshly baked ciabatta in seasoned olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

In addition to the traditional roast turkey, there is an additional protein selection of smoked ham to take home. Place an order in advance to pick it up cold to make at home or hot to eat immediately, or reserve a table for dinner at the restaurant itself on Thanksgiving to gain access to a larger menu . However, don't expect the take-home package to feed a large gathering, as it will only feed a family of four to five people, according to Maggiano's website.

Let's be honest: turkey can sometimes taste boring if it's not cooked properly. Bringing the bird to life, so to speak, often requires some spices and creative ways to add juiciness. But who knows how to add seasoning like Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen?

Avoid a boring bird with the fast food chain's Cajun Style Turkey. It has a spicy touch with lots of flavor and pairs well with the many other side dishes the restaurant has to offer. Also order biscuits, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes with Cajun sauce, coleslaw and cinnamon apple pie pastries. While you can pick up the Cajun Style Turkey in store, Popeyes will also deliver it to your home, according to the chain's website.

Bob Evans really thought of everyone and offered Thanksgiving dinner for four, eight and ten guests respectively. At Farmhouse Feasts you can choose between turkey, ham or pot roast. In addition to the usual breakfast packages, the chain is even serving a special Thanksgiving breakfast menu that day. Like some of the other options on this list, Bob Evans offers meals packaged cold to reheat later or served warm for immediate enjoyment, like the Premium and Thanksgiving Celebration Platters.

A self-proclaimed “turkey expert,” Bob Evans has been perfecting his recipe for over 30 years, according to the company’s website. Other menu highlights include buttered corn, fresh rolls, homemade bread and celery dressing, and a selection of cakes. The restaurant chain offers a big, traditional Thanksgiving menu that probably won't leave you feeling wrong on the big day.