This crockpot turkey is so easy to put together and what I love most about it is you free up your oven for sides and desserts! Youll love how easy it and tasty is it is to cook a whole turkey in a slow cooker!
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If youre looking to make turkey but want to make something smaller, you can always make my slow cooker turkey breast recipe!
Every year, at a company that I worked at for 8 years, we had a Thanksgiving luncheon. Everyone signed up to bring different things. Since there were so many of us, five to six people signed up for the stuffing, different veggies, the pie, and so on. We even had many turkeys! My former boss, BJ, always cooked his turkey in the slow cooker. He said his mom cooked it that way when he was growing up. The turkey always turned out moist.
I emailed him the other day because this year, we decided to cook our Thanksgiving dinner early- we enjoyed it on Sunday night and I wanted to try my hand at cooking the turkey in the slow cooker. He told me you can leave it in longer than the 6 to 8 hours but it starts to fall apart, which is totally fine! Just make sure the turkey you buy will fit in your slow cooker!
If youre running low on oven space or just want a low maintenance way to cook a turkey- the slow cooker is the way to go! This turkey version is a modified version of my popular crockpot whole chicken recipe that we LOVE to make all the time!
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I put one of the garlic cloves and the rest of the dry ingredients I didnt use on top of the veggies.
Place the turkey on top of the vegetables and cover the crockpot. Cook for 6 to 8 hours.
Remove the turkey and place on an oven-safe baking dish. Broil the skin in your oven broiler for 4 to 5 minutes, watching it carefully so it doesnt burn. Allow the turkey to rest for 30 minutes before carving.
Skim the fat from the broth and save it for another recipe! Im thinking turkey ramen noodle soup are in order for this week!
Once you carve the turkey, add some broth to the turkey to keep the meat moist.
We loved this and it made it less stressful in the kitchen since I was able to do all of my sides in the oven without them having to compete with the turkey. Well definitely do this again!
Wishing you and yours a happy Thanksgiving and hoping that you have a lot to be thankful for! I know I do! Huge hugs!
Cooking turkey in a slow cooker is an easy fuss-free way to prepare a moist and flavorful holiday bird. As someone who loves cooking turkey in my trusty slow cooker, I’m here to share everything you need to know about this method.
Why Cook Turkey in a Slow Cooker?
There are several excellent reasons to cook your turkey in a slow cooker:
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Moist and tender meat – The slow, gentle heat of a slow cooker keeps turkey incredibly moist and tender. No more dry turkey!
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More oven space – Free up your oven to roast veggies or bake pies and sides.
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Easier cleanup – With a slow cooker liner, cleanup is a breeze No messy roasting pan to scrub
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Set it and forget it – Just prep your turkey, set your slow cooker, and let it do the work.
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Adds flavor – Cooking with herbs and veggies infuses the turkey with extra flavor.
Tips for Slow Cooker Turkey Success
Follow these tips for the very best slow cooker turkey:
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Choose the right size – Make sure your turkey fits in your slow cooker with the lid closed For a 12-14 lb turkey, use a 7+ quart oval slow cooker.
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Prep it – Remove giblets, rinse turkey, and pat dry. Truss legs with kitchen twine and tuck wings under.
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Season it – Rub a mixture of herbs, spices, and garlic over and under the skin for maximum flavor.
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Prop it – Place chopped veggies in the bottom to prop up the turkey for even cooking. Wedge lemons inside the cavity.
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Cook on low – Cook for 7-9 hours on low until the meat registers 165°F. The timing depends on the size of your turkey.
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Rest and broil – Let turkey rest before carving. Broil skin for crispy texture.
Delicious Slow Cooker Turkey Recipes
These flavor-packed recipes result in juicy, tender turkey perfect for Thanksgiving or anytime:
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Slow Cooker Whole Turkey – With garlic, herbs, lemon, and veggies.
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Crockpot Turkey Breast – Easier for smaller slow cookers.
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Cider Braised Turkey – Infused with apple cider.
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BBQ Pulled Turkey – Shred for sandwiches.
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Herb Roasted Turkey Breast – Low-fuss roasted flavor.
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Slow Cooker Turkey Chili – Family-friendly turkey chili.
Turkey Slow Cooker Tips and Tricks
Here are some extra tips to ensure slow cooker success:
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Use a probe thermometer to accurately measure doneness. Insert in thickest part of breast.
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Avoid lifting the lid which releases heat and moisture. Only open to baste turkey.
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For crispier skin, broil 5+ minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
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Let turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving for juicy meat.
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Use broth for gravy, soup, or freeze for later use. Skim off excess fat first.
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Cook stuffing separately outside the turkey to prevent bacterial growth.
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If short on time, cook on high 4-5 hours. Check earlier for doneness.
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Cook giblets separately to use for gravy. Simmer in water until tender.
Common Slow Cooker Turkey Questions
Can you put stuffing in a slow cooker turkey?
Stuffing cooked inside turkey can be unsafe. Cook stuffing separately to 165°F to kill bacteria.
How long does it take to cook a turkey in a slow cooker?
Cook 7-9 hours on low for a 12-14 lb turkey. Larger turkeys take 9-12 hours. Check for 165°F.
What size slow cooker do you need for a turkey?
Use a 7+ quart oval slow cooker so turkey fits comfortably with the lid closed.
Should you cook turkey breast side up or down?
Cook breast side up for even heating. Prop with veggies so turkey doesn’t sit in juices.
Can you cook a frozen turkey in a slow cooker?
No, only cook fully thawed turkey. Frozen turkey won’t cook evenly and is unsafe.
The Verdict on Slow Cooker Turkey
Cooking turkey in the slow cooker results in a tender, juicy bird with incredible flavor. The meat turns out super moist and you get to free up oven space. While it does require some planning and prepping, it’s much easier than traditional roasting. If you’ve never tried slow cooker turkey, I highly recommend giving it a shot this holiday season! Just follow the tips above for success.
Whole Turkey in a Slow Cooker Recipe
- ▢ 4 teaspoons salt
- ▢ 2 teaspoons paprika
- ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ▢ 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- ▢ 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ▢ 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- ▢ 2 carrots, scrubbed, no need to peel, chopped in halves or thirds
- ▢ 2 celery stalks, cut in thirds
- ▢ 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- ▢ 1 whole lemon, quartered
- ▢ 8 to 9- pound whole turkey, fresh, if frozen then defrosted
- Combine salt, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, white pepper, garlic powder and black pepper in a small bowl and set aside. Prep the vegetables and place inside the slow cooker (I use a 7 quart thats oval shaped but this one is an 8-Quart or this one).
- Remove turkey from packaging and remove neck and pouch with organs. Discard or save for use in another recipe. Optionally, rinse turkey with water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Fold back the wings. Rub smashed garlic all over outside of the turkey. Put one garlic in the slow cooker and the rest inside the turkey. Put the rub all over the outside and inside the turkey. Add the quartered lemon to the inside of the turkey. Tie the legs with kitchen twine.
- Place turkey on top of the vegetables, you may need to move the veggies around depending on the size of your slow cooker. Cover slow cooker and cook turkey on low for 6-8 hours. (I used a 9.82-pound turkey, it took about 6 1/2 hours. The time will depend on the size of the turkey and your slow cooker.)
- Remove turkey and place in a 9×13 glass or ceramic baking dish. Place baking dish in the oven under the broiler for about 4-5 minutes but watch it carefully. It may take less time or a little longer, depending on the temperature of the broiler in your oven, you don’t want to burn your turkey.
- Allow turkey to rest after removing it from the broiler for 25 to 30 minutes.
Slow Cooker Turkey EASY | Tender & Juicy Turkey! #cooking
FAQ
Is it safe to cook a turkey in the crockpot?
Is it safe to cook turkey in the slow cooker? Yes! As long as you cook the turkey to the minimum temperature that’s safe (165 degrees F) it’s perfectly safe to slow cook your turkey.
What are the benefits of slow cooking a turkey?
As with any meat, slow cooking turkey is the best way to achieve tender and delicious meat. The slow temperature and longer cooking time allow the meat to take on incredible flavor, while also ensuring that the turkey doesn’t dry out.
Why use a slow cooker instead of an oven?
Cooking low and slow can turn cheap cuts of meat into tender, restaurant quality eats with very little effort. A slow cooker or Instant Pot can also trim some money off your monthly energy bill since these small countertop appliances don’t use much of it.
Can I slow down cooking a turkey?
Stuff the bird with lemon and herbs, then roast low and slow for 10 hours, basting frequently.
How long do you cook turkey breast in a slow cooker?
Cooking turkey breast in a slow cooker will take about 6-7 hours on Low or 3.5-4.5 hours on High, if using bone-in turkey breast. For boneless turkey breast, cook for 5-6 hours on Low or 3-3.5 hours on High. After this, you’ll place it under the broiler to brown and the internal temperature will rise while it rests.
How do you cook a Turkey in a slow cooker?
To do it, season your bird with salt, stuff it with a lemon half and a handful of fresh herbs (if you like), put it in your slow cooker with one cup water or stock, cover (if there are gaps, seal them with aluminum foil) and cook on low for six to eight hours. How do I butterfly a turkey?
How long do you cook a Turkey in a crockpot?
The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck Then reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the turkey for 4 to 5 hours or until the turkey registers 165 F on an instant-read meat thermometer. (Note: if you have a boneless turkey breast, when you reduce the crockpot heat to low, start checking the turkey after 1 to 2 hours.