Can You Slow Cook a Whole Turkey? The Ultimate Juicy and Tender Slow Cooker Turkey Guide

Cooking a whole turkey in a slow cooker may seem unusual, but it’s actually a foolproof method for getting perfectly moist and tender meat. Freeing up oven space and enjoying mess-free cooking are just a couple of the benefits of slow cooking turkey.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the best slow cooker turkey ever. You’ll learn how to choose the right size bird, prep techniques, seasoning ideas, cook times, and more. Plus get delicious slow cooker whole turkey recipes to add to your holiday rotation.

Benefits of Slow Cooking Turkey

Slow cooking brings out the most succulent texture in turkey meat. The low gentle heat helps break down connective tissues and proteins. This gives you fork-tender meat that practically falls off the bone.

Other advantages of slow cooker turkey include

• Freed up oven space – Cook the turkey in the crockpot while using the oven for side dishes,

• Juicy meat – The moist environment prevents turkey from drying out. No basting required.

• Infused flavors – Herbs and aromatics impart flavor as turkey cooks in its own juices.

• Hands-off – Just load up the slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax.

• Easy cleanup – Slow cooker liners allow for quick cleanup with no scrubbing.

How to Choose a Turkey for the Slow Cooker

When selecting a whole turkey for the crockpot, smaller birds work best. Oversized turkeys may not fit properly.

Here are recommended turkey sizes based on slow cooker capacity:

• 3-4 quart slow cooker: turkey breast or 4-6 lb whole turkey

• 5-6 quart slow cooker: 6-8 lb whole turkey

• 7+ quart slow cooker: 8-10 lb whole turkey

Look for a fresh or thawed turkey, not frozen. Ensure turkey is completely thawed before cooking. Place frozen birds in the fridge 2-3 days ahead to thaw.

For premium flavor, opt for a free-range or organic turkey when possible. The higher activity levels and diverse diets of these birds lead to firmer, tastier meat.

Preparing Turkey for the Slow Cooker

Proper prep helps ensure your whole turkey cooks evenly and absorbs maximum flavor. Follow these tips:

• Remove giblets – Check cavity and remove bag of giblets/neck. Discard or use for gravy.

• Pat dry – Thoroughly dry turkey with paper towels so seasoning adheres.

• Truss legs – Tie legs together with twine to hold shape.

• Loosen skin – Carefully loosen skin from breast with fingers so flavors penetrate.

• Season under skin – Rub herb butter, oil, and spices directly onto meat beneath loosened skin.

• Coat exterior – Rub oil, aromatics, and spices all over surface, including underside.

• Stuff cavity – Fill with halved lemons, onions, garlic, fresh herbs.

How to Season Turkey for the Slow Cooker

Use this template to infuse your whole turkey with flavor:

• Oil – Coat turkey with olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter so seasoning sticks.

• Aromatics – Stuff cavity with quartered onions, halved lemons, garlic cloves, fresh herbs.

• Herbs – Rub rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano under skin and over exterior.

• Spices – Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder.

• Citrus – Add slices of orange, lemon, lime in cavity or under skin for brightness.

• Savory – Coat with mustard, soy sauce, miso paste, anchovy paste.

• Sweet – Rub with maple syrup, honey, brown sugar to balance flavors.

Go bold with the seasonings since the turkey cooks for hours mellowing and penetrating the meat.

How Long to Cook a Whole Turkey in the Slow Cooker

Cooking time depends on turkey size, temperature setting, and your slow cooker model. Here are general timelines:

• Small turkey breast (4-5 lbs): 4-5 hours on LOW

• 6-8 lb turkey: 6-8 hours on LOW

• 10-12 lb turkey: 8-10 hours on LOW

• 14-15 lb turkey: 9-11 hours on LOW

Always cook until the internal temperature in the thickest part of breast reaches 165°F. Juices should run clear with no pink color.

If your slow cooker runs hot, check periodically and reduce heat to prevent overcooking. For crispier skin, broil for a few minutes at the end.

7 Delicious Ways to Flavor Slow Cooker Turkey

Take your turkey’s flavor up a notch with these creative seasoning combos:

1. Lemony Herb – Stuff cavity with lemon wedges, rosemary, sage. Rub thyme butter under skin.

2. Mediterranean – Coat with olive oil, oregano, basil, fennel, garlic, salt, pepper.

3. Tex-Mex – Rub with chili powder, cumin, garlic, cayenne, coriander, smoked paprika. Squeeze lime juice.

4. Indian Spiced – Massage with garam masala, turmeric, coriander, ginger, garlic, yogurt.

5. Asian Inspired – Stuff with ginger, scallions, garlic. Brush soy sauce, sesame oil, chili sauce.

6. Italian Herbed – Stuff with rosemary, parsley, sliced garlic. Coat with olive oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes.

7. Caribbean Jerk – Make jerk marinade with allspice, thyme, garlic, brown sugar, chili peppers.

Slow Cooker Turkey FAQs

Get answers to some common questions about slow cooker turkey:

Is it safe to slow cook a turkey?

Yes, turkey is safe when properly cooked to 165°F in a slow cooker. Maintain temperatures above 140°F. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Should you cook turkey on high or low?

Cook turkey on the LOW setting for best results. High heat can cause the edges to overcook. Low and slow is best for tender turkey.

How long per pound to cook turkey in a slow cooker?

Estimate 15-20 minutes per pound on LOW. A 12 lb turkey cooks for 9-10 hours on low. Exact time depends on your slow cooker.

Can you cook a frozen turkey in a slow cooker?

No, only cook fully thawed turkey in the slow cooker. Frozen birds won’t cook evenly. Thaw turkey in the fridge 2-3 days first.

What temperature should turkey be after 4 hours on low?

After 4 hours on low, turkey should reach 145°F-155°F internally. Cook until 165°F for food safety.

Slow Cooker Whole Turkey Recipes

Ready to make juicy, tender turkey in your crockpot? Try these top-rated easy recipes:

• Slow Cooker Whole Turkey with Garlic Herb Butter – Stuff cavity with onions, celery, carrots. Cook 8-10 hours until 165°F.

• Apple Brined Slow Cooker Turkey – Soak turkey in apple cider brine before cooking. Stuff with apples, oranges, cinnamon.

• Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy – Cook bone-in turkey breast 4-6 hours then make gravy from juices.

• Chipotle Lime Slow Cooker Turkey – Inject turkey breast with chipotle sauce. Add lime juice and chicken broth.

• Slow Cooker Whole Turkey with Vegetables – Cook over carrots, onions, garlic. Use juices for gravy.

Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey

Cooking a whole turkey in the slow cooker produces impressive results – ridiculously tender meat infused with flavor. Prepping the bird properly and using the right size crockpot are keys to success.

With the tips in this guide, you can make the most delicious and foolproof slow cooker turkey for your next dinner or holiday feast. Give it a try and you may never go back to oven roasting again!