How Long to Cook Turkey Thighs in a Slow Cooker for Tender, Juicy Meat

When it comes to weeknight dinners, slow cookers are a busy home cook’s best friend. With a slow cooker, you can prep ingredients in the morning and come home to a complete, delicious meal after a long day. While almost anything can go into the crockpot, to get perfect results you need to know how long to cook various meats and dishes. When slow cooking turkey thighs, the timing varies based on size, amount, and your preferred texture. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to cook turkey thighs in a slow cooker so they turn out moist and full of flavor every time.

Why Cook Turkey Thighs in a Slow Cooker?

Compared to lean chicken breasts which can easily dry out, turkey thighs have enough fat and connective tissue to make them very hard to overcook Other benefits of slow cooking turkey thighs include

• Requires minimal prep work – just season and add to the slow cooker
• Turkey thighs become fall-off-the-bone tender after hours of simmering
• Maximum moisture is retained even after long cooking times
• The meat shreds easily for tacos, sandwiches, pasta dishes etc.
• Great way to infuse delicious flavor into the cooking liquid for gravy or sauce
• Dump ingredients in the morning for a complete meal ready after work

With minimal hands-on effort, the slow cooker does all the work of braising turkey thighs into fork-tender perfection

How Long to Cook Turkey Thighs in a Slow Cooker

The cooking time depends on a few factors:

• Amount of thighs – The more turkey thighs in the slow cooker, the longer it takes to cook them through. Plan for at least 45 minutes per pound.

• Bone-in or boneless – Boneless thighs cook faster, in 4-6 hours on low. Allow 7-8 hours for bone-in.

• Thigh size – Smaller thighs may only need 6 hours while larger jumbo thighs require 8-10 hours. Check temperature with a meat thermometer.

• High or low setting – Cooking on low takes 2-3 hours longer than high.

• Desired texture – Cook longer for pulled or shredded turkey. Shorter time for slices.

Follow these time guidelines based on the amount and style of turkey thighs:

• 2-3 lbs bone-in thighs on low – 7-8 hours
• 2-3 lbs boneless thighs on low – 6 hours
• 4-5 lbs bone-in thighs on low – 8-10 hours
• 4 lbs boneless thighs on low – 7-8 hours
• 1 lb boneless thighs on high – 4 hours
• 3 lbs bone-in thighs on high – 5-6 hours

These cooking times are simply estimates. Always verify temperature and texture before serving.

Step-by-Step Method for Slow Cooker Turkey Thighs

Follow this simple technique for juicy, flavorful crockpot turkey thighs:

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs bone-in, skinless turkey thighs
• 1 cup chicken broth or wine
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic, thyme etc)
• Aromatics like onions, carrots (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pat turkey thighs dry and rub generously with salt, pepper and spices.
2. Place thighs in slow cooker and add chicken broth or wine plus any aromatics.
3. Cook on low setting for 7-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours until fork tender.
4. Shred turkey meat with two forks, discarding bones.
5. Stir shredded turkey back into hot cooking liquid before serving.

The braising liquid makes a tasty gravy or sauce. Serve shredded turkey thigh over rice, pasta or roasted vegetables for easy, wholesome dinners.

Helpful Tips for Slow Cooker Turkey Thighs

• Brown thighs first for more flavor and color before slow cooking.
• Use a rack to elevate thighs and prevent sitting in juices if shredding.
• Add root vegetables during last 1-2 hours to cook in tasty juices.
• Stir in coconut milk, mushrooms or kale for the final 30 minutes.
• Make turkey chili by adding beans, tomatoes, corn and spices.
• Toss shredded turkey with barbecue sauce for pulled turkey sandwiches.
• Monitor liquid level and add more broth as needed to prevent drying out.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness, especially for large thighs.
• Let thighs rest 10-15 minutes before removing from slow cooker.

FAQs About Cooking Turkey Thighs in a Slow Cooker

How can I tell when turkey thighs are done in the slow cooker?

Turkey thighs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 175°F with a meat thermometer. They should also shred very easily with a fork. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes before checking tenderness.

Why are my crockpot turkey thighs dry?

Dry turkey thighs are usually caused by overcooking. Next time, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 hours and verify temperature early. Make sure there is enough liquid, adding more broth or water if needed.

Can frozen turkey thighs be slow cooked?

Yes, you can cook frozen turkey thighs in a slow cooker but add about 4 extra hours to the time for bone-in thighs. For quicker cooking, thaw them fully in the fridge first before slow cooking.

Should the slow cooker lid stay open or closed while cooking?

Always cook with the lid on tight for food safety and to prevent the liquid from evaporating. Only remove the lid briefly at the end to check if the thighs are fully cooked.

What spices complement turkey thighs?

Some great seasoning options include garlic, paprika, onion powder, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt and pepper. Get creative with your favorite spice blends!

Satisfying Slow Cooker Turkey Thigh Recipes

With the simple tips provided here, you can easily infuse amazing flavor into turkey thighs using your slow cooker. Cook them on low for 6-8 hours until they are fall-apart tender. Try one of these tasty recipe ideas:

Slow Cooker Turkey Thighs with Beer and Onions

• 3 lbs bone-in turkey thighs
• 12 oz beer
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• Salt, pepper and sage

Cook turkey thighs on low with beer, onions and seasonings for 7-8 hours until tender. Mix flour with cooking liquid to thicken for gravy.

BBQ Pulled Turkey Thighs

• 3 lbs boneless turkey thighs
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
• Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder

Shred cooked turkey thighs and mix with sauce. Pile onto buns for easy pulled turkey sandwiches.

Slow Cooker Turkey Thigh Chili

• 3 lbs boneless turkey thighs
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 15 oz can pinto beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• Chili powder, cumin, oregano

Shred cooked turkey and mix with tomatoes, beans and spices. Top with avocado, cheese and sour cream.

So grab your slow cooker and try cooking tender, juicy turkey thighs today! With the proper timing, your thighs will turn out perfect every time.