How Long to Slow Cook Turkey Necks for Tender, Juicy Meat

Turkey necks are an underappreciated cut of meat that can be transformed into a delicious tender dish when slow cooked properly. Determining the right cook time is key to achieving fall-off-the-bone turkey necks every time. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about slow cooking turkey necks including ideal cook times, preparation tips, flavor combinations, and more.

What Are Turkey Necks?

Turkey necks are the neck section of a turkey containing bones, cartilage, connective tissue, and meat. They consist of tough muscles and collagen that require prolonged moist heating to break down and become tender. When cooked correctly, the meat pulls cleanly off the bones and delivers an incredible depth of flavor.

Benefits of Slow Cooking Turkey Necks

Slow cooking is one of the best methods for cooking turkey necks until fork tender Here are some of the major benefits

• Requires minimal preparation and monitoring during cooking. Simply prep the necks, add to the slow cooker, and let it do the work over several hours.

• Infuses the meat with aromatics, herbs, spices, and cooking liquids over the lengthy cook time. This adds lots of flavor.

• Provides a moist heat environment which is perfect for dissolving connective tissues.

• Allows time for flavors to fully develop and meld together into a cohesive dish.

• Can safely cook overnight or while you’re out running errands.

How Long to Slow Cook Turkey Necks

Cooking time varies based on the size and amount of turkey necks, as well as your slow cooker settings. Here are general guidelines:

• Low setting (190°F – 200°F): 6-8 hours
• High setting (300°F – 325°F): 3-4 hours

The low, slow setting is ideal for completely breaking down the collagen and transforming the meat into succulent, pull-apart perfection. For larger or meatier necks, the full 8 hours may be needed.

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey necks have reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Tips for Preparing Turkey Necks for the Slow Cooker

Follow these tips to start off with perfectly prepped turkey necks:

• Purchase fresh, raw turkey necks and make sure they are not slimy or foul smelling. Rinse under cold water.

• Pat the necks completely dry with paper towels before seasoning.

• Trim off any excess skin or fat if desired. Turkey necks tend to have a decent amount of meat.

• Generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and other desired spices.

• For extra flavor, marinate the necks overnight in the fridge in a blend of seasonings.

• Consider browning the seasoned necks in a skillet before slow cooking to boost flavor. Then deglaze the pan and add liquids to the slow cooker.

Liquid for Moisture While Slow Cooking

It’s important to add liquid to the slow cooker to keep the turkey necks from drying out. Good options include:

• Chicken or turkey broth/stock
• Water or wine
• Tomato sauce, diced tomatoes
• Barbecue sauce

Use 1-2 cups of liquid per 3-4 pounds of necks. Pour over the necks before securing the lid and turning on the slow cooker.

Flavor Enhancements

One benefit of slow cooking is the ability to infuse amazing flavors into the turkey necks. Consider adding:

• Aromatic veggies like onions, carrots, celery, garlic
• Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, parsley
• Spices like chili powder, cumin, curry powder, cayenne
• Citrus zest and juice
• Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce
• Balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar

Maintaining Moisture

To keep the turkey necks as moist as possible:

• Resist lifting the lid frequently to check them. This releases moisture and heat each time.

• Use tongs or a spoon to flip the necks halfway through cooking for even exposure.

• Once cooked, promptly remove necks to a plate using a slotted spoon. Don’t let them linger and overcook.

• Use the tasty cooking liquid as the base for gravies, soups or stews.

How to Tell When Turkey Necks Are Done

Check these signs to determine when the turkey necks are fully cooked:

• Meat has shrunk back from the bones.

• A fork slides in and out of the meat without resistance.

• Meat shreds apart easily when poked with a fork.

• The meat doesn’t slip completely off the bones but pulls away easily when eating.

• Internal temperature reaches 185°F-195°F.

• Collagen has melted into the sauce, giving it a thick, rich texture.

If still tough after the recommended time, cook for 30 mins – 1 hour longer and check again.

Serving Slow Cooked Turkey Necks

The tender, juicy turkey necks pair well with simple sides like mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables or cornbread. Drizzle the flavorful cooking liquid over the meat before serving.

Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before enjoying again. The cooked necks also freeze well for longer term storage.

Delicious Turkey Neck Recipe Ideas

Here are some amazing flavor combinations to inspire your next turkey neck meal:

• Herb-Roasted Turkey Necks – Toss necks in olive oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, sage and garlic. Slow cook in broth and wine.

• Barbecue Turkey Necks – Smother necks in your favorite barbecue sauce and spices. Cook until sauce caramelizes.

• Turkey Neck & Vegetable Soup – Simmer necks in chicken broth with potatoes, carrots, onion and celery for a hearty soup.

• Cajun Turkey Neck Stew – Cook necks with Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and chicken broth.

• Asian Turkey Neck Curry – Create an aromatic curry with necks, ginger, garlic, coconut milk, spices and veggies.

• Turkey Neck & Dumplings – Top tender necks and cooking broth with simple flaky dumpling dough.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooked Turkey Necks

Follow these helpful tips for mouthwatering turkey necks every time:

• Choose fresh, raw necks and season generously. Marinate overnight for extra flavor.

• Add chicken or turkey broth and aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and carrots.

• Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours until fork tender.

• Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.

• Avoid lifting the lid; flip necks halfway through.

• Let necks rest 5 minutes before serving with flavorful cooking liquid.

• Store leftovers in fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 4-6 months.

With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing the work, you can easily transform turkey necks into a hearty, budget-friendly meal full of rich flavor.

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