Are you dreaming of a holiday centerpiece or a simple weeknight meal that delivers incredibly juicy, tender turkey without the usual fuss? Look no further! This comprehensive guide to making Slow Cooker Turkey will change the way you think about cooking this beloved bird. Say goodbye to dry, bland turkey and hello to a moist, flavorful masterpiece that practically cooks itself.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving for a small crowd or a comforting Sunday dinner, mastering the art of a moist slow cooker turkey recipe is a game-changer. We’re about to unlock the secrets to achieving perfectly cooked turkey with minimal effort, ensuring every bite is succulent and packed with savory goodness.
Why This Slow Cooker Turkey Recipe Works
Benefits of Crockpot Turkey
The slow cooker is an unsung hero when it comes to poultry, especially turkey. Its gentle, consistent heat creates an incredibly forgiving cooking environment that locks in moisture, preventing the meat from drying out. This method transforms even the leanest cuts into a unbelievably tender turkey breast recipe. Imagine carving into meat that practically melts in your mouth, infused with aromatic herbs and savory broth. The slow cooker handles all the heavy lifting, freeing up your oven and your time for other dishes or simply enjoying the company of loved ones. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it approach that yields spectacular results every single time.
“The slow cooker is your secret weapon for foolproof turkey. Its low and slow approach guarantees a tender, juicy result that traditional roasting often struggles to achieve consistently.”
Perfect for Small Gatherings
For many, preparing a whole turkey can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re hosting an easy Thanksgiving turkey for small crowd or a casual dinner party. This Slow Cooker Turkey recipe is the ideal solution. Instead of wrestling with a massive bird, you can cook a smaller, more manageable cut like a bone-in or boneless turkey breast, or even a couple of turkey legs. This not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures you have just the right amount of food, minimizing waste and maximizing flavor. It’s perfect for intimate dinners, holiday gatherings that don’t require a 20-pound bird, or simply when you’re craving delicious turkey without all the fuss.
Ingredients for Juicy Turkey
Choosing the Right Cut (Breast vs. Legs)
The beauty of making Slow Cooker Turkey is its versatility in accommodating various cuts. For those who prefer white meat, a boneless turkey roast slow cooker or a bone-in crockpot turkey breast are excellent choices. A bone-in breast often yields slightly more flavor and moisture due to the bone, but a boneless roast is easier to carve. Aim for a turkey breast weighing between 3 to 6 pounds to fit comfortably in most 6-quart slow cookers. If you’re a dark meat enthusiast, don’t overlook slow cooker turkey legs! They become incredibly succulent and flavorful when cooked low and slow, offering a rich, comforting experience. Regardless of your choice, ensure the turkey fits without being overly crammed, allowing for even heat distribution.
The Garlic Herb Butter Rub
This is where the magic truly begins! A robust garlic herb butter rub is crucial for infusing flavor and keeping your turkey incredibly moist. You’ll need:
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced finely, for pungent aroma and flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: A combination of rosemary, thyme, and sage works wonders. Finely chop them to release their essential oils.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all other flavors.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a subtle smoky depth.
Combine these ingredients thoroughly to create a fragrant paste. This rub will be generously slathered all over your turkey, underneath the skin if possible, ensuring every fiber of meat is seasoned and tenderized.
Aromatics and Broth
To create a deeply flavorful cooking environment and a foundation for amazing gravy, you’ll want to layer your slow cooker with aromatics and broth.
- Onions: Roughly chopped, they provide a sweet and savory base.
- Celery and Carrots: Cut into large chunks, these “mirepoix” vegetables release their flavors slowly, enriching the broth.
- Fresh Herbs: Extra sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and sage placed directly in the slow cooker will infuse the entire dish with their earthy notes.
- Chicken or Turkey Broth: Approximately 1-2 cups are typically needed. This liquid creates steam, keeping the turkey moist, and forms the flavorful drippings that will become your gravy.
These simple additions elevate your Slow Cooker Turkey from good to extraordinary.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey
Preparing a delicious how to cook turkey in crockpot is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results:
Step 1: Preparing the Aromatics
- Start by scattering your chopped onions, celery, and carrots evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add a few fresh sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and sage on top of the vegetables. These aromatics not only infuse the broth with incredible flavor but also create a natural “rack” that helps keep the turkey slightly elevated, preventing it from sitting directly in the liquid.
Step 2: Seasoning the Meat
- Pat your turkey breast (or legs) thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for helping the rub adhere and for potentially achieving a better “crisp” later.
- In a small bowl, combine your softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until well combined.
- Generously rub the butter mixture all over the turkey. If you have a bone-in breast with skin, gently loosen the skin and spread some of the rub directly onto the meat underneath the skin. This ensures maximum flavor penetration and moisture retention.
- Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the aromatics in the slow cooker, skin-side up if applicable.
- Pour the chicken or turkey broth around the turkey, not directly over it, ensuring it reaches the bottom layer of vegetables.
Step 3: Cooking Times (Low vs. High)
The magic of the slow cooker lies in its flexibility. Cooking times for your Slow Cooker Turkey will vary based on the size of your turkey cut and whether you cook on low or high settings.
- On LOW: For a 3-6 pound turkey breast, cook for approximately 4-6 hours. This is the preferred method for the most tender and juicy results, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- On HIGH: For the same size turkey breast, cook for approximately 2.5-3.5 hours. While faster, keep a closer eye on the internal temperature to prevent overcooking, as the higher heat can dry out the turkey more quickly.
Remember that all slow cookers vary, so always use an internal meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
Step 4: Crisping the Skin
One common concern with Slow Cooker Turkey is the lack of crispy skin. While the slow cooker excels at making meat tender and juicy, it doesn’t brown or crisp skin. But don’t despair! Achieving that beautiful, golden-brown, crispy skin slow cooker turkey is entirely possible with a simple trick.
- Once your turkey reaches its safe internal temperature (165°F), carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a baking sheet.
- Brush the skin lightly with a bit more melted butter or oil.
- Place the turkey under a preheated broiler for 5-10 minutes, or in a hot oven (400-425°F) for 10-20 minutes, watching it closely to prevent burning. The skin will transform into a delightful crisp texture and gain a gorgeous golden hue.
Tips for the Moistest Turkey Breast
Checking Internal Temperature
This is the most critical step for a truly moist slow cooker turkey recipe. Overcooking is the primary culprit for dry turkey. Always use a reliable meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, avoiding bones. The turkey is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove it from the slow cooker immediately upon reaching this temperature. Don’t rely on visual cues alone, as turkey can still look undercooked on the outside while being perfectly done on the inside in a slow cooker.
Resting the Meat
Patience is a virtue, especially after cooking turkey. Once you remove the turkey from the slow cooker (and after crisping the skin, if desired), transfer it to a cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly tender and moist. If you carve too soon, all those delicious juices will run out, leaving you with a drier result.
Making Gravy from Drippings
One of the best perks of making Slow Cooker Turkey is the incredibly flavorful drippings left behind. Don’t let them go to waste! They are the foundation for the most amazing homemade gravy.
- Strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan, discarding the cooked vegetables and herbs.
- Skim off any excess fat from the surface (a fat separator can be helpful here).
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or flour with 1/4 cup of cold water or broth to create a slurry.
- Bring the strained turkey drippings to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the slurry, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. A splash of dry white wine or a pinch of poultry seasoning can also elevate the flavor.
This rich, savory gravy is the perfect accompaniment to your tender turkey.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Sides
Your succulent Slow Cooker Turkey deserves equally delicious companions. Here are some classic sides that pair perfectly:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate vehicle for that homemade gravy.
- Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans: A vibrant green contrast that adds freshness.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: A touch of sweetness and warmth.
- Stuffing/Dressing: Whether classic bread stuffing or a cornbread dressing, it’s a must-have for many.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tangy counterpoint to the rich turkey.
- Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any remaining gravy.
Leftover Ideas
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from your boneless turkey roast slow cooker, the possibilities are endless! Cooked turkey is incredibly versatile:
- Turkey Sandwiches: Layer with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and a dollop of mayo on your favorite bread.
- Turkey Pot Pie: Dice the turkey and add it to a creamy vegetable filling, topped with a flaky pastry crust.
- Turkey Chili or Soup: A hearty way to repurpose the meat, especially with a flavorful broth base.
- Turkey Salad: Similar to chicken salad, shredded turkey mixed with celery, mayonnaise, and herbs makes a delicious lunch.
- Turkey Quesadillas or Tacos: Shredded turkey with cheese and your favorite toppings for a quick and easy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a frozen turkey in the slow cooker?
No, it is not recommended to cook a frozen turkey (or any large frozen poultry or beef roast) in a slow cooker. The slow cooker’s low temperature means the turkey would remain in the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F) for too long, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply. Always ensure your turkey is fully thawed before placing it in the slow cooker for safe cooking.
Do I need to add liquid?
Yes, it is essential to add some liquid to the slow cooker when cooking turkey. Approximately 1-2 cups of chicken or turkey broth (or even water) provides moisture, helps create steam, and prevents the turkey from drying out. This liquid also forms the base for delicious drippings, perfect for making gravy.
How do I get crispy skin?
Since a slow cooker doesn’t brown or crisp food, you’ll need an extra step for crispy skin slow cooker turkey. After the turkey is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature), transfer it to a baking sheet and place it under a preheated broiler for 5-10 minutes, or in a hot oven (400-425°F) for 10-20 minutes. Brush the skin with a little oil or melted butter beforehand for best results. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Herb-Buttered Slow Cooker Turkey
Ingredients
- 4-6 lbs Turkey Breast Bone-in or boneless, thawed completely if frozen
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter Softened
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Paprika Sweet or smoked
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Freshly cracked
- 1 cup Chicken Broth Low sodium
- 1 large Yellow Onion Quartered
- 1 head Garlic Halved horizontally
Instructions
- Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the butter rub to stick.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until it forms a smooth paste.
- Place the quartered onion and halved garlic head at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a natural rack. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Loosen the skin of the turkey breast gently with your fingers. Rub half of the herb butter under the skin directly onto the meat, and the remaining half all over the outside of the skin.
- Place the turkey on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F in the thickest part.
- Preheat your oven broiler. Carefully transfer the turkey breast to a baking sheet or roasting pan.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing to retain the juices.
For more daily recipes and tips, follow us on Facebook!
Click here to join our community!