How To Cook Turkey In A Slow Cooker

Mastering the Art of Slow Cooker Turkey

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to impress your family and friends than by cooking a delicious turkey without all the hassle? Turkey cooked in a slow cooker is a tender, flavorful, and stress-free option that will leave everyone asking for seconds. In this article, we will share our expert tips on how to achieve turkey perfection in a slow cooker.

Why Slow Cooker Turkey?

Cooking turkey in a slow cooker offers numerous benefits. The slow, gentle cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a moist and succulent turkey. Plus, using a slow cooker frees up oven space, making it easier to prepare other Thanksgiving dishes. Here’s how you can make the most of your slow cooker for a turkey feast.

Choose the Right Size

Before you begin, make sure you have a slow cooker large enough to fit your turkey comfortably. A 6 to 7-quart slow cooker is usually ideal for cooking a whole turkey. It’s important not to overcrowd the slow cooker, as this can affect the cooking time and evenness of the finished turkey.

Prepping the Turkey

Start by preparing your turkey just as you would for baking in the oven. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices. You can get creative here and experiment with different flavors to suit your taste.

Maximize Flavor with Aromatics

Adding aromatics to the slow cooker will infuse your turkey with amazing flavors. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage work wonders. You can also include chopped garlic, onions, and citrus fruits like oranges or lemons to enhance the taste. These aromatics will slowly release their flavors throughout the cooking process.

Time to Cook

Place the turkey breast side up in the slow cooker and cook on low heat for around 6 to 7 hours. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your turkey and your slow cooker. It’s recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Golden Finish

To achieve a golden and crispy skin, transfer the turkey to a baking dish and broil it in the oven for a few minutes after it’s done cooking in the slow cooker. This will give it that beautiful finishing touch that everyone loves.

Let it Rest

Once cooked, let the turkey rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist turkey.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your turkey is perfectly cooked, it’s time to wow your guests at the Thanksgiving table. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables. The tender and juicy slow cooker turkey will be the star of the show.

So this Thanksgiving, save yourself some time and effort by cooking your turkey in a slow cooker. With these expert tips, you’ll master the art of slow cooker turkey and create a memorable holiday meal that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe. Enjoy!