Slow Cooker Turkey: The Easiest Thanksgiving Recipe

Slow Cooker Turkey: Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent, fall-off-the-bone turkey, infused with savory herbs and spices, without the stress of hovering over a hot oven all day. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s not! This recipe for Slow Cooker Turkey is about to revolutionize your holiday gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.

Turkey, a cornerstone of Thanksgiving feasts in North America, has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. But let’s be honest, roasting a whole turkey can be intimidating. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in! It simplifies the process, ensuring a moist and flavorful bird every single time.

People adore this dish for its incredible convenience and the consistently delicious results. The slow cooker method eliminates the guesswork of traditional roasting, preventing dry, overcooked turkey. The low and slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the hands-off approach frees you up to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Get ready to experience the easiest and most delicious turkey you’ve ever had!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Turkey:
• 1 (10-12 pound) whole turkey, thawed completely
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• For the Gravy (Optional):
• 4 tablespoons turkey drippings (from the slow cooker)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups turkey broth (reserved from the slow cooker, skimmed of fat)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Turkey:

1. Prepare the Turkey: First things first, make sure your turkey is completely thawed. This is crucial for even cooking and food safety. If you bought a frozen turkey, follow the thawing instructions on the packaging. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of turkey in the refrigerator.
2. Rinse and Pat Dry: Once thawed, remove the turkey from its packaging. Rinse it thoroughly inside and out under cold running water. Then, pat it completely dry with paper towels. This step is important because a dry turkey skin will brown better in the slow cooker (as much as it can, anyway!).
3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the turkey is drying, chop your vegetables. Quarter the onion, peel and chop the carrots, and chop the celery stalks. Mince the garlic. These vegetables will create a flavorful bed for the turkey and infuse it with delicious aromas.
4. Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Now, drizzle the olive oil all over the turkey, both inside and out. Then, generously rub the herb mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get it under the skin of the breast if possible. This will ensure that the turkey is flavorful from the inside out.

Slow Cooking the Turkey:

1. Create a Vegetable Bed: Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery stalks in the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a bed for the turkey, preventing it from sitting directly on the bottom and helping it cook more evenly. It also adds tons of flavor to the drippings, which you’ll use for the gravy later.
2. Add Garlic and Bay Leaves: Sprinkle the minced garlic over the vegetables and tuck the bay leaves in among them. The garlic will infuse the turkey with its pungent aroma, and the bay leaves will add a subtle, earthy flavor.
3. Place the Turkey in the Slow Cooker: Carefully place the seasoned turkey on top of the vegetable bed in the slow cooker. Make sure the turkey fits comfortably. If it’s too large, you might need to trim it slightly or use a larger slow cooker.
4. Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, around the turkey. The broth will help keep the turkey moist and prevent it from drying out during the long cooking process.
5. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the turkey is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey and the specific slow cooker you are using.
6. Check for Doneness: After 6 hours, check the turkey’s internal temperature. If it’s not quite there, continue cooking for another hour or two, checking periodically. The turkey is done when the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a fork.

Removing and Resting the Turkey:

1. Carefully Remove the Turkey: Once the turkey is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. This can be a bit tricky, as the turkey will be very tender and may fall apart easily. Use two large spatulas or a turkey lifter to gently lift the turkey out of the slow cooker and transfer it to a large platter.
2. Rest the Turkey: Cover the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more moist and flavorful turkey.
3. Reserve the Drippings: While the turkey is resting, carefully pour the drippings from the slow cooker into a fat separator. If you don’t have a fat separator, you can use a measuring cup and let the fat rise to the top, then skim it off with a spoon. Reserve the defatted drippings for making the gravy.

Making the Gravy (Optional):

1. Prepare the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of turkey drippings over medium heat. Whisk in the 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and golden brown. This is called a roux, and it will thicken the gravy.
2. Whisk in the Broth: Gradually whisk in the 3 cups of reserved turkey broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth and thickened.
3. Simmer and Season: Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add Cream (Optional): If you want a richer gravy, stir in the 1/4 cup of heavy cream during the last minute of cooking.
5. Strain (Optional): For an extra smooth gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.

Carving and Serving:

1. Carve the Turkey: After the turkey has rested, carve it according to your preference. Start by removing the legs and thighs, then slice the breast meat.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the carved turkey on a platter and serve with the gravy (if made), your favorite side dishes, and plenty of love! Enjoy your delicious slow cooker turkey!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Slow Cooker Turkey recipe isn’t just another way to cook a turkey; it’s a game-changer. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Turkey in a slow cooker? Really?” But trust me on this one. The results are consistently juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, far surpassing what you might expect from a traditional oven-roasted bird. The hands-off approach frees you up to focus on all the other delicious dishes that make Thanksgiving (or any special occasion!) so memorable. No more hovering over the oven, constantly basting and worrying about dryness. This method practically guarantees a perfect turkey every single time.

But the real magic lies in the simplicity. We’re talking minimal ingredients, straightforward instructions, and maximum flavor payoff. It’s the perfect solution for smaller gatherings, when oven space is at a premium, or when you simply want to enjoy a stress-free cooking experience. Plus, the slow cooker keeps the turkey warm for hours, making it ideal for potlucks or buffet-style dinners.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations, because the possibilities are truly endless! Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classic Thanksgiving sides: mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. But don’t be afraid to get creative! How about serving your slow-cooked turkey with roasted root vegetables, a wild rice pilaf, or a vibrant autumn salad?

For a fun twist, try shredding the turkey and using it to make delicious turkey sliders with cranberry mayo and brie. Or, use the leftover turkey to create hearty turkey pot pie, flavorful turkey enchiladas, or comforting turkey noodle soup. The options are limited only by your imagination!

And speaking of variations, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Try adding a sprig of rosemary, a few cloves of garlic, or a pinch of smoked paprika to the slow cooker for an extra layer of depth. You could also use different types of broth, such as chicken broth or vegetable broth, to subtly alter the taste.

Don’t forget the gravy! The drippings from the slow cooker are incredibly flavorful and make the most amazing gravy you’ve ever tasted. Simply strain the drippings, skim off any excess fat, and thicken with a cornstarch slurry or a roux.

I truly believe that this Slow Cooker Turkey recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves delicious food and stress-free cooking. It’s a foolproof way to achieve a perfectly cooked turkey every time, and it’s so versatile that you can adapt it to suit your own taste and preferences.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the easiest and most delicious turkey you’ve ever made. I’m confident that you’ll be amazed by the results.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know how it turned out, what variations you tried, and what your family and friends thought. I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and share your tips with other readers. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Slow Cooker Turkey success!