Here is a collection of slow cooker turkey recipes. Whole turkey, bone-in turkey breast, boneless turkey breast with gravy, turkey legs, turkey tenderloin…this post covers it all. Free up your oven this holiday season and cook your turkey in the slow cooker!
FAQs & Tips
Can you cook a frozen turkey in the slow cooker?
No. Thaw the turkey completely in the refrigerator before putting it in the slow cooker. The USDA advises thawing meat and poultry before slow cooking. Food Safety and Inspection Service. For Instant Pot or air fryer recipes, follow the instructions in the individual recipe. Some recipes include directions for cooking from frozen.
What size turkey fits in a slow cooker?
It depends on the shape of the turkey and your slow cooker. Choose a turkey that fits with the lid fully closed, and follow your appliance’s size guidance. In this roundup, a 10-pound whole turkey is cooked in an 8-quart slow cooker, while a 5 to 7 pound turkey breast fits a 6-quart model.
How do you know when the turkey is done?
Check it with a food thermometer. Turkey should reach 165°F. For a whole turkey, check the innermost thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. Food Safety and Inspection Service
Will the skin get crispy in the slow cooker?
The slow cooker makes the turkey tender, but the skin won’t crisp there. For crispier skin, transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes, watching closely.
How long does turkey take to cook in a slow cooker?
Cooking time varies with the cut, size, and slow cooker. Use the timing in the individual recipe, then check the turkey’s temperature before serving.
Can you make these recipes in the Instant Pot?
Some of the recipes in this roundup include Instant Pot instructions. Check the individual recipe for the right cut, liquid amount, and cooking time; the instructions may differ from the slow cooker version.
How much turkey should you plan per person?
A general estimate for a whole turkey is about one pound per adult. The amount you need can vary depending on the cut, whether it has bones, and whether you want leftovers.
Slow cooker bone-in turkey breast is a great option when you’re feeding a smaller crowd.
Slow cooker boneless turkey breastwith gravy is a simple, fuss-free way to enjoy juicy turkey with savory herbed gravy. The best part – the gravy cooks directly in the crockpot with the turkey!
Slow cooker turkey tenderloin produces juicy, fuss-free turkey breast meat. Perfect for a pared down holiday or weeknight dinner.
Slow cooker turkey legs is a simple recipe that produces seasoned, tender turkey leg meat.
This slow cooker smothered turkey wings recipe is a flavorful dish where the gravy cooks along with the turkey wings in the crockpot.
Slow cooker BBQ turkey legs recipe is an easy dish that produces tender, flavorful, turkey leg meat.
Slow cooker cranberry turkey breast is an easy, festive main dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday dinner. It’s a good option when you want turkey without roasting a whole bird. Whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, and a homemade onion seasoning mix make a sweet and savory sauce that cooks with the turkey directly in the crockpot.
Slow cooker whole turkey is a fool-proof recipe for the holidays. Making a whole turkey in the crockpot produces tender, succulent turkey meat with minimal prep work.
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