Slow Cooker Turkey: the effortless recipe for a mouthwatering family dinner
If you've been searching for the easiest way to make perfectly juicy, tender, and moist turkey, look no further than this easy slow cooker turkey recipe. Slow cooker turkey is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, or anytime you're having a large gathering with friends and family. With its crispy skin and succulent meat, crockpot turkey is far tastier and easier to make than oven-baked turkey.
All you need to make crockpot turkey is six ingredients. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare, then you'll simply pop it in your slow cooker and let it cook away. Once you make crockpot turkey, you'll never cook your Thanksgiving bird any other way!
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey
Using a crockpot is one of the easiest ways to cook turkey. First, you'll need to prepare the garlic butter. Whisk the butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, and pepper in a small bowl, saving 1 to 2 tablespoons for later use. Gently loosen the skin from the turkey and rub the butter both under and over the skin. Place the turkey in the crockpot then add the water.
Cook the turkey for 3 to 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low. Pour off half the cooking liquid and save it to make gravy. Melt the remaining butter and brush it over the turkey, then set the slow cooker to high and cook the turkey for another 30 minutes. This will brown up the skin and make it nice and crispy. Take the turkey out of the crockpot and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes, then carve and serve it.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Turkey
– If you have the time, after rubbing the butter over the turkey, place the bird in the fridge overnight. This will help keep it moist while it's cooking and give it a more intense flavor.
– Make sure to rub the butter over the whole turkey before cooking it, and to brush it with melted butter when it's time to switch the crockpot to the high setting and brown the skin. This will give you the crispiest, most flavorful skin.
– How long to cook crockpot turkey will depend on whether you use the high or low setting. Cook the turkey for 3 to 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low. The turkey is finished cooking when the thickest part of the bird reaches an internal temperature of 170F.
– Only use a thawed turkey in your crockpot, otherwise, you risk it not cooking evenly or completely which could lead to food poisoning.
– If you want an ultra-tender, moist turkey, you can brine it overnight or up to 48 hours.
– You'll probably have some leftover turkey after your meal. Use it to make turkey wraps, sandwiches, stir-fry, casseroles, or turkey pot pie. Get creative!
What to Serve with Crockpot Turkey
There are loads of great sides to serve with slow cooker turkey. Mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, homemade dinner rolls, potato au gratin – the list goes on. Virtually any classic Thanksgiving side dish will go beautifully with this tender turkey.
How to Store Slow Cooker Turkey
Keep leftover turkey in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Frozen turkey will last 3 to 6 months.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey
In a small bowl, whisk butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, and pepper to combine. Spoon out 1 to 2 tablespoons, place in a bowl, and set aside.
Gently loosen the skin from the turkey. Spread the garlic butter under and over the turkey skin.
Pour the water into the crockpot. Place the turkey in the crockpot and cook for 3 to 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low.
Pour half the liquid into a container. Melt the reserved garlic butter and brush it over the turkey. Set the crockpot to high for 30 minutes to brown the skin.
Take the turkey out of the crockpot and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
