How to Cook a Moist and Tender Turkey Breast (Slow and Low)

Slow-Cooked Turkey: A Delicious and Easy Way to Cook a Whole Turkey

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a slow-cooked turkey on Thanksgiving Day. The aroma of the roasting meat, the vegetables, and the gravy fills the house and makes everyone’s mouth water. But what if you don’t have the time or the patience to cook a turkey the traditional way? Don’t worry, slow-cooked turkey is the perfect solution.

With a slow cooker, you can cook a delicious, juicy turkey without having to spend hours in the kitchen. Simply season the turkey, place it in the slow cooker, and let it cook for several hours. The result is a moist, flavorful turkey that everyone will love.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a slow-cooked turkey. We’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks, so you can cook a perfect turkey every time. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

Temperature Time Notes
275 degrees F 8-12 hours The ideal temperature for slow-cooking a turkey is 275 degrees F. This will allow the turkey to cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.
325 degrees F 6-8 hours If you prefer a slightly faster cook time, you can cook your turkey at 325 degrees F. Just be sure to keep an eye on it, as it may cook faster than at 275 degrees F.
350 degrees F 4-6 hours Cooking your turkey at 350 degrees F is the quickest option, but it also runs the risk of drying out the meat. If you choose to cook your turkey at this temperature, be sure to baste it frequently to keep it moist.

Equipment and Ingredients

* Equipment:
* A large slow cooker or crock pot
* A meat thermometer
* A roasting pan or baking sheet
* Aluminum foil
* A basting brush
* A slotted spoon
* A sharp knife
* A cutting board
* Paper towels

* Ingredients:
* A 12- to 14-pound turkey, thawed
* 1 cup of chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary
* 1/4 teaspoon of dried sage
* 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
* 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves
* 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

Preparation

* How to prepare a turkey for slow and low cooking:

1. Rinse the turkey inside and out under cold running water.
2. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
3. Remove the giblets from the turkey cavity and reserve for another use.
4. Truss the turkey by tying the legs together and the wings to the body.
5. Place the turkey in a large slow cooker or crock pot.
6. Add the chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, sage, cayenne pepper, cloves, and nutmeg to the slow cooker.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

* What steps do you need to take to brine a turkey?

1. In a large container, combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of salt, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar.
2. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
3. Add the turkey to the brine and submerge it completely.
4. Cover the container and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
5. Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it under cold running water.
6. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
7. Continue with the slow and low cooking instructions above.

* What steps do you need to take to season a turkey?

1. Rub the turkey with a mixture of butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
2. Place the turkey in a roasting pan or baking sheet.
3. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
4. Roast the turkey in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Slow and low cooking is a great way to cook a turkey. The low temperature and long cooking time help to ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly and that the meat is moist and flavorful. By following these tips, you can cook a delicious and juicy turkey for your next holiday meal.

Cooking

How long does it take to cook a turkey slow and low?

The amount of time it takes to cook a turkey slow and low depends on the size of the turkey. A general rule of thumb is to cook a turkey for 20 minutes per pound at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. So, a 10-pound turkey would take about 5 hours to cook.

However, there are a few factors that can affect the cooking time, such as the type of turkey you are using, the temperature of your oven, and the humidity in your kitchen.

* Type of turkey: A fresh turkey will take longer to cook than a frozen turkey.
* Temperature of your oven: If your oven is not calibrated correctly, it could take longer for your turkey to cook.
* Humidity in your kitchen: If your kitchen is humid, it will take longer for your turkey to cook.

To ensure that your turkey is cooked through, it is important to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of a turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when cooked to perfection.

What temperature do you cook a turkey slow and low?

The ideal temperature for cooking a turkey slow and low is 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will allow the turkey to cook evenly and slowly, resulting in a moist and flavorful bird.

What are the signs that a turkey is cooked through?

There are a few ways to tell if a turkey is cooked through. The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of a turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when cooked to perfection.

Other signs that a turkey is cooked through include:

* The skin is golden brown and the meat is no longer pink.
* The juices run clear when the turkey is pierced with a fork.
* The thigh meat is cooked through and easily separates from the bone.

Resting

Resting

How long do you need to rest a turkey after cooking it slow and low?

After cooking a turkey slow and low, it is important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more moist and flavorful bird.

What are the benefits of resting a turkey after cooking it slow and low?

There are several benefits to resting a turkey after cooking it slow and low.

* Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more moist and flavorful bird.
* Resting allows the turkey to cool down slightly, making it easier to handle and carve.
* Resting allows the turkey to finish cooking, ensuring that all of the meat is cooked through.

Cooking a turkey slow and low is a great way to ensure that you have a moist and flavorful bird. By following these tips, you can cook a delicious turkey that everyone will enjoy.

Q: What is the best way to cook a turkey slow and low?

A: There are a few different ways to cook a turkey slow and low, but the most common method is to roast it in a covered oven at a low temperature (275-325 degrees Fahrenheit). This will help to ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly and that the meat remains moist.

Q: How long does it take to cook a turkey slow and low?

A: The cooking time for a turkey slow and low will vary depending on the size of the bird. A general rule of thumb is to cook a turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. So, a 10-pound turkey would take about 5 hours to cook.

Q: What temperature should the turkey be when it’s done cooking?

A: The internal temperature of a turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when it’s done cooking. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the turkey in the thickest part of the thigh.

Q: What are some tips for cooking a turkey slow and low?

A: Here are a few tips for cooking a turkey slow and low:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the turkey.
* Make sure to cover the turkey with foil to prevent it from drying out.
* Baste the turkey every hour or so with melted butter or broth to keep it moist.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey slow and low?

A: Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey slow and low:

* Not cooking the turkey long enough.
* Overcooking the turkey.
* Not covering the turkey with foil.
* Not basting the turkey.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving it.

Q: What are some alternative methods for cooking a turkey slow and low?

A: In addition to roasting a turkey in a covered oven, you can also cook it in a slow cooker, a smoker, or a sous vide cooker.

* To cook a turkey in a slow cooker, place the turkey in a slow cooker and cover it with broth or water. Cook the turkey on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* To cook a turkey in a smoker, place the turkey in a smoker and cook it over indirect heat for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* To cook a turkey in a sous vide cooker, place the turkey in a sous vide bag and cook it in a water bath at 165 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 hours.

Q: What are some of the benefits of cooking a turkey slow and low?

A: There are a few benefits to cooking a turkey slow and low:

* The meat will be more moist and flavorful.
* The turkey will be less likely to dry out.
* The cooking time is shorter than other methods.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!