How to Cook Perfectly Tender Turkey Thighs in a Slow Cooker

How Long to Cook Turkey Thighs in a Slow Cooker

Turkey thighs are a delicious and affordable way to enjoy a hearty meal. They’re also a great option for busy cooks, as they can be cooked in a slow cooker and left to cook all day long. But how long do you need to cook turkey thighs in a slow cooker?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the size of the thighs and your desired level of doneness. In general, however, you can expect to cook turkey thighs in a slow cooker for anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.

In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that affect how long to cook turkey thighs in a slow cooker, as well as provide specific cooking instructions for different sizes of thighs. We’ll also share some tips for making the most of your slow cooker turkey thighs.

So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a delicious way to feed a crowd, read on for all the information you need to know about cooking turkey thighs in a slow cooker.

Time	Temperature	Notes
4-6 hours	275F	For bone-in, skin-on thighs
3-4 hours	325F	For boneless, skinless thighs
2-3 hours	350F	For shredded turkey thighs

Introduction

Turkey thighs are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Slow cooking is a great option for turkey thighs because it allows the meat to become fall-apart tender without drying out. However, the cooking time for turkey thighs in a slow cooker can vary depending on a number of factors.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

The following are some of the factors that can affect the cooking time of turkey thighs in a slow cooker:

* Weight of the turkey thighs: The cooking time will increase for larger turkey thighs. As a general rule, plan on cooking turkey thighs that are 1 pound each for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
* Temperature of the slow cooker: The cooking time will also vary depending on the temperature of the slow cooker. Slow cookers typically have two settings: low and high. Low heat cooks food at a temperature of around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, while high heat cooks food at a temperature of around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Turkey thighs will cook faster on high heat, but they may not be as tender as they would be if cooked on low heat.
* Type of slow cooker: The type of slow cooker you use can also affect the cooking time. Some slow cookers are more efficient than others, so the cooking time may be shorter or longer depending on the model you have.
* Whether the turkey thighs are bone-in or boneless: Bone-in turkey thighs will take longer to cook than boneless turkey thighs. This is because the bones slow down the cooking process.
* Whether the turkey thighs are skin-on or skinless: Skin-on turkey thighs will take longer to cook than skinless turkey thighs. This is because the skin acts as a barrier to heat, preventing the meat from cooking as quickly.

Recommended Cooking Times

The following are some recommended cooking times for turkey thighs in a slow cooker:

* Bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
* Boneless, skinless turkey thighs: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high

The cooking time for turkey thighs in a slow cooker can vary depending on a number of factors. However, by following the tips in this article, you can cook your turkey thighs perfectly every time.

Here are some additional tips for cooking turkey thighs in a slow cooker:

* Marinate the turkey thighs before cooking them. Marinating the turkey thighs in a flavorful liquid will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
* Add vegetables to the slow cooker with the turkey thighs. Vegetables will cook in the flavorful liquid from the turkey thighs and add nutrients and flavor to the dish.
* Check the turkey thighs periodically to make sure they are not overcooking. Overcooked turkey thighs will be dry and tough.
* Serve the turkey thighs with your favorite sides. Some popular sides for turkey thighs include mashed potatoes, rice, vegetables, and gravy.

How Long to Cook Turkey Thighs in a Slow Cooker?

The cooking time for turkey thighs in a slow cooker will vary depending on the size of the thighs, the temperature of the slow cooker, and the desired level of doneness. However, as a general rule, turkey thighs will take between 4 and 6 hours to cook in a slow cooker on low heat.

To determine how long to cook turkey thighs in a slow cooker, you can use the following formula:

Cooking time (in hours) = 4 + (weight of thighs in pounds) / 2

For example, if you are cooking 4 pounds of turkey thighs, the cooking time would be 4 + (4 / 2) = 6 hours.

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and the actual cooking time may vary depending on the factors mentioned above. If you are not sure how long to cook your turkey thighs, it is always best to err on the side of caution and cook them for a longer period of time.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Thighs in a Slow Cooker

Here are a few tips for cooking turkey thighs in a slow cooker:

* Marinate the turkey thighs before cooking to add flavor. Marinating the turkey thighs in a flavorful liquid will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor. You can use a variety of different marinades, such as:
* Italian dressing
* Teriyaki sauce
* Balsamic vinegar
* Honey mustard
* Cajun seasoning
* Garlic and herb marinade
* Brown the turkey thighs before cooking to create a flavorful crust. Browning the turkey thighs before cooking will help to create a flavorful crust and seal in the juices. To brown the turkey thighs, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned.
* Add liquid to the slow cooker to prevent the turkey thighs from drying out. When you add the turkey thighs to the slow cooker, be sure to add some liquid to prevent them from drying out. You can use any type of liquid, such as:
* Water
* Chicken broth
* White wine
* Vegetable broth
* Beer
* Check the turkey thighs periodically to make sure they are cooked through. The best way to check if the turkey thighs are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the turkey thighs should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Safety Tips

Here are a few safety tips for cooking turkey thighs in a slow cooker:

* Cook the turkey thighs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the safe internal temperature for cooked turkey.
* Do not leave the turkey thighs in the slow cooker for longer than 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Leaving the turkey thighs in the slow cooker for too long can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
* Let the turkey thighs rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to firm up.

Turkey thighs are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Slow cooking is a great way to cook turkey thighs because it allows the meat to become fall-apart tender and flavorful. By following the tips in this article, you can cook perfect turkey thighs in your slow cooker every time.

How long do I cook turkey thighs in a slow cooker?

The cooking time for turkey thighs in a slow cooker will vary depending on the size of the thighs and the desired doneness. For bone-in, skin-on thighs, cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. For boneless, skinless thighs, cook for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.

What temperature should I cook turkey thighs in a slow cooker?

The ideal cooking temperature for turkey thighs in a slow cooker is 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the meat is cooked through without drying out.

Can I cook frozen turkey thighs in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook frozen turkey thighs in a slow cooker. However, it will take longer to cook them than it would if they were thawed first. Plan on cooking frozen turkey thighs for 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high.

What should I do if my turkey thighs are dry?

If your turkey thighs are dry, there are a few things you can do to help them retain moisture. First, make sure that you are not overcooking them. The ideal cooking temperature for turkey thighs is 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Second, you can add a liquid to the slow cooker, such as broth, wine, or water. This will help to keep the meat moist while it cooks. Finally, you can cover the slow cooker with a lid to help trap in the moisture.

What are some tips for cooking turkey thighs in a slow cooker?

Here are a few tips for cooking turkey thighs in a slow cooker:

* Use a good quality meat thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked through.
* Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. The meat will not cook evenly if it is packed too tightly.
* Add a liquid to the slow cooker to help keep the meat moist.
* Cover the slow cooker with a lid to help trap in the moisture.
* Check the meat periodically to make sure that it is not overcooking.

What are some side dishes that go well with turkey thighs cooked in a slow cooker?

Here are a few side dishes that go well with turkey thighs cooked in a slow cooker:

* Mashed potatoes
* Roasted vegetables
* Rice pilaf
* Cornbread
* Salad
* Biscuits

cooking turkey thighs in a slow cooker is a simple and delicious way to prepare this versatile meat. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your turkey thighs are cooked to perfection every time. Be sure to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your favorite combination. And don’t forget to save the leftovers for a delicious and easy lunch or dinner later in the week!