Slow-Cooked Turkey in the Oven: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

There’s nothing quite like a delicious, juicy turkey breast on a holiday table. But if you’re not a fan of roasting a turkey in the oven for hours on end, you’re in luck! Slow cooker turkey breast is a great alternative that is just as flavorful and moist, but requires much less effort.

In this article, we’ll show you how to slow cook a turkey breast in the oven so that you can enjoy all the deliciousness of a traditional turkey without all the fuss. We’ll also share some tips and tricks for making the best slow cooker turkey breast possible.

So whether you’re looking for a simple and easy way to cook a turkey breast for your next holiday gathering or you just want a delicious and flavorful meal any time of year, read on for our slow cooker turkey breast recipe!

Temperature	Time	Notes
275 degrees F	8-10 hours	For a whole turkey
300 degrees F	6-8 hours	For a boneless turkey breast
325 degrees F	4-6 hours	For a bone-in turkey breast

Choosing the Right Turkey

The size, type, and freshness of your turkey will all affect the outcome of your slow-cooked turkey. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a turkey:

Size

The size of your turkey will depend on how many people you are cooking for. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 pound of turkey per person. However, if you are serving a lot of turkey leftovers, you may want to get a larger bird.

Here is a chart that can help you estimate how much turkey you need:

| Number of People | Turkey Size |
|—|—|
| 4-6 | 12-14 pounds |
| 8-10 | 16-18 pounds |
| 12-14 | 20-22 pounds |
| 16+ | 24-26 pounds |

Type

There are two main types of turkeys: heritage turkeys and commercial turkeys. Heritage turkeys are raised on small farms and are allowed to roam freely. They have a richer flavor and a more pronounced texture than commercial turkeys. However, they are also more expensive.

Commercial turkeys are raised in large barns and are fed a diet of grain. They are less flavorful than heritage turkeys, but they are also more affordable.

Fresh vs. Frozen

Fresh turkeys are turkeys that have not been frozen. They are typically more expensive than frozen turkeys, but they also have a better flavor. Frozen turkeys are turkeys that have been frozen after they were slaughtered. They are less expensive than fresh turkeys, but they may not have as much flavor.

If you are planning on slow-cooking your turkey, it is best to use a fresh turkey. Frozen turkeys will take longer to cook and may not be as tender.

Preparing the Turkey

Before you can slow-cook your turkey, you will need to prepare it. This includes thawing, brining, and seasoning.

Thawing

If you are using a fresh turkey, you will need to thaw it before you can cook it. The best way to thaw a turkey is to place it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. You can also thaw a turkey in a sink full of cold water. The turkey should be completely submerged in water, and you should change the water every 30 minutes.

If you are using a frozen turkey, you can thaw it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can also thaw a frozen turkey in a microwave oven. The turkey should be placed on a microwave-safe plate and defrosted on the defrost setting.

Brining

Brining is a process that helps to add moisture and flavor to your turkey. To brine a turkey, you will need to dissolve 1 cup of salt in 1 gallon of water. Place the turkey in the brine and refrigerate it for 12-24 hours.

Seasoning

Once the turkey is thawed and brined, you can season it. You can use any seasonings that you like, but some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Slow-Cooking the Turkey

Once the turkey is seasoned, you can slow-cook it. To do this, you will need a large slow cooker. Place the turkey in the slow cooker and add enough liquid to cover the turkey. You can use water, broth, or wine.

Cover the slow cooker and cook the turkey on low for 8-10 hours. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Carving the Turkey

Once the turkey is cooked, you can carve it. To do this, you will need a sharp knife. Start by removing the legs and thighs. Then, remove the wings. Finally, remove the breast meat.

You can serve the turkey with your favorite sides. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

Conclusion

Slow-cooked turkey is a delicious and easy way to cook a turkey. By following these tips, you can make a turkey that is moist, flavorful, and perfect for your holiday meal.

3. Slow Cooking the Turkey

Temperature

The ideal temperature for slow cooking a turkey is between 275F and 325F. This will allow the turkey to cook evenly and slowly, resulting in a moist and flavorful bird. If the temperature is too high, the turkey will dry out. If the temperature is too low, the turkey will not cook through properly.

Time

The cooking time for a slow-cooked turkey 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 275F. For example, a 10-pound turkey will take about 5 hours to cook.

Meat Thermometer

It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked through. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165F when cooked through.

4. Carving and Serving the Turkey

Resting

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

Carving

To carve the turkey, first remove the legs and thighs. Then, remove the wings. Finally, slice the breast meat.

Serving

The turkey can be served whole or sliced. It can be accompanied by a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

Slow cooking a turkey is a great way to ensure that the bird is cooked evenly and moist. By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey.

Q: What is the best way to slow cook a turkey in the oven?

A: There are a few different ways to slow cook a turkey in the oven, but the most common method is to roast it in a covered roasting pan at a low temperature (275-300 degrees Fahrenheit) for several hours. This allows the turkey to cook evenly and slowly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

Here are the steps involved in slow cooking a turkey in the oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 275-300 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
4. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan, breast-side up.
5. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil.
6. Roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Q: How long does it take to slow cook a turkey in the oven?

A: The cooking time for a slow-cooked turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird. A 10-pound turkey will typically take 6-8 hours to cook, while a 20-pound turkey will take 8-10 hours.

Q: What temperature should I cook a turkey in the oven?

A: The ideal temperature for slow-cooking a turkey is 275-300 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook evenly and slowly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

Q: What is the best way to baste a turkey while it is slow cooking?

A: The best way to baste a turkey while it is slow cooking is to use a turkey baster to drizzle melted butter or broth over the turkey every 30 minutes or so. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.

Q: What are some tips for making a delicious slow-cooked turkey?

A: Here are a few tips for making a delicious slow-cooked turkey:

* Use a high-quality turkey.
* Season the turkey generously with salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings.
* Roast the turkey at a low temperature (275-300 degrees Fahrenheit) for several hours.
* Baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so with melted butter or broth.
* Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

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

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

* Not using a high-quality turkey.
* Not seasoning the turkey generously.
* Roasting the turkey at too high of a temperature.
* Not basting the turkey regularly.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving.

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

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

* To slow cook a turkey in a slow cooker, place the turkey in a large slow cooker, breast-side up. Add enough liquid to come halfway up the turkey. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* To slow cook a turkey in a smoker, place the turkey in a large smoker, breast-side up. Add enough wood chips to create a thin layer of smoke. Smoke the turkey for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* To slow cook a turkey in a sous vide cooker, place the turkey in a large sous vide bag, seal the bag, and place it in a sous vide cooker set to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the turkey for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

slow cooking a turkey in the oven is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy bird. It is a simple process that requires little active time, and the results are well worth the effort. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure to cook a perfect turkey every time.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

* Use a large roasting pan with a rack. This will allow the turkey to cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.
* Rub the turkey with a mixture of oil, salt, and pepper. This will help to create a flavorful crust on the outside of the bird.
* Place the turkey in the oven and cook it at a low temperature for several hours. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bird.

By following these tips, you can cook a delicious and juicy turkey that will impress your guests.