Slow Cook Whole Turkey: The Easiest Way to Make a Juicy, Flavorful Turkey

Slow Cooker Whole Turkey: A Delicious and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the main event: the turkey! If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook your turkey, then you need to try slow cooking. Slow cooker whole turkey is a great option for busy cooks, as it requires minimal effort and produces a moist, flavorful bird.

In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of slow cooking a whole turkey, including how to choose the right turkey, what ingredients you’ll need, and how to cook it. We’ll also provide some tips for making the best slow cooker turkey possible.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey, then be sure to give slow cooker whole turkey a try!

Ingredients Instructions Time
  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
  2. Rinse the turkey inside and out, and pat dry.
  3. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, water, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. Pour the marinade over the turkey, and turn to coat.
  6. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil, and place in the oven.
  7. Cook for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  8. Remove the turkey from the oven, and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

8-10 hours

Introduction

Slow cooking a whole turkey is a great way to cook a flavorful and juicy bird. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can just set it and forget it. This recipe is perfect for a holiday meal or a special occasion.

Equipment and Ingredients

* Slow cooker
* Large roasting pan
* Turkey
* Salt
* Pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Bay leaves
* Dried thyme
* Dried rosemary
* Chicken broth
* Water

Preparation

1. Rinse the turkey inside and out.
2. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
3. Season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Place the turkey in the slow cooker.
5. Add the chicken broth and water to the slow cooker.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Cooking Tips

* To make sure the turkey is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* If you want to brown the skin of the turkey, you can remove it from the slow cooker after it has cooked for 8 hours and place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
* You can also add vegetables to the slow cooker with the turkey. Some good options include carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery.

Serving Suggestions

* Carve the turkey and serve it with your favorite sides. Some good options include mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
* You can also make turkey sandwiches with the leftover meat.

Slow cooking a whole turkey is a delicious and easy way to cook a festive meal. This recipe is perfect for a holiday gathering or a special occasion.

Slow Cook Whole Turkey

Slow cooking a turkey is a great way to cook a moist and flavorful bird. The slow cooker will gently cook the turkey all day long, resulting in a juicy and tender finished product.

To slow cook a turkey, you will need:

* A 5- to 7-pound turkey
* A slow cooker
* A roasting pan
* A meat thermometer
* Salt
* Pepper
* Vegetable oil
* 1 cup of water
* 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning
* 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon of dried sage
* 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle the turkey with vegetable oil.
5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan.
6. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the roasting pan.
7. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil.
8. Bake the turkey in the oven for 3 hours.
9. Remove the turkey from the oven and carefully transfer it to a slow cooker.
10. Pour the pan drippings from the roasting pan into the slow cooker.
11. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the turkey is cooked through.
12. To check if the turkey is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
13. When the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
14. Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides.

Carving

When the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

To carve the turkey, you will need a sharp knife and a carving board.

1. Place the turkey breast-side up on a carving board.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut along the breastbone to remove the breast meat.
3. Cut the breast meat into thin slices.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other breast.
5. Cut the wings off the turkey.
6. Cut the legs off the turkey.
7. Cut the thighs off the legs.
8. Cut the drumsticks off the legs.
9. Serve the turkey with your favorite sides.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for slow cooking a turkey:

* To make sure the turkey is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also cook the turkey in a roasting pan in the oven.
* Baste the turkey every hour or so with the liquid from the slow cooker or the pan drippings.
* Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

Slow cooking a turkey is a great way to cook a moist and flavorful bird. The slow cooker will gently cook the turkey all day long, resulting in a juicy and tender finished product.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook a turkey, slow cooking is the way to go.

Q: How long do I cook a whole turkey in a slow cooker?

A: A 3- to 4-pound turkey will take about 4-5 hours on low, and a 5- to 7-pound turkey will take about 6-7 hours on low.

Q: What temperature should I cook a whole turkey in a slow cooker?

A: The ideal cooking temperature for a whole turkey in a slow cooker is 275 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What should I do if my turkey is still pink in the middle after cooking?

A: If your turkey is still pink in the middle after cooking, it is not fully cooked and should be cooked longer. To check if the turkey is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What can I serve with a slow-cooked turkey?

A: There are many delicious sides that you can serve with a slow-cooked turkey. Some popular options include:

* Mashed potatoes
* Stuffing
* Green bean casserole
* Cranberry sauce
* Rolls
* Vegetables

Q: How do I store leftover slow-cooked turkey?

A: Leftover slow-cooked turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the turkey in the refrigerator overnight and then cook in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

Q: What are some tips for cooking a whole turkey in a slow cooker?

A: Here are some tips for cooking a whole turkey in a slow cooker:

* Use a large slow cooker that is at least 6 quarts in size.
* Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
* Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
* Place the turkey in the slow cooker breast-side up.
* Add 1 cup of water or chicken broth to the slow cooker.
* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 6-7 hours.
* Check the turkey periodically to make sure that it is not overcooking.
* To check if the turkey is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

slow cooking a whole turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy bird. It is a simple process that requires little effort, and the results are sure to impress your guests. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure to cook a perfect slow-cooked turkey every time.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

* Slow cooking a turkey is a great way to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
* The best temperature for slow cooking a turkey is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
* The cooking time for a slow-cooked turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird.
* A slow-cooked turkey can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables.

So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy way to cook a turkey, give slow cooking a try. You won’t be disappointed!

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!