Emilie Meyer
Cooking a turkey in a crock pot is a convenient alternative to using an oven. It is possible to cook a whole turkey in a crock pot, but the size of the bird is an important consideration. Sources suggest that turkeys larger than 9 pounds may not fit in a crock pot, and that anything heavier than 9 pounds may not reach a safe internal temperature. Smaller turkeys, turkey breasts, and turkey legs can also be cooked in a crock pot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crockpot suitability | Suitable for whole turkey and turkey breast |
| Turkey size | Around 10 pounds or smaller for whole turkey; 8-11.4 pounds for turkey breast |
| Cook time | 4-8 hours on high; 6-8 hours on low; cook time depends on weight |
| Temperature | 155-165°F; 180°F in the thigh; 170°F in the breast |
| Advantages | Moist and juicy; easy; forgiving; no need to baste; can use leftovers for stew |
| Seasoning | Butter, salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, paprika, poultry seasoning, olive oil, etc. |
| Sides | Vegetables, salads, appetizers, desserts |
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What You'll Learn
Crock pot turkey cooking times
Cooking a turkey in a crock pot is a great way to ensure that it stays moist and juicy. The cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey and whether you are cooking it on high or low.
For a smaller turkey (3 lb), cooking on low heat for 3.5 hours should be sufficient. For a slightly larger bird (8 lb), cooking on low heat for 6-7 hours is recommended. However, it is important to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it is fully cooked. It should read 180 degrees F in the thigh and 170 degrees F in the breast.
If you are cooking a larger turkey (10 lb), it will need to cook for 8-9 hours on low. Again, it is important to check the internal temperature to ensure doneness.
For a faster cooking time, you can cook a turkey on high heat for 3-4 hours, regardless of the size. However, this may not be recommended for larger turkeys as they may not fit in the crock pot.
It is worth noting that crock pots can vary in terms of cooking temperature and the size of the turkey they can accommodate. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the turkey and adjust the cooking time as needed.
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Crock pot turkey seasoning
It is possible to cook a small turkey in a crock pot, and it can be an easy, safe, and tasty way to do so. A crock pot is a great option if you're looking to avoid using your oven or grill. The key is to ensure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the turkey you've purchased. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a turkey that's around 10 pounds or smaller for a standard 6-quart slow cooker.
Now, onto the seasoning! Seasoning your turkey is a crucial step in adding flavour and creating a delicious meal. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your crock pot turkey:
- Poultry seasoning: This is an excellent option for turkey. You can use a store-bought poultry seasoning blend or make your own by combining herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Butter: Start by using unsalted butter, and if you only have salted butter, you can adjust by reducing the additional salt in your seasoning blend. Melt the butter and mix it with your chosen herbs and spices.
- Herbs and spices: In addition to the herbs mentioned above, you can use fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Spices like sea salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sweet paprika will add depth of flavour.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best, but if you're short on time, a teaspoon of jarred minced garlic will work. Garlic powder can also be added to your seasoning blend.
- Onion: Use a yellow or white onion to create a "rack" at the bottom of the crock pot, which will help the turkey cook more evenly and add flavour to the broth.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and mushrooms can be added to the crock pot to create a flavourful broth and elevate the meat, ensuring even cooking.
- Broth: Chicken or turkey broth adds moisture to your crock pot, creating a steaming effect and ensuring your turkey stays juicy.
Remember, the beauty of cooking a turkey in a crock pot is that you can customise the recipe to your personal preference. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to find your perfect combination. Enjoy your juicy and tender crock pot turkey!
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Crock pot turkey size
Yes, you can cook a whole turkey in a crock pot, but the size of the bird is important. A turkey that is too large will not fit in the crock pot, and a larger bird will take longer to cook, meaning the inside of the turkey may be at an unsafe temperature for too long. It is recommended that you use a turkey of 10 pounds or less for crock pot cooking. Even at this size, the bird may be a tight fit, and you may need to cover the pot with foil and press down on it with a towel to get the lid to fit. Smaller cuts of turkey are perfect for smaller gatherings.
One user reported cooking a 9-pound turkey in their crock pot, which they said was a tight fit, but it worked. Another user reported cooking an 11.4-pound turkey in their crock pot, but they had to cover it with foil and press down on the lid with a towel to get it to fit. This user also reported that the crock pot broke after cooking the turkey, possibly due to the tight fit.
Another user reported cooking a bone-in, 8-pound double breast in their crock pot, which they also had to squish down a bit to get the lid on, but it worked. This user also noted that the crock pot turkey was juicier and more tender than turkeys they had cooked using other methods.
If you are cooking a turkey breast only, rather than a whole turkey, one user reported success with a 7-pound bone-in breast, and another user cooked a 6.5-pound turkey breast in their crock pot. In general, boneless turkey breasts will cook faster than bone-in breasts.
It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of your crock pot, as well as the size and weight of your turkey. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check that your turkey has reached the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F before serving.
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Crock pot vs oven cooking
Cooking a turkey in a crock pot is a convenient alternative to oven cooking, especially if your oven breaks down! It is also a good option if you are cooking for a smaller group of people and a whole roasted turkey is too big.
The main benefit of cooking a turkey in a crock pot is that it is almost impossible to burn the meat, so it is a good option if you want to leave it to cook without needing to check on it constantly. It is also a good way to cook cheaper cuts of meat and make them tender and tasty. Slow cookers are very forgiving, so you don't need to be precise with cooking times.
However, one downside of using a crock pot is that it may not be large enough to fit a whole turkey. A turkey weighing more than 9 pounds may not fit in a crock pot, and it may not be safe to cook a larger bird in a crock pot as the inside of the bird may be at an unsafe temperature for too long. A crock pot with a capacity of 6 quarts or more should be able to fit a turkey of around 10 pounds, but it will be a tight fit.
When cooking a turkey in a crock pot, it is important to ensure that the meat reaches the correct temperature to avoid food poisoning. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, although some sources suggest cooking it to 155-160°F and then browning the skin under the broiler in the oven.
Oven cooking a turkey has the benefit of being able to fit larger birds, and the skin may become crispier than when cooked in a crock pot. However, oven cooking requires more attention to ensure that the meat does not burn, and it may be more difficult to achieve a moist and juicy texture.
In conclusion, both crock pot and oven cooking have their advantages and disadvantages. Crock pot cooking is a convenient and low-maintenance option, but may not be suitable for larger turkeys. Oven cooking is more versatile in terms of the size of the turkey and can achieve a crispier skin, but it requires more attention during cooking.
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Crock pot turkey gravy
A crock pot is a great way to cook a juicy and tender turkey. The slow cooking process makes the meat tender and the gravy is a perfect complement to the dish. Here is a detailed recipe for crock pot turkey gravy.
Ingredients
- Turkey tenderloins
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Turkey gravy seasoning mix
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chicken stock
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Method
- Place the turkey tenderloins in the slow cooker.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the turkey gravy seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken stock.
- Pour the soup mixture over the turkey.
- Add the fresh thyme sprigs.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours until the turkey is tender and easily shreddable.
- Remove the cooked turkey and shred it with two forks.
- Place the shredded turkey back into the slow cooker and stir it into the gravy.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the slow cooker.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes or steamed white rice.
Tips
- You can add sautéed vegetables to the gravy for extra flavor, such as diced carrots, onion, and celery.
- If you don't have turkey gravy seasoning mix, you can substitute chicken or brown gravy mix.
- For a gluten-free option, use arrowroot powder or gluten-free flour instead of regular flour.
- To make it spicy, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer your gravy less thick, add more chicken stock or water, a tablespoon at a time.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a whole turkey can be cooked in a crock pot. However, the size of the turkey should be around 10 pounds or smaller to fit in the crock pot.
The ideal weight for a turkey to be cooked in a crock pot is around 7 to 10 pounds. Smaller turkeys are perfect when cooking for a smaller crowd.
The cooking time depends on the size of the turkey. A bone-in turkey breast weighing around 8 pounds can take about 6 to 7 hours on low heat. A 6.5-pound turkey cooked on high heat can take about 4 hours.
The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. However, some sources suggest cooking it to a lower temperature of 155-160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise while broiling and resting.
It is recommended to grease the crock pot, add vegetables and aromatics like onions, garlic, and carrots, and use butter, oil, or herb butter. Cover the crock pot and cook until the desired temperature is reached. You can also broil the turkey after cooking to crisp the skin.
