Emilie Meyer
Cooking a turkey in a crock pot is a great alternative to roasting one in the oven. Many people opt for this method, especially when their oven is out of order. It is also a good option for people who are unable to continually baste their turkey due to physical constraints. However, one must be careful about the size of the bird, as anything heavier than a 9-pound turkey may not fit in the crock pot. Additionally, the inside of the bird may remain at an unsafe temperature for too long. For smaller portions of 1-2 pounds, crock pot bags can be used for ease of cleanup.
Characteristics and values of cooking a turkey in a crock pot bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crock pot bag | Crock pot liners, special bags for cooking meat, roasting bags, store-bought turkey bags, slow cooker liners |
| Turkey weight | 1-2 lbs, 3 lbs, 7.5 lbs, 9 lbs, 10 lbs, 12 lbs |
| Cooking time | 4-5 hours on high, 6-8 hours on low, 7-8.5 hours, 10 hours on low |
| Temperature | Above 170-180°F, 200°F |
| Ingredients | Chicken broth, salt, pepper, onion, apple, butter, herbs, oil, beer, chicken stock, carrots, celery, rosemary-garlic seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, guinness |
| Other tips | Use foil to avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer, use juices for stuffing, brown the skin under the broiler |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times and temperatures
Cooking a turkey in a crock pot bag is a great way to ensure the meat stays moist and juicy. It's also a good option if you don't have a big grill or turkey fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey and the temperature you set your crock pot to.
For a smaller turkey breast portion (1-2 lbs), you can cook it on low for around 8 hours. It's important to keep the temperature above 170-180°F, and 200°F is even safer. You can also cook a turkey breast on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
For a larger whole turkey (around 8-10 lbs), you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours. If you're using a crock pot liner or bag, this will help keep the meat moist and make cleanup easier. Keep in mind that the skin might not crisp up, so you can move the cooked turkey to a roasting pan, brush it with garlic butter, and broil for 5-8 minutes if you want a golden exterior.
The ideal internal temperature for cooked turkey is 170°F in the thickest part of the breast and 180°F in the thigh. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your crock pot and the size of your turkey, so adjust the timing accordingly.
If you're using a roaster oven instead of a crock pot, the cooking time and temperature settings might differ. Always refer to a recipe specifically designed for a roaster oven to ensure food safety.
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Crock pot bag vs. foil
Cooking a turkey in a crock pot is a convenient way to prepare a tasty meal, especially when using a crock pot bag or foil. However, there are some key differences between using a crock pot bag and foil that you should consider before deciding which option is best for you.
Crock pot bags, also known as slow cooker liners, are designed to be placed inside a crock pot to prevent food from sticking to the surface. They are typically made of plastic and are meant to be used once and then thrown away. Crock pot bags offer several advantages, the most notable being easy cleanup. Instead of scrubbing the crock pot after cooking, you can simply remove the bag and rinse or wipe down the pot. This not only saves time but also helps protect the crock pot from scratches and damage caused by vigorous scrubbing.
Another benefit of crock pot bags is that they can be used to cook multiple items in the same pot without mixing them. For example, you can cook a roast in one bag and vegetables in another, keeping the flavours separate. Crock pot bags are also convenient for cooking smaller portions of meat, such as turkey breasts, as they can be placed directly in the bag and cooked without needing to be transferred to a separate container.
However, there are some concerns about using crock pot bags. Some people believe that cooking in plastic is not ideal for health due to the potential release of harmful toxins into the food. Additionally, it is important to use the correct size bag for your crock pot to avoid the bag sticking to the sides, melting, or burning. Using a bag that is too small or too large can defeat the purpose of easy cleanup and potentially cause damage to your crock pot.
On the other hand, foil, or aluminium foil, is a versatile material that can be used in several ways when cooking a turkey in a crock pot. Foil can be wrapped around the edges of the crock pot to prevent overcooking, ensuring that the turkey remains moist. It can also be crumpled into "balls" and placed on the bottom of the crock pot to prevent the bottom of the turkey from browning too much. Additionally, foil can be used to cover the crock pot if the lid does not fit properly, helping to contain the heat and moisture during cooking.
Unlike crock pot bags, foil can be reused multiple times, making it a more economical option. It is also a good alternative for those who have concerns about cooking with plastic bags and the potential health risks associated with them. However, foil may not be as effective as crock pot bags when cooking with liquids, as it cannot completely contain the liquid inside the crock pot.
In conclusion, both crock pot bags and foil have their advantages and disadvantages. Crock pot bags offer convenience and easy cleanup but come with potential health concerns and size limitations. Foil is versatile and reusable but may not be ideal for certain cooking methods, such as those involving liquids. Ultimately, the decision between using a crock pot bag or foil depends on your specific needs, preferences, and cooking methods.
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Turkey size and crock pot size
The size of the turkey you can fit in your crock pot depends on the size of your crock pot. A 6-quart crock pot can fit a 6-8 pound turkey breast or a 9-pound whole turkey. A 7-quart crock pot may be too small for a turkey over 10 pounds, as the lid may not fit. A 12-pound turkey can fit in an 8-quart crock pot, but it will be a tight fit.
If your turkey is slightly too big for your crock pot, you can cover the crock pot with aluminum foil instead of the lid. You can also try breaking down the bird before cooking to make it fit better.
It's important to note that crock pots can vary in temperature, so cooking times may need to be adjusted accordingly. For raw poultry, it is recommended to cook above 170-180°F, and 200°F is safer. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches at least 165°F.
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Using broth or water
Some recipes suggest adding a cup of chicken broth to the crock pot and placing the turkey inside. You can also add butter and herbs under the skin of the turkey. Turn the turkey over halfway through cooking to prevent it from drying out. You can also brown the skin under the broiler once it's done cooking.
If you prefer to use water, you can simply add a little water to the bottom of the crock pot and season the turkey with salt and pepper. You can also use a mix of water and dry onion soup mix for added flavour.
It's important to note that the size of your turkey may affect the cooking time and temperature. For a turkey weighing more than 9 pounds, it may not be suitable to cook in a crock pot as the inside of the bird can remain at an unsafe temperature for too long. For smaller turkeys, you can cook them on low heat for 5-8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Seasoning and ingredients
Firstly, you'll want to gather your aromatics and vegetables. This can include onions, celery, garlic, fresh herbs (such as sage, thyme, and rosemary), carrots, oranges, and apples. These ingredients will add flavour to the turkey and keep it moist. You can place them inside the turkey cavity or at the bottom of the crock pot.
Next, you'll want to season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, both outside and inside the cavity. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, garlic pepper, or poultry seasoning. Some recipes suggest making a compound butter with shallots and getting it under the skin, so it melts and adds flavour to the meat.
Additionally, you can use chicken or turkey broth at the bottom of the crock pot to keep the meat moist. You can also add a splash of sherry to enhance the flavour of the broth.
If you're cooking a turkey breast, you can use a bone-in or boneless option, weighing around 3-4 pounds or even up to 7 pounds. It's important to thaw the meat completely before cooking.
Finally, remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is cooked to the proper internal temperature, which should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit at its thickest part.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook a turkey in a crock pot bag.
The ideal weight of the turkey to be cooked in a crock pot is 9 pounds or less.
The ideal temperature to cook the turkey in a crock pot is above 170-180°F, with 200°F being safer.
There are various recipes for cooking a turkey in a crock pot. One recipe suggests placing a buttered, salted, and peppered turkey on a bed of quartered onion and sliced apple, and cooking it for 4-5 hours on high. Another recipe involves cooking the turkey with chicken broth, butter, and herbs for 6-8 hours on low.
Cooking a turkey in a crock pot is a simple and stress-free method that does not require brining or basting. It is also a good option for those who do not have an oven or grill.
