Tillie Doyle
Cooking a whole turkey in a crock pot is a great way to make a delicious, juicy, and tender turkey without the hassle of cooking a whole bird. It's an ideal option for smaller gatherings where a whole roasted turkey would be too big. Crock pots are also convenient as they free up oven space for side dishes. However, it's important to ensure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the turkey. For a 10-pound turkey, a 6-quart slow cooker may be too small, and a larger crock pot is recommended. In terms of cooking time, an 8-10 pound turkey should be cooked on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. However, cooking times may vary depending on the slow cooker and the size of the turkey, so it's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey has reached the safe internal temperature of 170°F in the thickest part of the breast and 180°F in the thigh.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight of turkey | 10 lb |
| Cooking time on high | 3-4 hours |
| Cooking time on low | 6-8 hours |
| Crockpot size | 6-quart or larger |
| Internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast | 155-170°F |
| Internal temperature in the thigh | 180°F |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time for 8-10 lb turkey
Cooking a whole turkey in a crock pot is a great way to ensure that it stays moist and juicy without needing to brine it first. It's also a good option if you're short on oven space, as you can free that up for cooking sides.
When cooking an 8-10 lb turkey in a crock pot, you'll want to cook it on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the slow cooker used and the size of the turkey, so it's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey has reached the correct internal temperature. The turkey is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 155-160°F in the thickest part of the breast and 170-180°F in the thigh.
If you're cooking a bone-in turkey breast, it may take a little longer—up to 9 hours on a low setting. It's also important to note that the skin won't crisp up in the crock pot, so if you want crispy skin, you'll need to transfer the turkey to a baking dish and place it under the broiler for a few minutes after cooking.
Make sure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the turkey. A 6-quart slow cooker should be able to fit a 9-pound turkey, but you may need a larger slow cooker for a bigger bird.
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High or low settings
The cooking time for a 10-pound turkey in a crock pot depends on whether you want to cook it on a high or low setting. For a 10-lb turkey, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the slow cooker used and the size of the turkey.
It is important to note that cooking a turkey in a crock pot will not result in crispy skin, which some may find unappetizing. However, you can achieve crispy skin by broiling the turkey in the oven on low for 5-10 minutes after cooking it in the crock pot.
To ensure that your turkey is cooked safely, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The thickest part of the breast should reach an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit, while the thigh should reach 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some people prefer to cook their turkeys on the low setting to avoid drying out the meat. However, it is important to plan ahead when using the low setting as it requires a longer cooking time.
Additionally, it is suggested to elevate the turkey breast off the bottom of the crock pot using garlic and onion to ensure even cooking. This will prevent the breast from poaching in its own juices.
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Using a meat thermometer
First, it is important to note that different parts of the turkey should reach different temperatures. The thickest part of the breast should reach 170 degrees Fahrenheit, while the thigh should reach 180 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures indicate that the turkey is cooked safely and is ready to be served.
When using a crock pot, it is recommended to cook a 10-pound turkey on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. However, these are general guidelines, and the actual cooking time may vary. Therefore, relying on a meat thermometer is crucial.
To use a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the turkey breast to get an accurate reading. If you are using an instant-read thermometer, simply check the temperature periodically to monitor the progress of the cooking process. If you are using a probe thermometer, you can set it to alert you when the desired temperature is reached.
It is important to remember that the temperature of the turkey will continue to rise even after it is removed from the crock pot. This is because the meat retains heat and continues to cook, a phenomenon known as "carry-over cooking." Therefore, it is advisable to remove the turkey from the crock pot when it reaches a temperature slightly below the target temperature, allowing for this final rise.
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Preparing the crock pot
Firstly, ensure your crock pot is the right size for your turkey. A 10-pound turkey is at the upper limit of what can be cooked in a standard 6-quart slow cooker, so if your crock pot is smaller, consider using a larger slow cooker. A tight fit is manageable, but it may impact cooking times and the ability for heat to circulate evenly.
Next, prepare the crock pot for cooking. It is recommended to use a slow cooker liner, which makes cleanup easier and can also function as a turkey bag. Place the liner inside the crock pot, ensuring it fits snugly.
After preparing the liner, it's time to season the turkey. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as butter and Creole seasoning, or a simple combination of salt and pepper. Apply the seasoning generously all over the turkey, and if desired, you can place some seasoning under the skin for added flavour. Additionally, consider adding half a cup of water, plain or seasoned, or broth to the bottom of the crock pot to create steam and keep the turkey moist.
Once the turkey is seasoned and placed in the crock pot, ensure it is breast side up. If your turkey is larger and doesn't fit in this position, place it on its side, but there is no need to flip it during cooking. You can also add aromatics like onions and garlic to elevate the turkey breast off the bottom of the crock pot, infusing flavour and ensuring even cooking.
Finally, cover the crock pot with its lid. If your turkey is particularly large, you may need to cover it with foil instead, as the crock pot lid might not fit securely. Now, your crock pot is prepared and ready to begin cooking your 10-pound turkey.
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Cooking a whole turkey
A crock pot is a great option for cooking a whole turkey, especially if you're looking for a "set it and forget it" method that results in juicy, tender meat. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cook a whole turkey in a crock pot:
Step 1: Choosing the Right Turkey and Crock Pot
Select a turkey that is around 10 pounds or smaller. While it is possible to cook larger turkeys in a crock pot, they may not fit as easily and you may need a larger slow cooker. A 6-quart crock pot is typically suitable for turkeys up to 9 or 10 pounds, while a larger crock pot is recommended for bigger birds.
Step 2: Preparing the Turkey
You can season the turkey with your choice of spices, butter, or creole seasoning. You can place the seasoning directly on top of the bird or under the skin for more flavour. If you're using a bone-in turkey, you might need to place it on its side in the crock pot, especially if it's larger.
Step 3: Cooking the Turkey
Place the seasoned turkey in the crock pot. You can add 1/2 cup of water, plain or seasoned, or even broth to the bottom of the crock pot. This will create steam and help the turkey cook evenly.
For a 10-pound turkey, cook it on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 8-9 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your crock pot and the size of your turkey, so it's always best to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The turkey is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 170°F in the thickest part of the breast and 180°F in the thigh.
Step 4: Resting and Serving
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a carving board. Let the turkey rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to settle, making the meat more tender and juicy.
Tips:
- If you want crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey to a baking dish and place it under the broiler for a few minutes until the skin is golden brown.
- Using a liner in your crock pot will make clean-up much easier.
- You can cook a frozen turkey in a crock pot, but it will take longer, so plan accordingly.
- Leftover turkey is great in soups, casseroles, and sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 8-9 hours to cook a 10-pound turkey in a crock pot on low heat. On high heat, it will take 3-4 hours.
The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 170°F in the thickest part of the breast and 180°F in the thigh.
Cooking a turkey in a crock pot is a great way to free up oven space for other dishes. It is also a simple, low-fuss way to cook a juicy and tender turkey without the risk of it drying out.
