Marianne Martinez
Cooking a small turkey in a crock pot is a great, fuss-free way to prepare a whole bird. It's an ideal method for those who don't want to bother with roasting, and it produces tender, juicy meat with minimal prep work. You can cook a small turkey of around 10 pounds or under in your crock pot for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. Before cooking, you can season your turkey with garlic butter, or salt and pepper, and place it on a bed of vegetables to add extra flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crockpot size | 6-quart |
| Turkey size | 8-11.4 lbs |
| Turkey temperature | 180°F in thigh, 170°F in breast |
| Cook time | 3-4 hours on high, 6-8 hours on low |
| Seasoning | Butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, paprika, onion powder, cayenne, oregano |
| Additional ingredients | Onions, carrots, celery, chicken broth, beer, apple |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right size of turkey
One user reported cooking a 9-pound turkey in their crock pot, which was a tight fit but still manageable. Another user cooked an 8-pound bone-in, double breast, which also required some squishing to fit under the lid. A 10.3-pound turkey was described as a very tight fit in a 6-quart slow cooker.
On the other hand, a 6-quart crock pot may not be suitable for a 19-pound turkey, as it will likely be too large to fit properly. Similarly, a 15-pound turkey is too big for an electric pressure cooker and will need to be cut into pieces.
When planning your meal, a good rule of thumb is to estimate one pound of turkey per adult. This will help you choose the right size of turkey to ensure it fits in your crock pot and serves your desired number of guests.
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Preparing the turkey
Next, remove the innards from the turkey and rinse and pat the bird dry. Loosen the skin of the turkey breast and place butter or ghee under the skin. You can also add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, and black pepper to the butter for extra flavour. If you have time, you can prepare the turkey with the seasoning the day before and let it sit overnight.
Before placing the turkey in the crock pot, spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. You can also add a swish of water to the bottom of the crock pot to keep the turkey moist during cooking. Place the turkey in the crock pot, ensuring it fits with the lid secured tightly. If your crock pot is too small, cover the pot tightly with heavy-duty foil and lay a towel over the foil.
Finally, cook the turkey according to your desired level of doneness. For a high cook, set the crock pot to 3-4 hours, or for a low cook, set it to 6-8 hours.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time for a small turkey in a crock pot varies depending on the size of the turkey and the desired temperature. It is recommended to cook the turkey for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. For example, a 10-pound turkey will take around 7.5 hours on low, while a smaller 3-pound turkey breast will take around 3.5 hours on low.
It is important to ensure that the turkey reaches the correct internal temperature before serving. The turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit in the thigh and 160-170 degrees Fahrenheit in the breast. To check the internal temperature, a meat thermometer can be used.
If the turkey is larger than the crock pot, it may be necessary to cut it into pieces to ensure even cooking. It is recommended to aim for a turkey that is 10 pounds or smaller to fit comfortably in the crock pot.
Additionally, it is suggested to flip the turkey halfway through the cooking process to prevent drying out and ensure even cooking. This is especially important if the turkey is on the larger side.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your small turkey is cooked to perfection in the crock pot, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
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Using the juices
Once you've cooked your turkey in the crock pot, you'll be left with delicious juices at the bottom of the pot. These juices can be used to make a tasty gravy. You can also use the juices as a liquid for your stuffing—a great side dish to serve with your turkey.
If you're making gravy, you can thicken the juices by heating them in a pan and adding a butter-flour roux. You can also add chicken stock to increase the volume of gravy.
If you're making stuffing, simply use the juices as the liquid in your recipe. This will add extra flavour to your dish.
You can also use the juices as a base for a soup or stew. Simply add some vegetables, beans, or meat, and season to taste. This is a great way to use up any leftover turkey.
Remember to cool any leftover juices before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. They can be kept for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
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Storing leftovers
Refrigeration
If you plan on eating the leftovers within three to four days, refrigeration is a suitable option. Ensure you transfer the leftover turkey from the crock pot to an airtight container. Use a shallow container to promote quicker cooling and place it in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
Freezing
If you don't plan on consuming the leftovers within three to four days, freezing is recommended. Cut the leftover turkey into slices or pieces and place them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Ensure you squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags before sealing. Frozen leftover turkey can be safely stored for up to three months.
Reheating
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover turkey, there are a few ways to reheat it while maintaining its moisture and flavour:
- Crock Pot/Slow Cooker: Place the frozen or refrigerated leftover turkey back into the crock pot or slow cooker and heat on low for one to two hours, depending on the amount of leftovers.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Cover the leftover turkey with foil and place it in an oven-safe dish. Add a small amount of broth, stock, or water to the dish to provide moisture. Reheat for 20-30 minutes, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Microwave: If you're short on time, the microwave is a quick option. Place the leftover turkey on a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium heat for one to two minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Leftover Recipes
If you're looking for creative ways to use your leftover turkey, there are numerous recipes to consider:
- Turkey Casserole: Combine leftover turkey with vegetables, soup, milk, and seasonings in your crock pot or slow cooker. Add pasta and broth about an hour before serving, and top with shredded cheese.
- Turkey Curry: Blend onion, ginger, garlic, spices, and vegetable oil to make a paste. Add this to your crock pot or slow cooker, along with chicken stock, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and leftover turkey. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding vegetables like spinach about an hour before serving. Serve with rice and naan bread.
- Turkey Soup: Use leftover turkey in a variety of soups, such as wild rice and turkey soup, turkey and noodle soup, or a creamy turkey and quinoa soup.
- Turkey Pasta Salad: Combine cooked pasta, cut-up leftover turkey, vegetables like onion, celery, and carrot, fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon or lime juice, mustard, and seasoning to taste.
Remember, it is important to practise food safety when storing and reheating leftovers to prevent foodborne illnesses. Enjoy your delicious leftover turkey creations!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time depends on the size of the turkey. A 3-pound boneless turkey breast can take 3.5 hours on low, while a 10-pound whole turkey can take 7.5 hours on low. In general, it takes 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
Seasoning a turkey in a crock pot is a matter of personal preference. Some popular seasonings include salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and oregano. You can also try a garlic butter mixture by combining butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, and black pepper.
Chop up onions, carrots, and celery, then place them at the bottom of the crock pot. You can also add oil, salt, and pepper to the vegetables.
The ideal size of a small turkey for a crock pot is around 10 pounds or smaller. Turkeys heavier than 9 pounds may not fit properly and could result in an unsafe internal temperature.
