Tillie Doyle
Cooking a turkey in a Crock Pot is a convenient and fuss-free alternative to roasting a whole turkey in the oven. It is also a great option for those who want to cook a turkey breast without brining. The Crock Pot method is simple: after a bit of preparation, the turkey cooks slowly over several hours, resulting in a moist and juicy bird. This approach is also versatile, as it can be used for both whole turkeys and turkey breasts, and can be adapted for use with pressure cookers and Instant Pots.
Characteristics and Values Table for Pressure Cooking Turkey in a Crock Pot:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cookware | Crock Pot, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Pressure Cooker |
| Turkey Part | Whole Turkey, Turkey Breast |
| Prep Time | 3 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10-25 minutes per pound, 6 minutes per pound for fresh turkey, 10 minutes per pound for frozen turkey |
| Temperature | High |
| Seasonings | Butter, Creole Seasoning, Celery, Onion, Parsley Flakes, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper |
| Liquid | Water, Stock, Broth |
| Leftovers | Turkey Soup, Turkey Shepherd's Pie, Turkey Pot Pie, Turkey Enchiladas |
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What You'll Learn
Prep and seasoning
When it comes to preparing and seasoning your turkey for pressure cooking in a Crock Pot, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it's important to note that you can cook a whole turkey in a Crock Pot, which is an appealing option if you don't want the stress of roasting in an oven. This method allows you to simply throw in your ingredients and relax, even if your bird is on the larger side, say 9 or 11 pounds.
For prep, you'll want to start by removing the turkey breast from its packaging. You can choose to cook it with or without the bones and skin. If you're cooking a whole turkey, you might want to slather it in garlic butter or rub it with seasonings like parsley flakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can place the seasonings directly on top of the bird or under the skin, whichever you prefer. Some people also like to add celery stalks and onions to the bottom of the Crock Pot for extra flavour.
If you're using an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, you'll want to add some liquid to the pot. This can be water, stock, or broth—add about 2 cups or tablespoons, being careful to pour it onto the side of the pot so you don't rinse off the seasonings on the turkey.
Once your turkey is prepared and seasoned, you can move on to the cooking process. Place the turkey in the Crock Pot, secure the lid, and set the appropriate cooking settings and time based on the size of your bird.
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Cooking time and settings
Cooking a turkey in a Crock Pot is a straightforward process. The first step is to prepare the turkey by rubbing it with a mixture of parsley flakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Next, pour some broth into the Crock Pot and place the turkey inside. Secure the lid and select the appropriate settings and cooking time.
The specific settings and timing will depend on the size and type of turkey being cooked. For a boneless turkey breast, set the Crock Pot to SEAR and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes per pound or until the meat is tender. Verify that the internal temperature has reached 165˚F with a meat thermometer. If you are cooking a frozen turkey, it is recommended to cook it for 10 minutes per pound in the Crock Pot.
For a whole turkey, the process may vary depending on the size of your Crock Pot and the weight of the turkey. Smaller turkeys (around 9 pounds) can be cooked in a Crock Pot on the POULTRY setting for 45 minutes at high pressure. Larger turkeys may require a longer cooking time, and it is important to ensure that the lid fits securely.
It is worth noting that Crock Pots are slow cookers, and as such, cooking a whole turkey in one will take a significant amount of time—up to 8 or 10 hours. However, this extended cooking time ensures that the turkey remains moist and juicy, even if you accidentally exceed the optimal temperature.
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Releasing pressure
When pressure cooking a turkey, it's important to follow the correct procedure to ensure safe pressure release. Here's a step-by-step guide for releasing pressure when cooking a turkey in a Crock-Pot:
Natural Pressure Release (NPR)
After the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes. This gradual release ensures that the turkey continues to cook gently and allows the pressure to stabilize.
Quick Release Method
If you're in a hurry or need to stop the cooking process immediately, you can use the quick release method. Turn the valve from "sealed" to "vent" to release the remaining pressure. Be cautious when performing this step, as the steam released can be extremely hot.
Opening the Lid
Once the pressure is released, it's important to wait for the float valve to drop before unlocking and removing the lid. This indicates that all the pressure has been safely released, and it's safe to open the Crock-Pot.
Removing the Turkey
Using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves, carefully lift the turkey out of the Crock-Pot and place it on a large cutting board. Allow the turkey to rest until it reaches room temperature. This resting period ensures that the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender turkey.
Checking Doneness
To ensure the turkey is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the breast reaches 165°F. This temperature reading confirms that the turkey is safe to eat and has reached the minimum temperature required to eliminate any harmful bacteria.
Remember, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific Crock-Pot model, as different models may have unique features or requirements for pressure release. Always exercise caution when handling hot items and releasing pressure to ensure a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.
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Carving and serving
If you're cooking a whole turkey, you may want to remove the meat from the carcass before serving. This will make it easier for your guests to serve themselves and ensure that you end up with more leftovers! You can also freeze leftover turkey meat for later use. Just make sure to let it cool to room temperature first, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
If you're cooking a turkey breast, you can simply slice it and serve it as-is, or use the meat in recipes like pot pie, soup, or sandwiches. For an extra juicy and tender turkey breast, consider cooking it in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. This method is faster than using a Crock Pot and will give your turkey a crispy, seasoned outside.
No matter which cooking method you choose, your Crock Pot turkey is sure to be moist and delicious. Enjoy!
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Leftovers and storage
Storing your leftover turkey is a straightforward process. If you want to store your turkey whole, wrap the slices in foil and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Then, refrigerate as soon as possible. If the turkey sits out at room temperature for too long, it will begin to dry out. You can also freeze the whole turkey, but first, remove the bones and slice the meat. Place the slices in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag and consume within 3 months. Be sure to defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
You can also use leftover turkey to make soup. This is a great way to use up all your Thanksgiving leftovers. You can use either white or dark meat, or a mixture of both. For a simple soup, add vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onion, as well as garlic, thyme, rice, and lemon juice. You can also add the leftover turkey carcass for additional flavor. Bring the soup to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes. Store leftover turkey soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Another option for leftovers is to make turkey stock from the carcass. Break several of the turkey bones to extract more gelatin and add them to a pressure cooker with water, vegetables, and herbs. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, then strain the stock. You can then reduce the stock further on the stovetop to make a glace, which will take up less storage space. Freeze the glace in ice cube trays for easy storage and use a spoonful to add flavor to any savory dish.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 6 minutes per pound to cook fresh turkey in a Crock Pot, and 10 minutes per pound for frozen turkey.
Combine parsley flakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and rub the mixture onto the turkey. You can also add 2 cups of water, stock, or broth into the pot.
After cooking, let the turkey rest on a cutting board until it cools down. You can use the leftover turkey meat for recipes like Leftover Turkey Soup, Creamy Turkey Shepherd's Pie, and One Pot Turkey Tetrazzini.
