Slow Cooker Turkey
I know what you might be thinking...
"turkey in a crockpot?"
I know it sounds a little wild, and worried it'll turn out dry.
Well, I'm here to tell you THIS is the recipe that proves that fear wrong.
It’s genuinely fall off the bone tender, beyond juicy, and so packed with flavor it's ridiculous. 🔥
And the best part? It's so easy and frees up your oven for all the important stuff like pies.
Trust me on this one.
Mix all of these together in a small bowl
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1 1/4 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 1/4 tosp Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tsp Coarse Salt
- 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tsp Red Chili Flakes
Ingredients:
- 1 large Bone in, Skin on Turkey Breast
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) Butter, sliced
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Fresh Herbs, minced (I used rosemary and parsley)
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2-3 Lemons, sliced
- 1 Onion cut into large wedges
- 2-3 Celery Ribs, cut into large chunks
Directions:
1. In one small bowl, mix your minced fresh herbs, minced garlic, and 1/4 cup of olive oil. In another small bowl, mix all the spices for your Seasoning.
2. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels.
3. Carefully use your (gloved) hands to separate the skin from the turkey meat, creating a large pocket. Be careful not to tear the skin!
4. Slide the pats of butter under the skin, distributing them evenly. Follow with the herb and olive oil mixture, spooning it in and massaging it all over the meat under the skin.
5. Season the Outside: Rub any remaining herb mixture all over the outside of the skin.
6. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil, then generously season the entire turkey breast with your dry rub.
7. Fill the turkey's cavity with the lemon slices, fresh rosemary sprigs, onion wedges, and celery.
8. Arrange a layer of lemon slices on the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seasoned turkey breast on top.
9. Cover the slow cooker and cook on
LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The turkey is done when it's incredibly tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Optional but HIGHLY recommended: For that beautiful, crispy golden skin, carefully transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet. Place it under your oven's broiler for 3-5 minutes. Watch it like a hawk it will brown very quickly!
11. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This is the most important part for locking in all the juices! Slice and serve with the amazing, flavorful juices left in the slow cooker. Enjoy! 🦃
Slow cooker turkey is an excellent alternative to the traditional roasting method, especially for busy cooks who want to save oven space during big holiday meals. Using a crockpot allows the turkey to cook slowly at a gentle temperature, which helps keep the meat juicy and tender. The key to success with this method is to prepare the turkey properly by drying it thoroughly and carefully separating the skin from the meat without tearing it. This creates a pocket to insert flavorful pats of butter and an herbed olive oil mixture, which baste the turkey from the inside, preventing dryness. The spice rub featured in this recipe combines paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, coarse salt, Cajun seasoning, and red chili flakes, adding both depth and a subtle kick to the turkey’s flavor profile. Filling the cavity with lemon slices, fresh rosemary, onion wedges, and celery infuses the meat with refreshing citrus and herbaceous aromas while it cooks. For best results, cooking on low for 5-6 hours allows the meat to become incredibly tender while maintaining moisture. Using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) guarantees food safety without overcooking. Finishing the turkey under the broiler for a few minutes crisps the skin beautifully, providing the classic golden-brown texture associated with roasted turkey. Letting the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving is essential — this step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite flavorful and moist. Finally, serving the sliced turkey with the natural juices collected in the slow cooker adds extra richness to your meal. This juicy and easy slow cooker turkey recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion where you want succulent turkey without the hassle of oven-roasting. Plus, it frees up your oven for traditional sides and desserts, ensuring a smooth, stress-free holiday meal preparation.
Hmm, I never heard and never tried this Slow Cooker Turkey recipe before? How long does anyone put a whole Turkey in the Slow Cooker for how long? 🤔