Slow Cooker Turkey: Juicy, Tender, and Easy Recipes

Let's be honest, there's something undeniably satisfying about slow-cooked food. It's like a warm hug on a chilly day, comforting and delicious. And when it comes to turkey, slow cooking is the absolute best way to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness we all crave. I've been a slow cooker convert for years, and I can confidently say that slow-cooked turkey has become a staple in my kitchen. It's so incredibly versatile, perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to festive holiday feasts.

In this article, I'm going to share my favourite slow cooker turkey recipes, along with the tips and tricks I've picked up along the way. We'll explore everything from basic turkey breast to whole turkey, with some delicious variations for those who like to get creative in the kitchen. Buckle up, it's going to be a flavorful journey!

(Part 1) Understanding the Magic of Slow Cooker Turkey

Before we dive into specific recipes, let's get the basics down. There's a certain art to slow-cooking turkey, but it's a skill anyone can master. It's all about understanding the principles that lead to that perfectly juicy, fall-apart-tender meat we all adore.

The Science Behind the Tenderness

Slow cooking is essentially a low and slow method of cooking. The gentle heat allows the collagen in the turkey to break down, transforming into gelatin. This is what gives the meat that irresistible tenderness. Think of it as a slow, gentle massage for your turkey, resulting in incredibly juicy and flavorful results.

Key Considerations

To ensure success, keep these key elements in mind:

• The Cut: For a whole turkey, aim for one that's around 10-12 pounds. It may seem like a lot, but trust me, it shrinks considerably during cooking. For turkey breast, a 4-5 pound breast is perfect for most slow cookers. It's a great option for smaller families or when you're looking for a lighter meal.
• Prep Work: Don't underestimate the importance of proper preparation! Give your turkey a thorough rinse, pat it dry, and then season generously. Salt, pepper, and paprika are a classic combination, but feel free to get creative with herbs and spices. Remember, the more flavour you add at the beginning, the richer the finished dish will be.
• The Power of Liquid: Keeping the turkey moist is crucial for preventing dryness. This is where the liquid comes in. chicken broth is a go-to, but you can also use apple cider, wine, or even a combination of liquids for added complexity. The liquid should cover about a third of the turkey, ensuring it stays moist throughout the cooking process.

(Part 2) Simple Slow Cooker Turkey Breast: A Weeknight Hero

This recipe is my go-to for a quick and easy meal. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave comfort food but don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 (4-5 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker. Make sure it's nestled comfortably in the bottom, leaving enough space for the liquid to circulate.2. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This creates a flavorful base for the turkey to cook in. 3. Pour the broth mixture over the turkey breast, ensuring it's evenly distributed. 4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow method will ensure that the turkey cooks through and becomes incredibly tender. 5. Once the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish.

Tips

• For a more complete meal, add some chopped vegetables to the slow cooker alongside the turkey breast. Carrots, onions, and celery are classic additions and add a delightful depth of flavour.
• For a touch of extra flavour, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the broth mixture. The tangy mustard complements the turkey beautifully, adding a subtle kick to the dish.
• Serve the turkey breast with your favourite sides. mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce are all excellent companions, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

(Part 3) Slow Cooker Turkey with Cranberry Sauce: A Festive Classic

This is a classic combination that always brings a touch of festivity to the table. The tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the turkey, making for a delightful and balanced meal. It's a perfect option for holiday gatherings or any time you want to feel a little bit fancy.

Ingredients

• 1 (10-12 pound) whole turkey
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon rosemary

Instructions

1. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This helps to prevent excess moisture from steam building up in the slow cooker. Place the turkey in the slow cooker, ensuring it's positioned comfortably. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cranberry sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. This blend of flavours creates a wonderfully aromatic base for the turkey. 3. Pour the broth mixture over the turkey, making sure it's evenly distributed. 4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. The slow cooking process will ensure the turkey is cooked through and tender. 5. Once the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavourful turkey.

Tips

• For a touch of extra sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the broth mixture. This adds a hint of caramelized sweetness to the dish.
• Serve the turkey with your favourite sides. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans are all perfect accompaniments, creating a truly festive feast.

(Part 4) Slow Cooker Pulled Turkey: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Think of pulled turkey as the slow cooker's answer to pulled pork. It's a versatile dish that can be used in countless recipes. It's fantastic for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or simply served on its own with a side of mashed potatoes. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 (4-5 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. This creates a rich and flavorful sauce for the turkey. 3. Pour the broth mixture over the turkey breast.4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process will render the turkey incredibly tender. 5. Once the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. The shredded turkey will easily pull apart, making it perfect for sandwiches and other dishes. 6. Return the shredded turkey to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the sauce. This ensures that every shred of turkey is coated in the delicious barbecue sauce. 7. Serve the pulled turkey on buns, in tacos, as a topping for salads, or simply on its own with your favourite sides.

Tips

• For a spicier pulled turkey, use a hot barbecue sauce. There are countless varieties available, so feel free to experiment and find one that suits your taste.
• Add some chopped onions and bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra flavour and texture. The sweetness of the peppers and the sharpness of the onions add a delightful complexity to the dish.

(Part 5) Slow Cooker Turkey with Lemon and Herbs: A Light and Refreshing Delight

This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. The bright citrus flavours and fragrant herbs complement the turkey beautifully, creating a light and refreshing meal. It's perfect for warmer days or when you want a lighter alternative to traditional turkey dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 (4-5 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker.2. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. This creates a vibrant and aromatic base for the turkey.3. Pour the broth mixture over the turkey breast. 4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process ensures the turkey cooks through and becomes incredibly tender. 5. Once the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the turkey more succulent and flavorful.

Tips

• Add a few sliced lemons to the slow cooker with the turkey breast for extra flavour. The lemon slices will infuse the broth with their citrusy aroma, adding a delightful tang to the dish.
• Serve the turkey breast with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. The combination of the turkey's delicate flavour with the roasted vegetables creates a well-balanced and delicious meal.

(Part 6) Slow Cooker Turkey Chili: A Hearty and Soul-Satisfying Meal

Who says slow cookers are just for meat? They make a fantastic chili too! This recipe is perfect for a cold winter day. It's hearty, filling, and bursting with flavour. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's sure to warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. This adds a lovely depth of flavour to the chili. 2. Drain off any excess fat. 3. Transfer the browned turkey to the slow cooker. 4. Add the onion, bell pepper, black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). 5. Stir to combine all the ingredients. 6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavours to meld and deepen, resulting in a truly delicious chili. 7. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Tips

• Feel free to add other vegetables to the chili, like corn, carrots, or zucchini. This adds extra texture and nutritional value to the dish.
• For a thicker chili, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water at the end of cooking. This helps to thicken the chili without affecting the flavour.
• Serve the chili with your favourite toppings, like sour cream, cheese, and chopped onions. This allows each person to customize their chili to their preferences.

(Part 7) Slow Cooker Turkey Enchiladas: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

These enchiladas are a delicious and easy way to use up leftover cooked turkey. They're perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner or for a quick and easy lunch. They're a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked turkey
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, salsa, onion, cilantro, cumin, and chili powder. 2. Stir to combine all the ingredients. 3. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base for the enchiladas.4. Fill each tortilla with about 1/2 cup of the turkey mixture and roll them up tightly. 5. Place the enchiladas seam-side down in the slow cooker. 6. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring they're evenly coated. 7. Sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese, creating a golden and bubbly topping. 8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours. This allows the cheese to melt and the enchiladas to heat through.

Tips

• Use any type of tortillas you like, including flour tortillas. Experiment with different varieties to find your favourite.
• For a spicier enchilada, use a hot enchilada sauce. There are countless varieties available, so feel free to adjust the spiciness to your liking.
• Serve the enchiladas with your favourite sides, like rice and beans. This creates a complete and satisfying meal.

(Part 8) FAQs: Your Slow Cooker Turkey Questions Answered

Now that we've explored the basics and some delicious recipes, let's tackle some common questions about slow-cooking turkey.

1. How long do I cook a turkey in a slow cooker?

The cooking time for a slow cooker turkey depends on the size of the bird and the setting you choose. Here's a general guideline:

Always check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through. The turkey is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. What temperature should a slow-cooked turkey be?

The safe internal temperature for cooked turkey is 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the turkey is cooked through and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the turkey.

3. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the turkey?

Absolutely! You can add chopped vegetables to the slow cooker with the turkey. Carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, and even Brussels sprouts work well. Just make sure the vegetables are cut into bite-sized pieces and are placed around the turkey, not on top. This ensures they cook evenly and don't block the heat from reaching the turkey.

4. Can I make a slow cooker turkey gravy?

Yes, you certainly can! After the turkey is cooked, you can use the leftover juices from the slow cooker to make a delicious gravy. Here's how:

1. Strain the juices through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids. This ensures a smooth and lump-free gravy.
2. Whisk in a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of cornstarch. The butter adds richness and the cornstarch helps to thicken the gravy.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened. This ensures that the gravy is cooked through and has a lovely consistency.

5. Can I reheat leftover slow cooker turkey?

Yes, you can reheat leftover turkey in the slow cooker or in the oven. Here's how:

• Slow Cooker: Place the turkey in the slow cooker and set it on low for a few hours. This gentle heat will reheat the turkey without drying it out.
• Oven: Place the turkey in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This method is quick and efficient for reheating turkey.

(Part 9) Embracing the Art of Slow Cooking

There you have it, my go-to tips and recipes for slow-cooked turkey! It's a method that's truly foolproof, delivering consistently delicious results. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a show-stopping holiday feast, slow cooker turkey is the way to go.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours and variations. The possibilities are endless! The beauty of slow cooking is that you can adapt recipes to your liking, incorporating your favourite herbs, spices, and ingredients.

And most importantly, enjoy the process! Slow cooking is all about creating a comforting, relaxed atmosphere. So put on some music, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let the slow cooker work its magic. You deserve it!