Fall-Apart Tender Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Recipe

My go-to slow cooker crockpot turkey transforms weeknight dinners with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Tender meat falls apart with gentle prodding, releasing rich aromas that fill the kitchen.

Busy home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something spectacular.

Weekend meal planning becomes a breeze when you toss everything into one magical appliance.

Rich, hearty recipes like this guarantee satisfied smiles around the dinner table.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy more time with people who matter most.

This delicious turkey promises to become your new favorite comfort meal.

Step-By-Step Guide To Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey

Step 1: Prepare The Bird

Remove the neck and giblets hiding inside the turkey. Using paper towels, gently dry every inch of the turkey’s surface. This helps create a perfect seasoning coating and ensures crispy skin.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Sage

Whisk these spices together in a small bowl. Massage olive oil or melted butter all over the turkey, creating a slippery canvas. Generously sprinkle and rub the spice mixture, making sure to sneak some seasoning under the skin for maximum flavor penetration.

Step 3: Build A Vegetable Foundation

• Onions
• Celery
• Carrots
• Garlic cloves

Pour chicken broth over the vegetables, creating a flavorful bath for your turkey.

Step 4: Nestle The Turkey

Carefully place the turkey breast-side up into the slow cooker. If the turkey feels cramped, gently tuck the legs or trim edges to ensure a snug fit.

Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let the magic happen. Cook on LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh – you’re aiming for 165°F (74°C) to guarantee juicy, safe-to-eat meat.

Step 6: Optional Skin Transformation

Want extra crispy skin? Transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and broil for 5-10 minutes. Watch closely to achieve a golden, crackling exterior without burning.

Step 7: The Resting Finale

Allow the turkey to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This crucial step helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each slice remains succulent and tender.

Tips To Nail Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey

• Maximize Moisture: Pat the turkey completely dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up and prevent steaming, ensuring a more flavorful and succulent result.
• Spice Blend Perfection: Create a custom seasoning mix by adjusting herbs and spices to your taste, or try different combinations like adding smoked paprika or dried herbs for an extra flavor kick.
• Vegetable Base Trick: Chop vegetables into larger chunks to create a natural rack for the turkey, preventing it from sitting directly in the liquid and promoting even cooking throughout.
• Skin Crisping Solution: If you want golden-brown skin, transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and broil briefly after slow cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Resting Ritual: Allow the turkey to rest after cooking to let juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and moist meat that cuts smoothly and retains maximum flavor.

How To Store Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey The Right Way

• Refrigerate leftover turkey within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store sliced meat in airtight containers for maximum freshness, keeping it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Preserve moisture by adding a splash of broth or gravy when storing sliced pieces.
• Freeze turkey portions in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to 4 months, ensuring you remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• When reheating, warm turkey gently in the oven at 325F, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Label containers with the date to track storage time and maintain food safety standards.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon that complements the rich, savory turkey flavors and cuts through the meat's tenderness.
• Serve with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Create a smooth, buttery side dish that absorbs the turkey's delicious juices and provides a comforting texture contrast to the lean meat.
• Enhance with Cranberry Orange Relish: Craft a bright, tangy condiment that adds a zesty freshness to balance the deep, herbal seasonings of the slow-cooked turkey.
• Match with Herbal Sauvignon Blanc: Opt for a crisp white wine with herbal notes that mirror the rosemary and thyme in the turkey's seasoning blend, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Fun Variations Of Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey

• Herb Garden Infusion: Swap dried herbs for fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage. Chop herbs finely and massage into turkey skin for an intense aromatic flavor profile.
• Citrus Zesty Companion: Add orange or lemon zest to the seasoning mix. Stuff cavity with citrus slices to enhance moisture and create a bright, tangy undertone.
• Spicy Southwest Strategy: Replace traditional herbs with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Include jalapeños in the vegetable base for a kick of heat and southwestern flair.
• Mediterranean Inspired Option: Incorporate dried oregano, marjoram, and fennel seeds. Scatter kalamata olives and quartered lemons around turkey for a Mediterranean-inspired essence.

Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey FAQs Answered

• Why use a slow cooker for turkey?

A slow cooker keeps the turkey incredibly moist and tender. The low, steady heat helps break down tough muscle fibers, creating juicy meat that falls right off the bone without drying out.

• Can I use frozen turkey in the crockpot?

No, always thaw your turkey completely before cooking. A frozen turkey can create unsafe temperature zones in the slow cooker, which might lead to bacterial growth and uneven cooking.

• How do I know the turkey is fully cooked?

Always use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) in the thickest part of the thigh. This ensures the turkey is safe to eat and prevents any risk of foodborne illness.

• Will the turkey skin get crispy in a slow cooker?

Slow cookers create moist heat, so the skin won’t crisp naturally. That’s why the recipe suggests an optional broiling step at the end to achieve that golden, crispy skin everyone loves.

Why Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Is A Time Saver

• Effortless Cooking: Slow cooker method eliminates complex cooking techniques, making this turkey recipe foolproof for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Time-Saving Magic: Minimal prep work and hands-off cooking process allows you to enjoy a delicious turkey without spending hours in the kitchen, perfect for busy families and weeknight meals.
• Flavor-Packed Delight: Herb-infused seasoning blend and slow cooking technique ensure tender, juicy meat with deep, rich flavors that will impress everyone at the dinner table.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Great for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or meal prepping, this crockpot turkey adapts easily to different occasions and dietary preferences.

Everything You Need For Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey

• Turkey: Classic main protein with rich flavor, best when fresh and plump, skin should be clean and intact.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing natural turkey taste.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Thyme, Rosemary, Sage: Aromatic blend for deep, complex flavor profile, dried herbs work perfectly.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Helps season and brown the turkey, adds moisture and rich taste.

• Onion, Celery, Carrots, Garlic: Creates flavor base and adds moisture to the slow cooker, provides subtle vegetable sweetness.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional flavor during slow cooking, helps prevent turkey from drying out.

• Baking Sheet: For optional skin crisping under broiler.

Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering slow cooker crockpot turkey blends rich Mediterranean herbs with tender, juicy meat for a delightful family dinner. Savory spices and easy preparation make this recipe a perfect weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 (10 to 12 lb / 4.5 to 5.4 kg) whole turkey, thawed if frozen

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried sage

Aromatics and Liquid:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil or melted butter
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly inspect the turkey, extracting neck and internal organs. Use paper towels to meticulously dry the entire surface, ensuring maximum seasoning adherence.
2. Craft a robust spice blend combining salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Massage olive oil or butter generously across the turkey’s exterior and beneath the skin, creating an even coating of the aromatic herb mixture.
3. Construct a flavorful foundation in the slow cooker by strategically arranging chopped onions, celery stalks, carrot pieces, and minced garlic. Pour chicken broth to create a moist cooking environment.
4. Carefully position the turkey breast-side up within the slow cooker, potentially adjusting positioning or trimming extremities to ensure a snug fit.
5. Secure the lid and allow the turkey to gently roast on low temperature for 6-8 hours. Confirm doneness by verifying the internal thigh temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
6. For enhanced visual appeal and textural contrast, transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet. Execute a brief broiling process, monitoring closely to achieve a golden, crisp exterior without burning.
7. Allow the turkey to rest undisturbed for 15-20 minutes, permitting juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Proceed with precise carving techniques for optimal presentation and moisture retention.

Notes

• Moisture Mastery: Pat the turkey completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden skin and prevent steaming in the slow cooker.
• Seasoning Hack: Gently separate the skin from the meat and rub seasonings underneath for deeper flavor penetration and more juicy meat.
• Space Optimization: If your turkey is too large, carefully trim the legs or wings to fit comfortably in the slow cooker without forcing or damaging the bird.
• Skin Crispiness Trick: The optional broiling step transforms the soft slow-cooked skin into a crunchy, appetizing golden exterior that mimics traditional roasted turkey.
• Broth Boost: Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor, or add white wine for an extra layer of complexity in the cooking liquid.
• Low and Slow Magic: Cooking on LOW setting ensures tender, fall-apart meat that doesn’t dry out, making it perfect for meal prep and busy days.
• Thermometer Precision: Always use a meat thermometer to guarantee the turkey reaches safe internal temperature of 165F, preventing any foodborne illness risks.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg