Okay, picture this: a perfectly golden, glistening turkey, nestled snugly in a slow cooker, surrounded by a luscious, aromatic gravy. Yeah, that’s right! Thanksgiving just got a whole lot easier (and dare I say, more delicious) thanks to my latest kitchen obsession – Slow Cooker Turkey!
For years, Thanksgiving meant hours of wrestling with a giant bird, stressing about oven temperatures, and battling the chaos of a jam-packed kitchen. But this year, I decided to change things up. I was determined to have a less stressful, equally tasty Thanksgiving meal, and that’s how I stumbled upon the magic of slow cooking a turkey.
Look at the image above, that golden-brown bird is what my stress-free vision became. Now, I’m no chef, so the idea of making gravy from scratch always felt daunting. But here’s the genius: the slow cooker method infuses the bird with tons of flavor, and as it cooks, it creates its own naturally delicious juices. These juices, when combined with a little cornstarch, transform into the most flavorful, effortless gravy you could imagine!
The best part? This was so unbelievably easy, I almost felt like I was cheating. There’s no constant basting, no worrying about whether the center is done, just set it and forget it! I popped the turkey in the slow cooker, poured in some chicken broth and let the slow cooker work its magic. Hours later, I had a moist, flavorful turkey and the easiest gravy ever.
So, if you’re like me and want a less stressful holiday without sacrificing delicious food, I cannot recommend a slow cooker turkey enough. Seriously, this might just be my new Thanksgiving tradition. Give it a try; I bet you’ll never go back to the oven again!
FAQs: Slow Cooker Turkey Edition
Q: Will the skin be crispy if cooked in a slow cooker?
A: While the skin won’t get the same level of crispiness you’d get from an oven, it will still be flavorful and tender. To crisp it up, you can briefly broil the turkey in the oven for a few minutes after it’s done cooking in the slow cooker. This is totally optional, but definitely gives a more traditional presentation.
Q: What size turkey can I cook in a slow cooker?
A: This will depend on the size of your slow cooker. A 6-8 quart slow cooker is usually ideal for a 10-12 pound turkey. Measure your slow cooker first, to make sure the turkey fits. You may have to buy a smaller bird if you only have a smaller slow cooker.
Q: Do I need to thaw the turkey before cooking it in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! You MUST fully thaw the turkey before placing it in the slow cooker. Cooking a frozen turkey in a slow cooker is unsafe. Thaw it in the fridge for a day or two prior.
Q: How long does it take to cook a turkey in a slow cooker?
A: Generally, a 10-12 pound turkey will take about 4-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Q: How do I make the gravy?
A: Once the turkey is done cooking, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Skim any excess fat from the juices, then whisk in a slurry made of 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Heat on low for 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the turkey?
A: Absolutely! Onions, carrots, and celery make great additions, which will only add more flavor to your gravy! Just be sure to place them under the turkey, so the bird does not sit directly on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Q: Is it okay to leave the turkey in the slow cooker after it’s done cooking?
A: For best results, transfer the turkey to a platter to rest for 10-15 minutes after it’s cooked. If you leave it in the slow cooker after it’s done it may start to overcook. This will also allow you to begin making your gravy using the drippings.