Slow cooked whole turkey with golden honey glaze on a platter

Honey Glazed Slow Cooked Whole Turkey: Juicy & Tender Delight

Name: Honey Glazed Slow Cooked Whole Turkey: Juicy & Tender Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4.5 kg Whole turkey (fresh or fully thawed) - choose one with firm skin and no off odors; 100 g Unsalted butter - softened for easy rubbing onto turkey skin; 120 g Honey - use raw or mild floral honey for best flavor; 4 piece Garlic cloves - peeled and minced for aromatic infusion; 2 tbsp Fresh rosemary - finely chopped for herbal freshness; 2 tbsp Fresh thyme - leaves picked for depth of flavor; 1.5 tbsp Salt - preferably kosher or sea salt to enhance flavor; 1 tbsp Black pepper - freshly ground for seasoning; 2 tbsp Olive oil - for greasing the slow cooker and skin moisture

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medium

6 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories400kcal

Carbs12gram

Fat15gram

Protein50gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole turkey (fresh or fully thawed) - choose one with firm skin and no off odors4.5 kg
Unsalted butter - softened for easy rubbing onto turkey skin100 g
Honey - use raw or mild floral honey for best flavor120 g
Garlic cloves - peeled and minced for aromatic infusion4 piece
Fresh rosemary - finely chopped for herbal freshness2 tbsp
Fresh thyme - leaves picked for depth of flavor2 tbsp
Salt - preferably kosher or sea salt to enhance flavor1.5 tbsp
Black pepper - freshly ground for seasoning1 tbsp
Olive oil - for greasing the slow cooker and skin moisture2 tbsp

This slow-cooked whole turkey recipe yields a moist, tender, and flavorful bird infused with a sweet and sticky honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. Slow cooking at a controlled low temperature ensures evenly cooked meat that stays juicy and melts in your mouth. The honey glaze adds a lovely golden finish and slight sweetness that complements the savory turkey. This recipe is beginner-friendly with clear step-by-step instructions, timing guidance, and essential food safety advice including safe internal temperature checks and handling tips. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $25 USD / €23 / £20 / ₹1850, serving 6 to 8 people. Each serving contains roughly 400 calories, is gluten-free and suitable for a traditional non-vegetarian diet. Preparation time is 20 minutes, cooking time about 6 hours, making this hands-off but rewarding way to prepare your turkey.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the turkey

1Remove the turkey from packaging and discard any giblets from inside the cavity. Pat the turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp lightly and avoids steaming during cooking. Avoid rinsing the turkey under water to prevent cross-contamination.

Make honey glaze and butter rub

2In a small bowl, combine softened butter, honey, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a fragrant paste. This will both flavor and moisture-lock the turkey as it slow cooks.

Apply the glaze and rub

3Gently loosen the skin around the turkey breast with your fingers, careful not to tear it. Spread half of the honey butter mixture under the skin over the breast meat for deep flavor. Then rub the remaining mixture evenly over the outside skin all over the bird.

Prepare slow cooker

4Lightly grease the slow cooker pot with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the turkey breast side up in the pot. Tuck wings under the bird to prevent burning. No need to add water or broth; the turkey will release its own juices.

Set slow cooker temperature and time

5Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to LOW heat setting. Cook the turkey for about 6 hours. Timings can vary slightly depending on slow cooker model and turkey size. Slow cooking ensures gentle heat that keeps meat tender.

Check internal temperature

6About 30 minutes before estimated finish time, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding bone) to check temperature. The safe internal temperature for turkey is 74°C (165°F). If not yet reached, continue cooking and check every 15 minutes until done.

Rest and serve

7Once fully cooked, carefully lift turkey out (it will be tender, use two sturdy utensils). Let the turkey rest loosely covered with foil for 20 minutes before carving. This helps juices redistribute, resulting in moist slices. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Cooking Tips

-Use a digital instant-read meat thermometer for the most accurate temperature reading; insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.

-Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking as much as possible to keep heat steady and cooking time accurate.

-If you want a crispier skin finish, transfer the cooked turkey to a baking tray and broil in an oven at high heat for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

-Any leftover cooked turkey should be refrigerated within 2 hours and consumed within 3-4 days to ensure safety.

-For additional flavor, stuff the turkey cavity with aromatics like halved onions, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs before slow cooking.

Equipment

Slow cooker (large capacity, at least 6 liters/6 quarts)
Meat thermometer (digital instant-read recommended)
Small mixing bowl
Spoon and knife for mixing and spreading
Kitchen tongs or large fork for handling turkey
Aluminum foil
Paper towels

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Whole turkey (approx. 4.5 kg) - around $15. Choose fresh or fully thawed frozen turkey, look for smooth skin, no bruises.
[ ] Unsalted butter, 100g - around $1.50. Choose fresh butter stored in refrigeration.
[ ] Honey, 120g - around $3. Use natural or mild floral honey.
[ ] Garlic cloves, 4 pieces - around $0.50. Choose firm, unblemished bulbs.
[ ] Fresh rosemary, small bunch - around $1. Choose firm green sprigs.
[ ] Fresh thyme, small bunch - around $1. Select fresh and fragrant leaves.
[ ] Salt, kosher or sea salt, 1.5 tbsp - about $0.20 (bulk)
[ ] Black pepper, ground, 1 tbsp - about $0.30 (bulk)
[ ] Olive oil, small bottle, to use 2 tbsp - $3. Choose extra virgin for quality.

Total approximate cost: $25

Tips: Buy herbs fresh for best flavor and aroma. Select a turkey size that fits comfortably in your slow cooker pot.

FAQ

Can I use a frozen turkey for this recipe?

It is best to use a fully thawed turkey for even slow cooking and safe internal temperature. Cooking from frozen is not recommended in a slow cooker due to uneven cooking and food safety risks.

How do I know if the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat?

Use a digital meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is fully cooked and safe when the internal temperature reaches at least 74°C (165°F).

Can I prepare the turkey the night before?

Yes, you can apply the honey butter glaze and keep the turkey covered in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before slow cooking to ensure even cooking.

What if I don't have fresh herbs?

You can substitute fresh rosemary and thyme with about 1 tablespoon each of dried herbs. Add them to the butter mixture and mix well.

Is it safe to slow cook turkey without adding liquid?

Yes, turkey naturally releases juices during cooking. Slow cooking at low temperatures with the lid sealed retains moisture, so no extra liquid is required.