Slow cooked turkey thigh garnished with herbs in a ceramic dish

Tender & Healthy Slow-Cooked Turkey Thigh

Name: Tender & Healthy Slow-Cooked Turkey Thigh
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 piece (about 1.5 kg) Turkey thigh (bone-in, skin-on for flavor); 2 tbsp Olive oil; 4 pieces Garlic cloves (minced); 1 medium Onion (chopped); 2 medium Carrots (peeled and chopped); 2 stalks Celery stalks; 250 ml Chicken or turkey broth (low sodium); 1 tsp Fresh rosemary (chopped); 1 tsp Fresh thyme (chopped); 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)

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easy

6 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat15gram

Protein40gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Turkey thigh (bone-in, skin-on for flavor)1 piece (about 1.5 kg)
Olive oil2 tbsp
Garlic cloves (minced)4 pieces
Onion (chopped)1 medium
Carrots (peeled and chopped)2 medium
Celery stalks2 stalks
Chicken or turkey broth (low sodium)250 ml
Fresh rosemary (chopped)1 tsp
Fresh thyme (chopped)1 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp

This recipe for slow-cooked turkey thigh is designed for home cooks who want a healthy, flavorful, and foolproof meal. Slow cooking allows the turkey thigh to become tender and juicy without drying out, making it perfect for an effortless dinner. The recipe uses simple, common ingredients and standard kitchen tools, ensuring accessibility. The total ingredient cost is approximately $10 USD, €9, £8, and ₹850. The dish contains about 350 kcal per serving. It fits well within a healthy eating plan focused on lean protein and whole foods. The recipe difficulty is easy, with a total time of about 6 hours and 15 minutes (including slow cooking time).

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

1Wash your hands well before handling raw turkey to ensure food safety and avoid cross-contamination. Pat the turkey thigh dry with paper towels, then season it evenly with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.

Brown the Turkey Thigh

2Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the turkey thigh on each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. This step enhances flavor and seals in juices.

Prepare Slow Cooker Base

3Place chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic into the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the broth over the vegetables to create a flavorful cooking liquid.

Slow Cook the Turkey

4Place the browned turkey thigh on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey reaches 74°C (165°F), which is safe for poultry.

Check for Doneness and Rest

5Use a food-safe meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. It must be at least 74°C (165°F) internally. Once done, remove the turkey and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Cooking Tips

1If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried rosemary and thyme can be used at half the amount.

2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other ingredients.

3Resting the turkey after cooking keeps it juicy and easier to carve.

4You can add other vegetables like potatoes or parsnips for a complete meal in the slow cooker.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker (crockpot)
Skillet or frying pan
Tongs or spatula
Meat thermometer
Knife and chopping board
Measuring spoons
Spoon or spatula for stirring

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Turkey thigh (~1.5 kg) - approx. $8.50. Choose a fresh turkey thigh with firm, pinkish skin and no strong odor.
[ ] Olive oil (small bottle if you don’t have) - approx. $3.00. Extra virgin is best for flavor and health.
[ ] Fresh garlic (one bulb) - approx. $0.50. Look for firm, plump cloves.
[ ] Onion (1 medium) - approx. $0.60. Choose onions that are firm and heavy for their size.
[ ] Carrots (2 medium) - approx. $0.40. Look for brightly colored, firm carrots.
[ ] Celery (2 stalks) - approx. $0.75. Fresh, crisp celery with no blemishes is ideal.
[ ] Low sodium chicken or turkey broth (250 ml) - approx. $1.20. Choose low sodium to control salt content.
[ ] Fresh rosemary (small bunch) - approx. $1.00. Aromatic and green leaves indicate freshness.
[ ] Fresh thyme (small bunch) - approx. $1.00. Avoid wilted or dry bunches.
[ ] Salt and black pepper (to taste) - pantry staples

Total approximate cost: $10 - $15 depending on your ingredient sourcing and regional price variations.

FAQ

Can I use boneless turkey thigh instead?

Yes, boneless turkey thigh can be used. Adjust cooking time as boneless cuts generally cook faster, check internal temperature to be sure.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can cook this turkey thigh in an oven-safe pot with a lid at 150°C (300°F) for about 2.5 - 3 hours until fully cooked.

How do I know the turkey is safe to eat?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 74°C (165°F) at the thickest part of the meat, which is the USDA recommended safe temperature for poultry.