Slow cooked turkey thighs glazed with honey, served on a plate with herbs

Tender Honey Glazed Slow Cooked Turkey Thighs

Name: Tender Honey Glazed Slow Cooked Turkey Thighs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 kg Turkey thigh, bone-in and skin-on (choose fresh, firm meat that is not discolored); 3 tbsp Honey (look for pure honey for best glaze flavor); 2 tbsp Soy sauce (low sodium recommended to control saltiness); 3 piece Garlic cloves (fresh, firm cloves with no spots or sprouting); 2 tsp Fresh thyme (optional, for herbal aroma); 1 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor); 1 tsp Salt (to taste, use iodized salt); 0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground is best); 100 ml Water or broth (to add moisture during slow cooking)

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easy

4 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs12gram

Fat15gram

Protein30gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Turkey thigh, bone-in and skin-on (choose fresh, firm meat that is not discolored)1 kg
Honey (look for pure honey for best glaze flavor)3 tbsp
Soy sauce (low sodium recommended to control saltiness)2 tbsp
Garlic cloves (fresh, firm cloves with no spots or sprouting)3 piece
Fresh thyme (optional, for herbal aroma)2 tsp
Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)1 tbsp
Salt (to taste, use iodized salt)1 tsp
Black pepper (freshly ground is best)0.5 tsp
Water or broth (to add moisture during slow cooking)100 ml

This slow cooked honey glazed turkey thigh recipe delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful poultry with minimal effort. Perfect for a comforting dinner, slow cooking tenderizes the meat gently while infusing it with a sweet and savory honey glaze. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD / 11 EUR / 9 GBP / 950 INR. Each serving has approximately 350 kcal. This recipe suits those following a wholesome, balanced diet. It is beginner-friendly with moderate cooking time (total 5 hours including slow cooking and prep). Food safety is emphasized with clear internal temperature guidelines to ensure perfectly cooked turkey every time.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Turkey Thigh

1Pat dry the turkey thigh with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps in browning. Then season the turkey thigh evenly with salt and black pepper. This step usually takes about 5 minutes.

Mix the Honey Glaze

2In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, and finely minced garlic cloves. Stir together until smooth. This fragrant glaze is what will coat the turkey and keep it juicy. Preparation should take around 3 minutes.

Brown the Turkey Thigh (Optional but Recommended)

3Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey thigh skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Browning adds flavor but can be skipped if short on time.

Set Up Slow Cooker

4Transfer the browned turkey thigh into the slow cooker. Pour the honey glaze over the top. Add 100 ml water or broth around the turkey (not directly on top) to maintain moisture during cooking. Sprinkle fresh thyme if using. This arrangement helps even cooking. Setup takes 2 minutes.

Slow Cook the Turkey Thigh

5Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey thigh reaches 74°C (165°F), the USDA recommended safe temperature for poultry. Use a food-safe instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part avoiding bone to check. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on slow cooker. This long, slow cooking tenderizes meat while infusing flavors.

Glaze and Serve

6Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey thigh and brush with the remaining glaze if desired. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Resting helps the meat stay moist and flavorful. Slice and serve hot.

Cooking Tips

-Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey has reached a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to avoid foodborne illness.

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

-If you want a thicker glaze, remove the turkey after cooking and simmer the leftover juices in a pan on medium heat until reduced to a syrupy consistency.

-Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker or Crock-Pot
Skillet or frying pan (for browning)
Meat thermometer (instant read recommended)
Small mixing bowl
Spoon or brush for glazing
Knife and cutting board

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Turkey thigh, bone-in, skin-on (approx. 1 kg) - around $8.00
[ ] Honey (pure) - 3 tbsp, about $0.50
[ ] Soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tbsp, about $0.30
[ ] Garlic cloves (3 pieces) - about $0.20
[ ] Fresh thyme (optional) - small bunch, about $1.00
[ ] Olive oil - 1 tbsp, about $0.20
[ ] Salt - pantry staple
[ ] Black pepper - pantry staple
[ ] Water or broth - 100 ml, pantry or fresh

Tip: Buy fresh turkey thigh that is firm with a good color and no unpleasant smell. Choose pure honey over processed if possible for the best natural sweetness.

Total estimated cost: approximately $10.20

FAQ

Can I use boneless turkey thigh instead of bone-in?

Yes, you can use boneless turkey thigh but reduce the cooking time slightly and be sure to check internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part without touching bone. This ensures it is safe to consume.