Tender & Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Whole Turkey
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat15gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Whole turkey (fresh or fully thawed)4-5 kg
- BBQ sauce (choose your favorite; thick and smoky works best)250 ml
- Olive oil (for rubbing)2 tbsp
- Garlic powder (adds savory aroma)1 tbsp
- Onion powder (for depth of flavor)1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika (for smoky taste)1 tbsp
- Salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)2 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground is best)1 tsp
- Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary, optional)2 tbsp
This slow cooked BBQ whole turkey recipe brings out tender and juicy flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for beginners and those looking to enjoy BBQ flavors without fuss. The turkey is cooked low and slow to keep the meat moist and flavorful. The total estimated cost of ingredients is around $30 USD / 27 EUR / 23 GBP / 2400 INR. The entire dish contains approximately 350 calories per serving and suits a standard omnivore diet. The recipe is of medium complexity, requiring a slow cooker or slow cooking method, with a total cooking time of 6-8 hours plus preparation.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the turkey
1Remove the turkey from packaging and remove any giblets from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure the skin can crisp up later. This step helps the BBQ rub stick better.
Make the BBQ rub
2In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the turkey all over with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture, including inside the cavity. This creates a flavorful crust.
Add herbs and sauce
3If using fresh herbs, place them inside the turkey cavity. Brush a little BBQ sauce over the turkey to add flavor and moisture.
Set up slow cooker or oven
4If using a slow cooker large enough for the whole turkey, place a rack inside to elevate the bird. If using an oven, preheat to 150°C (300°F). The low temperature is key to slow cooking.
Cook the turkey slowly
5Place the turkey breast side up on the rack inside the slow cooker or on a roasting pan if using oven. Cover with foil if in oven. Cook for approximately 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
Baste regularly
6Every 2 hours during cooking, baste the turkey with the BBQ sauce to enhance moisture and flavor. Basting helps develop a sticky, delicious glaze on the skin.
Check doneness
7Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked. Insert into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. Once it hits 74°C (165°F), it is safe to eat.
Rest the turkey
8Remove the turkey from the cooker or oven and let it rest uncovered for 20-30 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in tender meat.
Carve and serve
9After resting, carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides and extra BBQ sauce.
Cooking Tips
1Always use a clean thermometer and avoid cross-contamination by washing hands and surfaces after handling raw turkey.
2If you don't have a slow cooker, you can slow roast the turkey in the oven at 150°C (300°F).
3For a smoky flavor, consider adding wood chips if using a smoker or grilling setup.
4Ensure the turkey is completely thawed before cooking to avoid undercooked sections.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker large enough for whole turkey (or oven and roasting pan)
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
- Mixing bowls
- Paper towels
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole turkey (4-5 kg) – approximately $20 (choose fresh or thawed; avoid frozen partially thawed)
- [ ] BBQ sauce (250 ml) – about $3 (pick a thick, flavorful sauce you enjoy)
- [ ] Olive oil – about $0.50 for the amount used (extra virgin for best flavor)
- [ ] Garlic powder – $1 (ensure freshness; potent flavor)
- [ ] Onion powder – $1
- [ ] Smoked paprika – $1.50 (adds smoky flavor without a smoker)
- [ ] Kosher or sea salt – $0.50
- [ ] Black pepper – $0.50 (freshly ground is preferable)
- [ ] Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) – $2
Total estimated cost: $30
FAQ
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked safely?
Use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh has reached at least 74°C (165°F), which is the safe minimum temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
Can I use frozen turkey for this recipe?
It's best to use fully thawed turkey before cooking, as partially frozen meat will cook unevenly. Thaw your turkey in the refrigerator for several days prior to cooking.
What if I don't have a slow cooker big enough?
You can slow roast the turkey in your oven at 150°C (300°F) using a roasting pan covered with foil to keep moisture in.
Why is basting important in slow cooking turkey?
Basting with BBQ sauce adds moisture and flavor and helps develop a delicious caramelized coating on the turkey skin.