Slow cooked whole turkey served with homemade gravy on a platter

Tender & Juicy Slow-Cooked Whole Turkey with Rich Homemade Gravy

Name: Tender & Juicy Slow-Cooked Whole Turkey with Rich Homemade Gravy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 6 h 30 min
Total time: 7 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 piece Whole turkey (about 4.5 kg / 10 lbs); 2 tbsp Salt (preferably kosher salt); 1 tbsp Black pepper, freshly ground; 3 tbsp Olive oil or melted butter; 4 pieces Garlic cloves, crushed; 1 piece Onion, quartered; 2 pieces Carrots, peeled and cut into chunks; 2 pieces Celery stalks, cut into chunks; 2 pieces Fresh rosemary sprigs; 2 pieces Fresh thyme sprigs; 2 cups Chicken or turkey broth (for gravy); 2 tbsp All-purpose flour (for gravy)

Home Page / Slow Cooker Recipes / Slow Cooking Turkey Techniques

medium

6 hour 30 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories400kcal

Carbs10gram

Fat20gram

Protein35gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole turkey (about 4.5 kg / 10 lbs)1 piece
Salt (preferably kosher salt)2 tbsp
Black pepper, freshly ground1 tbsp
Olive oil or melted butter3 tbsp
Garlic cloves, crushed4 pieces
Onion, quartered1 piece
Carrots, peeled and cut into chunks2 pieces
Celery stalks, cut into chunks2 pieces
Fresh rosemary sprigs2 pieces
Fresh thyme sprigs2 pieces
Chicken or turkey broth (for gravy)2 cups
All-purpose flour (for gravy)2 tbsp

This slow-cooked whole turkey recipe guarantees a tender, juicy bird with minimal fuss — perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion. Slow cooking turkey allows the meat to absorb flavors and stay moist while you enjoy a stress-free cooking experience. The included homemade gravy enhances the natural juices of the turkey, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. The ingredients for this recipe cost approximately $25 USD (€23, £20, ₹1850). The whole dish serves about 8 people, with each serving containing around 400 kcal. This recipe is suitable for a balanced diet and is rated as medium difficulty due to the slow cooker use and timing involved. Total preparation plus cooking time is about 7 hours.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Turkey

1Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels. Rub the olive oil or melted butter all over the turkey skin, then season generously with salt and pepper inside and out. This helps in browning and flavor.

Add Aromatics to the Slow Cooker

2Place the quartered onion, carrots, celery, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs into the bottom of the slow cooker. These aromatics will infuse the turkey with flavor and provide a base for the gravy.

Place Turkey in Slow Cooker

3Carefully place the prepared turkey breast-side up into the slow cooker on top of the aromatics. Tuck the wing tips under the bird to prevent burning.

Cook the Turkey Slowly

4Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 74°C (165°F) measured with a food thermometer at the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. This slow cooking method ensures juicy meat with tender texture.

Check Temperature and Rest Turkey

5Once the turkey reaches 74°C (165°F), remove it carefully from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes. Resting redistributes juices for moist meat.

Prepare the Gravy

6While the turkey rests, pour the cooking juices and vegetables from the slow cooker into a pan through a fine sieve. Bring the liquid to a simmer on the stovetop. Mix flour with a small amount of cold water to make a smooth paste, then whisk into the simmering juices. Cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cooking Tips

1Use a digital thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked safely; poultry must reach at least 74°C (165°F) internal temperature.

2Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw turkey.

3You can add other herbs like sage or bay leaves for extra aroma.

4If your slow cooker is small, you can cut off the legs to fit better and cook together.

Equipment

Slow cooker (large size)
Meat thermometer
Sharp kitchen knife
Cutting board
Fine sieve
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Aluminum foil

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Whole turkey (~4.5 kg / 10 lbs) (~$20 USD) - Choose a fresh or fully thawed bird with firm skin.
[ ] Kosher salt (~$1 for package) - Coarse salt gives better seasoning control.
[ ] Ground black pepper (~$1) - Freshly ground for best flavor.
[ ] Olive oil or butter (~$2 for small bottle/pack) - Helps brown and flavor the turkey.
[ ] Garlic (~$0.50 for a head) - Look for firm, unblemished cloves.
[ ] Onion (~$0.30) - Choose firm onions with no soft spots.
[ ] Carrots (~$0.50) - Fresh and firm.
[ ] Celery (~$0.70) - Crisp stalks.
[ ] Fresh rosemary and thyme (~$2 for small bunches) - Choose vibrant and fragrant herbs.
[ ] Chicken or turkey broth (~$2) - Use low sodium for better control.
[ ] All-purpose flour (~$1 for small bag) - For thickening the gravy.

Total Estimated Cost: ~$30 USD depending on local prices.

FAQ

Can I cook a frozen turkey in a slow cooker?

It is not recommended to cook a frozen turkey in a slow cooker because the slow cooker takes time to reach a safe temperature, increasing the risk of harmful bacteria growth. Always thaw the turkey completely before cooking.

How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. The turkey is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches at least 74°C (165°F).