Slow cooked turkey thigh garnished with lemon slices and herbs on a plate

Tender Slow-Cooked Lemon Turkey Thighs

Name: Tender Slow-Cooked Lemon Turkey Thighs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 kg Turkey thigh, bone-in and skin on (Choose fresh or fully thawed, look for firm flesh with no smell); 50 ml Lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor); 4 cloves Garlic cloves (peeled and minced); 2 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin recommended); 1 tbsp Fresh rosemary (chopped); 1 tsp Salt (preferably sea salt or kosher salt); 0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground); 100 ml Chicken broth or water

Home Page / Slow Cooker Recipes / Slow Cooking Turkey Techniques

easy

4 hour 30 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories400kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat20gram

Protein45gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Turkey thigh, bone-in and skin on (Choose fresh or fully thawed, look for firm flesh with no smell)1 kg
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)50 ml
Garlic cloves (peeled and minced)4 cloves
Olive oil (extra virgin recommended)2 tbsp
Fresh rosemary (chopped)1 tbsp
Salt (preferably sea salt or kosher salt)1 tsp
Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
Chicken broth or water100 ml

This slow-cooked lemon turkey thigh recipe delivers tender, juicy, and flavorful meat that's perfect for an easy family dinner. The turkey thighs are cooked low and slow for hours, infused with bright lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a comforting meal with minimal effort. Suitable for a simple but impressive poultry dish, this recipe includes essential food safety tips, such as cooking the turkey to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD, €11 EUR, £9 GBP, and ₹900 INR. Each serving contains about 400 kcal, high protein, moderate fat, and is low in carbohydrates. This recipe suits any standard dietary preference that includes poultry and is classified as easy to medium complexity with a total cooking time of about 5 hours (active prep 15 minutes, slow cook 4 hours 30 minutes).

Preparation instructions

Prepare the turkey thigh

1Pat the turkey thigh dry with paper towels to promote browning. Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling raw poultry to avoid cross-contamination.

Mix marinade

2In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Marinate turkey

3Rub the marinade all over the turkey thigh evenly. Place it in a slow cooker or crockpot.

Add liquid and cook

4Pour chicken broth or water into the slow cooker around the turkey (not on top) to keep it moist. Cover with the lid.

Slow cook the turkey

5Cook the turkey on low for 4 to 4.5 hours until the meat is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part, avoiding the bone.

Rest before serving

6Once cooked, let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices for moist, flavorful meat.

Cooking Tips

1Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature for food safety.

2Avoid washing raw poultry to prevent spread of bacteria. Instead, pat dry with paper towels.

3For added flavor, you can sear the turkey thigh in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes per side before slow cooking.

4If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary can be used, but reduce quantity to 1 tsp.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker or crockpot
Meat thermometer
Knife and cutting board
Small bowl for marinade
Measuring spoons and cups
Tongs or gloves for handling raw turkey

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Turkey thigh, 1 kg (~$7) - Choose fresh or fully thawed turkey for best results.
[ ] Lemon, 1 (for fresh juice) (~$0.5) - Pick firm lemons with smooth skin.
[ ] Garlic cloves, 4 (~$0.3) - Look for firm garlic bulbs without mold.
[ ] Olive oil, extra virgin, small bottle (~$3) - Opt for good quality for best flavor.
[ ] Fresh rosemary, small bunch (~$1.5) - Select vibrant green sprigs.
[ ] Salt (~$0.1) - Choose sea salt or kosher salt.
[ ] Black pepper, ground or whole (~$0.1) - Freshly ground is preferable.
[ ] Chicken broth or water, 100 ml (~$0.3) - Use low-sodium broth if available.

Total estimated cost: ~$12

FAQ

What internal temperature should the turkey thigh reach to be safe to eat?

Turkey thigh should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure it is safe to consume.

Can I use frozen turkey thigh for this recipe?

It is best to use fresh or fully thawed turkey thigh. If using frozen, thaw it safely in the refrigerator before cooking.

Is it necessary to use a slow cooker?

While a slow cooker is ideal for tender results, you can also bake the turkey thigh in an oven at 160°C (320°F), covered, for about 3 hours or until it reaches safe internal temperature.

How do I avoid cross-contamination when handling raw turkey?

Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw poultry. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods, and clean surfaces well.