Golden-brown slow-cooked whole turkey on a platter with herbs

Tender Slow-Cooked Whole Turkey: A Foolproof Juicy Delight

Name: Tender Slow-Cooked Whole Turkey: A Foolproof Juicy Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 piece Whole turkey (5-6 kg, preferably fresh or fully thawed frozen); 2 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin preferred); 2 tbsp Salt (kosher salt recommended); 1 tbsp Ground black pepper; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Onion powder; 1 tsp Dried thyme; 1 tsp Dried rosemary; 3 pieces Carrots (cut into large chunks); 3 pieces Celery stalks (cut into large chunks); 1 piece Yellow onion (quartered); 2 cups Chicken or turkey broth (low sodium)

Home Page / Slow Cooker Recipes / Slow Cooking Turkey Techniques

easy

8 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs3gram

Fat12gram

Protein45gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole turkey (5-6 kg, preferably fresh or fully thawed frozen)1 piece
Olive oil (extra virgin preferred)2 tbsp
Salt (kosher salt recommended)2 tbsp
Ground black pepper1 tbsp
Garlic powder1 tsp
Onion powder1 tsp
Dried thyme1 tsp
Dried rosemary1 tsp
Carrots (cut into large chunks)3 pieces
Celery stalks (cut into large chunks)3 pieces
Yellow onion (quartered)1 piece
Chicken or turkey broth (low sodium)2 cups

This slow-cooked whole turkey recipe results in ultra-tender, juicy meat that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Using a slow cooker ensures consistently moist turkey without complex preparation. The recipe emphasizes food safety with recommended internal temperatures and easy-to-follow steps. Ingredients cost approximately $25 USD (€22, £18, ₹2000) for a 5-6kg bird. Each serving contains around 350 calories. Ideal for a moderate diet lifestyle. Preparation is easy, cooking time is long due to slow technique but requires minimal active effort.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the turkey for seasoning

1Remove the turkey from packaging, discard any giblets or neck inside the cavity. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin later and reduce bacterial risk.

Season the turkey

2Rub olive oil all over the turkey skin, including under the wings and legs. Mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl then sprinkle evenly all over the turkey, inside and out.

Prepare the slow cooker base

3Place carrots, celery, and quartered onion at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add broth. These vegetables will add flavor and keep the turkey elevated to prevent sogginess.

Place the turkey into the slow cooker

4Carefully place the turkey breast-side up on top of the vegetables. Make sure it's centered and the slow cooker lid closes properly without touching the skin.

Cook the turkey low and slow

5Set your slow cooker on LOW. Cook for approximately 8 hours for a 5 kg turkey. Do not remove the lid during cooking as it lets heat escape and extends cooking time.

Check doneness and temperature

6Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh (avoid the bone). It must reach at least 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption. If not reached, continue cooking and check every 20 minutes.

Rest the turkey

7Once fully cooked, remove the turkey carefully from the slow cooker. Tent loosely with foil and let rest 15-20 minutes before carving. Resting allows juices to redistribute, resulting in moist meat.

Cooking Tips

1Use a digital meat thermometer for accurate temperature readings.

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

3For extra flavor, stuff the turkey cavity with aromatics like garlic cloves or lemon halves.

4If your slow cooker is small, consider roasting breast and legs separately for even cooking.

5Save leftover broth as a delicious turkey stock base for soups.

Equipment

Slow cooker (large enough for a whole turkey)
Digital meat thermometer
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Kitchen tongs or oven mitts

Shopping List

[ ] Whole turkey (5-6 kg) ~ $15 - Choose a fresh or fully thawed frozen bird with no unpleasant odor.
[ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) ~ $5 - Select a good quality, cold-pressed variety for best flavor.
[ ] Kosher salt ~ $1 - Coarser grains give better seasoning.
[ ] Ground black pepper ~ $1 - Freshly ground preferable.
[ ] Garlic powder ~ $1 - Or substitute with fresh minced garlic.
[ ] Onion powder ~ $1
[ ] Dried thyme ~ $1
[ ] Dried rosemary ~ $1 - Fresh herbs can be used but adjust quantity.
[ ] Carrots (3 pieces) ~ $1
[ ] Celery stalks (3 pieces) ~ $1
[ ] Yellow onion (1 piece) ~ $1
[ ] Chicken or turkey broth (2 cups) ~ $3 - Low sodium preferred.

Total approximate cost: $25

FAQ

Can I use a frozen turkey in the slow cooker?

It's important to fully thaw the turkey before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety. Cooking a frozen turkey in a slow cooker is not recommended.

How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?

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