Description
Hearty Slow Cooker Turkey Feast brings families together with rich, tender meat infused with classic herbs and spices. Comfort meets convenience in this simple, foolproof method you can master for memorable family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (10 to 12 lb / 4.5 to 5.4 kg) whole turkey, thawed if frozen
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried sage
Instructions
- Preparation: Meticulously extract neck and internal organs from turkey. Pat entire surface dry with paper towels to optimize seasoning absorption.
- Seasoning Technique: Blend salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and sage into a vibrant herb mixture. Massage olive oil or butter thoroughly across and under turkey skin, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Slow Cooker Foundation: Layer chopped onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic as an aromatic base. Pour chicken broth to create a moisture-rich cooking environment.
- Positioning: Nestle turkey breast-side up in slow cooker, potentially trimming edges to achieve a perfect fit.
- Roasting Process: Cover and cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours. Verify doneness by confirming internal thigh temperature reaches 165°F using a precise meat thermometer.
- Finishing Touch: Transfer cooked turkey to baking sheet. Briefly broil to develop a golden, crispy exterior, maintaining vigilant monitoring to prevent burning.
- Serving Preparation: Rest turkey for 15-20 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute. Carve strategically to preserve moisture and create an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Remove giblets and pat turkey completely dry to help seasonings stick perfectly and promote crispy skin.
- Seasoning Secret: Create a generous spice rub under and over the skin for maximum flavor penetration, ensuring every bite is packed with aromatic herbs.
- Prevent Dryness: Cook on low temperature and use chicken broth to maintain moisture, checking internal temperature precisely to avoid overcooking.
- Crisp Finish Technique: Optional broiling step transforms slow-cooked turkey from soft to golden-brown, adding delightful textural contrast without sacrificing tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg