Easy & Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey

Introducing the Easy & Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Recipe! This recipe is perfect for those busy holiday cooking days when oven space is at a premium. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, and the result is a tender, juicy turkey that your family will love.

The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, leaving you free to prepare the rest of your holiday meal. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, stress-free holiday dinner!

Ingredients:

Turkey: This is the main ingredient of the dish. Make sure it is completely thawed and cleaned from the center.

Seasoning salt: This adds flavor to the turkey. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a smoky flavor to the turkey.

Regular Paprika: This spice adds a mild sweet-pepper flavor to the turkey.

Lemon Pepper (Salt-free): This adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the turkey.

Granulated Garlic Powder: This adds a savory garlic flavor to the turkey.

Granulated Onion Powder: This adds a sweet and savory onion flavor to the turkey.

Poultry Seasoning: This is a blend of herbs and spices that enhance the flavor of the turkey.

Rubbed Sage: This herb adds a warm and slightly peppery flavor to the turkey.

Butter (semi-softened): This is used to slather the turkey, which helps to keep it moist and adds a rich flavor.

Making The Delicious Slow Cooker Turkey

Preparing the Turkey:
Start by preparing your turkey. Ensure it is completely thawed, cleaned from the center, rinsed in cold water, and patted dry. Allow the turkey to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to remove the chill. This will ensure your turkey cooks evenly.

Seasoning the Turkey:
Mix your chosen dry seasonings. Slather your turkey in semi-softened butter, ensuring you cover all areas, even under the skin. Once the turkey is covered in butter, apply your mixed seasonings all over the turkey, including the cavity. Be sure to pat the seasoning onto the turkey to make sure it sticks.

Preparing the Crock Pot:
Place your seasoned turkey in an eight-quart crock pot. It should be a snug fit. Sprinkle more of your seasoning on any exposed areas of the turkey.

Cooking the Turkey:
Cover the crock pot with a lid and set it to high. Let the turkey cook without lifting the lid or basting. This is a set-it-and-forget-it method, which is ideal when you’re busy with other holiday preparations.

Checking the Turkey:
Once the turkey is cooked, check for doneness by seeing if the internal temperature is correct and if the skin has pulled back from the bone on the leg. Also, the button should have popped out.

Resting and Carving the Turkey:
Carefully remove the turkey from the crock pot and let it rest on a baking sheet before carving or cutting it up. Be aware that the turkey will be very tender and may fall apart as you’re removing it from the pot.

Tips and variations for the Slow Cooker Turkey recipe:

Tips:

1. Thawing the Turkey: Always remember to thaw your turkey completely before cooking. A partially frozen turkey will not cook evenly.
2. Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings for your turkey. The ones mentioned in the recipe are just a suggestion.
3. Checking Doneness: The best way to check if your turkey is done is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
4. Resting the Turkey: Allow the turkey to rest after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moister turkey.

Variations:

1. Adding Aromatics: For added flavor, consider stuffing the turkey cavity with aromatics like onion, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs before cooking.
2. Using a Rub: Instead of a simple seasoning, consider making a rub with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices. Rub this mixture all over the turkey before cooking.
3. Gravy: If you’d like to make gravy, use the juices left in the slow cooker after the turkey is done. Simply skim off the fat, then heat the juices in a saucepan with a bit of flour to thicken.
4. Crispy Skin: If you prefer crispy skin on your turkey, you can put the cooked turkey under the broiler for a few minutes. Watch it closely to prevent burning.

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Slow Cooker Turkey
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