Slow Cooker Whole Turkey
Try this Slow Cooker Whole Turkey recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Slow Cooker Whole Turkey recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 8-10 lb whole turkey cleaned & cavity emptied
- 3 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium sized orange( using only half)
- 2 medium apples ( any baking apples will do)
- 2 medium onion ( yellow white, or red), chopped
- 2 stalks of celery cut
- 2 large carrots peeled & cut
- 5 sage leaves
- 3 sprigs of thyme
- 2 sprigs of rosemary
- Carbohydrate 7.55435005389678 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 40.7983233449232 g
- Fiber 1.38528351990833 g
- Protein 1.50099114561045 g
- Saturated Fat 5.71778825998509 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (64g)
- Sodium 2422.69692131719 mg
- Sugar 6.16906653398845 g
- Trans Fat 1.15273705026584 g
- Calories 392 calories
Step-by-step
- Stuff the turkey cavity with apple slices, half of an orange, celery, carrots, garlic, onions, and the fresh herbs. There will be leftover vegetables, herbs, and apples. Set them to the side.
- Drizzle the turkey with 2 tbsp olive, or vegetable oil.
- Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic powder all over the turkey.
- Rub the turkey down, to make sure that the oil and seasonings are all over.
- Now take the remaining vegetables & etc, and toss them in the slow cooker.
- FYI - as mentioned within my video & blog post, I like to use slow cooker liners.
- Drizzle the vegetables & etc, with 1 tbsp of olive oil.
- Now place the turkey in the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker on low, and cover with the lid.
- Now cook for 8 - 8 1/2 hours.
- Serve & enjoy the most juiciest turkey ever!
My Effortless Slow Cooker Turkey: A Busy Mom's Thanksgiving Secret
Thanksgiving. The word itself conjures images of bustling kitchens, the aroma of roasting turkey filling the air, and the frantic energy of preparing a feast for loved ones. For years, the traditional Thanksgiving turkey was a source of anxiety for me. The hours spent basting, monitoring oven temperature, and praying for perfectly browned skin felt overwhelming, especially with two rambunctious kids and a demanding job. Then I discovered the magic of the slow cooker.
This isn’t your grandma’s boiled turkey; this is a juicy, flavorful bird that practically cooks itself. I’m a busy working mom, and the slow cooker has become my Thanksgiving lifesaver. It allows me to enjoy the holiday without the stress of hours spent slaving away in the kitchen. I can prep the turkey in the morning, pop it in the slow cooker, and then focus on other aspects of the Thanksgiving prep, like making my famous pumpkin pie or spending quality time with my family. The slow cooker method delivers incredibly moist and tender turkey every single time – even better than the traditional oven-roasted version, if I’m honest!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or special equipment are required. You just need a whole turkey (I prefer 8-10 lbs), a few basic vegetables (onions, carrots, celery – whatever I have on hand), and some simple seasonings. The slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing the turkey with rich, savory flavors while keeping it incredibly moist. I love the added touch of apples and oranges; the slight sweetness balances the savory herbs and creates a complex flavor profile that’s truly exceptional. I usually use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup, which is a huge bonus after a long day of cooking and celebrating.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's about reclaiming Thanksgiving. It’s about spending less time in the kitchen and more time with the people you love. It's about enjoying the process, the flavors, and the company without the usual stress. It's about creating lasting memories around a table filled with delicious food and even more delicious laughter. This slow cooker turkey isn't just a recipe; it's a celebration of time well-spent, a testament to the power of simplicity, and a symbol of Thanksgiving done right – the easy, delicious, and utterly stress-free way.
Beyond the Bird: While the slow cooker turkey is the star of the show, don't forget the other elements that make Thanksgiving so special. Consider pairing this tender turkey with all your favorite side dishes – creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, cranberry sauce, and of course, my pumpkin pie. No matter how you choose to celebrate, I hope this recipe helps you enjoy a happy, relaxed, and delicious Thanksgiving with your loved ones.
This year, let's ditch the kitchen stress and embrace the joy of Thanksgiving. Let the slow cooker do the work, and let's focus on what truly matters: spending precious moments with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
