Cooking a turkey in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and moist meal with minimal effort. However, one of the most common questions people have when cooking a turkey in a slow cooker is how long to cook it. The cooking time will depend on several factors, including the size of the turkey, the temperature of the slow cooker, and the level of doneness desired.
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
There are several factors that can affect the cooking time of a turkey in a slow cooker. These include:
Turkey Size
The size of the turkey is one of the most significant factors affecting cooking time. A larger turkey will take longer to cook than a smaller one. It’s essential to choose a turkey that fits comfortably in your slow cooker, leaving enough room for the lid to close and for air to circulate around the bird.
Weight and Cooking Time
Here is a general guideline for cooking time based on turkey weight:
| Turkey Weight | Cooking Time (Low) | Cooking Time (High) |
| — | — | — |
| 2-3 pounds | 6-8 hours | 3-4 hours |
| 4-5 pounds | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours |
| 6-7 pounds | 10-12 hours | 6-8 hours |
| 8-9 pounds | 12-14 hours | 8-10 hours |
Slow Cooker Temperature
The temperature of the slow cooker can also affect cooking time. A higher temperature will cook the turkey faster, while a lower temperature will cook it slower. Most slow cookers have two temperature settings: low and high. The low setting is usually around 275°F (135°C), while the high setting is around 300°F (150°C).
Level of Doneness
The level of doneness desired can also affect cooking time. If you prefer your turkey to be more well-done, you’ll need to cook it for a longer period. It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How to Cook a Turkey in a Slow Cooker
Cooking a turkey in a slow cooker is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Preparation
Before cooking the turkey, make sure to:
- Thaw the turkey completely
- Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity
- Rinse the turkey with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels
- Season the turkey with your desired herbs and spices
Cooking
To cook the turkey, follow these steps:
- Place the turkey in the slow cooker, breast side up
- Add your desired aromatics, such as onions, carrots, and celery, to the slow cooker
- Pour in enough liquid, such as chicken broth or wine, to cover the bottom of the slow cooker
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours
- Baste the turkey with the juices every hour or so to keep it moist
Checking for Doneness
To ensure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and 180°F (82°C) in the thigh.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to keep in mind when cooking a turkey in a slow cooker:
Brining
Brining the turkey before cooking can help to add flavor and moisture. To brine the turkey, submerge it in a saltwater solution (1 cup kosher salt per gallon of water) for several hours or overnight.
Stuffing
You can cook the stuffing inside the turkey or in a separate slow cooker. If cooking inside the turkey, make sure the stuffing is loosely filled and the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Gravy
To make a delicious gravy, deglaze the slow cooker with a little bit of wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Then, whisk in some flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy.
Conclusion
Cooking a turkey in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and moist meal with minimal effort. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature and is full of flavor. Remember to always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and aromatics to add flavor to your turkey.
What are the benefits of cooking a turkey in a slow cooker?
Cooking a turkey in a slow cooker offers several benefits, including convenience, ease of use, and tender results. A slow cooker allows you to cook the turkey hands-free, freeing up your time for other activities. Additionally, the low heat and moisture-rich environment of the slow cooker help to break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy turkey.
Another benefit of cooking a turkey in a slow cooker is that it helps to prevent overcooking. Since the heat is low and consistent, it’s difficult to overcook the turkey, which can be a common problem when cooking in the oven. This makes it an ideal method for those who are new to cooking or who want to ensure a perfectly cooked turkey.
What size slow cooker do I need to cook a turkey?
The size of the slow cooker needed to cook a turkey depends on the size of the turkey. A general rule of thumb is to use a slow cooker that is at least 6 quarts in size for a small to medium-sized turkey (up to 4 pounds). For larger turkeys (4-6 pounds), an 8-quart slow cooker is recommended. It’s essential to ensure that the turkey fits comfortably in the slow cooker, with enough room for the lid to close and for air to circulate around the meat.
When choosing a slow cooker, consider the shape of the turkey as well. A oval-shaped slow cooker is ideal for cooking a turkey, as it allows for even cooking and easy basting. A round slow cooker can also work, but it may require more frequent basting to ensure even cooking.
How do I prepare the turkey for slow cooking?
To prepare the turkey for slow cooking, start by thawing it completely. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity, and rinse the turkey under cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, both inside and out, to remove excess moisture. Season the turkey as desired, using a mixture of herbs, spices, and aromatics such as onion, carrot, and celery.
Next, stuff the turkey loosely with aromatics, such as onion, carrot, and celery, and place it in the slow cooker. You can also add some liquid to the slow cooker, such as chicken broth or wine, to help keep the turkey moist and add flavor. Make sure the turkey is not overcrowded, and that there is enough room for air to circulate around it.
How long does it take to cook a turkey in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for a turkey in a slow cooker depends on the size of the turkey and the temperature of the slow cooker. A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. However, it’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
It’s also important to note that the turkey will continue to cook a bit after it’s removed from the slow cooker, so it’s best to check the temperature about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time. If the turkey is not yet cooked to a safe internal temperature, cover it and continue to cook for another 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Can I cook a frozen turkey in a slow cooker?
It’s not recommended to cook a frozen turkey in a slow cooker. Cooking a frozen turkey can lead to uneven cooking and a higher risk of foodborne illness. The slow cooker may not be able to heat the turkey evenly, and the turkey may not reach a safe internal temperature.
Instead, thaw the turkey completely before cooking it in the slow cooker. This will ensure that the turkey cooks evenly and reaches a safe internal temperature. If you’re short on time, you can thaw the turkey in cold water or in the refrigerator.
How do I keep the turkey moist while cooking in a slow cooker?
To keep the turkey moist while cooking in a slow cooker, it’s essential to use a combination of techniques. First, make sure the turkey is not overcrowded in the slow cooker, and that there is enough room for air to circulate around it. You can also add some liquid to the slow cooker, such as chicken broth or wine, to help keep the turkey moist and add flavor.
Another technique is to baste the turkey regularly, using the juices from the slow cooker. You can also cover the turkey with foil to help retain moisture and promote even cooking. Finally, make sure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature, but avoid overcooking, which can dry out the meat.
Can I cook a turkey breast in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a turkey breast in a slow cooker. In fact, a slow cooker is an ideal way to cook a turkey breast, as it helps to keep the meat moist and tender. To cook a turkey breast in a slow cooker, season it as desired, and place it in the slow cooker. Add some liquid, such as chicken broth or wine, to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Make sure the turkey breast is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If you prefer a crispy skin, you can broil the turkey breast for a few minutes after cooking.