Cooking a Delicious Turkey Crown in the Slow Cooker: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking a turkey crown in the slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and moist meal with minimal effort. This method is perfect for special occasions or holidays, as it allows you to cook the turkey while you attend to other tasks. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook a turkey crown in the slow cooker, including preparation, cooking time, and tips for achieving the perfect result.

Choosing the Right Turkey Crown

Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right turkey crown for your slow cooker. When selecting a turkey crown, consider the following factors:

• Size: Choose a turkey crown that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. A 2-3 kg (4-6 lbs) turkey crown is ideal for most slow cookers.
• Quality: Opt for a high-quality turkey crown from a reputable butcher or supermarket. Look for a crown with a good balance of white and dark meat.
• Freshness: Ensure the turkey crown is fresh and has not been frozen for an extended period.

Preparing the Turkey Crown

To prepare the turkey crown for cooking, follow these steps:

• Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey crown.
• Rinse the turkey crown under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels.
• Season the turkey crown with your desired herbs and spices. You can use a store-bought seasoning mix or create your own blend using salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

Creating a Delicious Rub

A rub is a mixture of herbs and spices that adds flavor to the turkey crown. To create a delicious rub, mix the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rub the mixture all over the turkey crown, making sure to coat it evenly.

Cooking the Turkey Crown in the Slow Cooker

Now that the turkey crown is prepared, it’s time to cook it in the slow cooker. Follow these steps:

• Place the turkey crown in the slow cooker, breast side up.
• Add 1-2 cups of chicken or turkey broth to the slow cooker, depending on the size of your turkey crown.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Baste the turkey crown with the juices every hour to keep it moist and promote even cooking.

Checking the Temperature

To ensure the turkey crown is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the breast and 80°C (180°F) in the thigh.

Letting it Rest

Once the turkey crown is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the turkey crown more tender and juicy.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Result

To achieve the perfect result when cooking a turkey crown in the slow cooker, follow these tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey crown is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker, as this can affect the cooking time and temperature.
• Baste the turkey crown with the juices every hour to keep it moist and promote even cooking.
• Let the turkey crown rest for 20-30 minutes before carving and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When cooking a turkey crown in the slow cooker, there are several common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the turkey crown, which can make it dry and tough.
• Not basting the turkey crown with the juices, which can affect the moisture and flavor.
• Not letting the turkey crown rest, which can make it difficult to carve and serve.

Solving Common Problems

If you encounter any problems while cooking the turkey crown, such as overcooking or undercooking, don’t panic. Here are some solutions:

• If the turkey crown is overcooked, try to rescue it by covering it with foil and letting it rest for 10-15 minutes.
• If the turkey crown is undercooked, return it to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Serving and Carving the Turkey Crown

Once the turkey crown is cooked and rested, it’s time to carve and serve. Here are some tips for carving and serving:

• Use a sharp knife to carve the turkey crown, slicing it into thin pieces.
• Serve the turkey crown with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
• Consider serving the turkey crown with a delicious gravy, made by deglazing the slow cooker with a little wine or broth.

Delicious Side Dishes

Here are some delicious side dishes that go perfectly with the slow-cooked turkey crown:

• Mashed potatoes: A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the turkey crown.
• Stuffing: A savory mixture of bread, herbs, and spices that complements the turkey crown nicely.
• Cranberry sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that adds a nice contrast to the rich flavor of the turkey crown.

Creating a Delicious Gravy

A delicious gravy is the perfect accompaniment to the slow-cooked turkey crown. To create a delicious gravy, follow these steps:

• Deglaze the slow cooker with a little wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the slow cooker, whisking it into the juices.
• Cook the gravy for 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to cook a delicious and moist turkey crown in the slow cooker. Remember to choose the right turkey crown, prepare it properly, and cook it to a safe internal temperature. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect result and impress your family and friends with a delicious slow-cooked turkey crown.

What is a turkey crown and why is it ideal for slow cooking?

A turkey crown is a cut of meat that consists of the breast and thighs of a turkey, with the legs and wings removed. This cut is ideal for slow cooking because it is relatively small and compact, allowing for even cooking and tender results. The slow cooker is perfect for cooking a turkey crown because it allows for low and slow cooking, which breaks down the connective tissues in the meat and results in a tender and juicy final product.

The slow cooker also allows for easy cooking and minimal effort, making it perfect for busy people who want to cook a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, the slow cooker helps to retain the moisture of the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy turkey crown that is full of flavor.

What are the benefits of cooking a turkey crown in a slow cooker?

Cooking a turkey crown in a slow cooker has several benefits. One of the main benefits is that it allows for tender and juicy results, even when cooking a lean cut of meat like a turkey crown. The slow cooker breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender and fall-apart final product. Another benefit is that it is easy to cook and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy people.

Additionally, cooking a turkey crown in a slow cooker helps to retain the moisture of the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavorful final product. The slow cooker also allows for easy cleanup and minimal mess, making it a convenient option for cooking a delicious meal. Overall, cooking a turkey crown in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful results with minimal effort.

What ingredients do I need to cook a delicious turkey crown in the slow cooker?

To cook a delicious turkey crown in the slow cooker, you will need a few basic ingredients. These include a turkey crown, some oil or butter, salt and pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. You can also add some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker for added flavor. Additionally, you can add some liquid to the slow cooker, such as chicken or turkey broth, to help keep the meat moist and add flavor.

You can also customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can add some garlic, thyme, or rosemary to the slow cooker for a savory flavor. You can also add some citrus juice or zest for a bright and tangy flavor. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to not be afraid to experiment and try new things.

How do I prepare the turkey crown for slow cooking?

To prepare the turkey crown for slow cooking, you will need to season it with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. You can also rub the turkey crown with some oil or butter to help keep it moist and add flavor. Additionally, you can stuff the turkey crown with some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery for added flavor.

Once the turkey crown is seasoned and prepared, you can place it in the slow cooker and add any desired liquid or ingredients. Make sure to place the turkey crown in the slow cooker breast-side up, and make sure that it is not touching the sides of the slow cooker. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the turkey crown from drying out.

How long does it take to cook a turkey crown in the slow cooker?

The cooking time for a turkey crown in the slow cooker will depend on the size of the turkey crown and the desired level of doneness. Generally, a turkey crown will take around 6-8 hours to cook on low or 3-4 hours to cook on high. However, it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey crown is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

It’s also important to note that the turkey crown will continue to cook a bit after it is removed from the slow cooker, so it’s best to check the internal temperature and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help ensure that the turkey crown is tender and juicy, and that it is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Can I cook a turkey crown in the slow cooker from frozen?

Yes, you can cook a turkey crown in the slow cooker from frozen. However, it’s best to thaw the turkey crown first and pat it dry with paper towels before cooking. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the turkey crown from steaming instead of browning.

If you do need to cook a frozen turkey crown, make sure to add a few extra hours to the cooking time and check the internal temperature regularly to ensure that it is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s also important to note that cooking a frozen turkey crown may affect the texture and flavor of the final product, so it’s best to thaw it first if possible.

How do I store and reheat leftover turkey crown?

To store leftover turkey crown, make sure to let it cool completely and then refrigerate or freeze it within a few hours. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

To reheat leftover turkey crown, you can place it in the slow cooker with some liquid, such as chicken or turkey broth, and heat it on low for a few hours. You can also reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop, but make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. Additionally, you can use leftover turkey crown in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and salads, or serve it as a sandwich filling or wrap.