How Long Does It Take To Cook A Turkey In A Crockpot?

Cooking a turkey in a crockpot is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a holiday meal. This pot allows you to achieve a tender, juicy bird that will surely please your family and friends. This cooking method also frees up your oven to prepare side dishes or bake desserts. Best of all, the crockpot is versatile and can be used to create a variety of flavors and combinations.

A turkey should cook in a crock pot for about 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Be sure to check the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to a safe temperature.

Recipe for Cooking a Turkey in a Crockpot

Cooking a crockpot turkey is a surprisingly easy procedure. Using a crockpot to cook your turkey is a style of cooking that requires little experience or practice and is goof-proof. With this easy-to-follow recipe, turkey dinners become easier and less stressful.

Ingredients:

  • Turkey
  • Paprika
  • Butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Seasoning salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning

Cooking Steps

  • The first thing you would want to do is thaw your turkey if it is frozen. The best way to do this is to allow it to thaw in the refrigerator. This could take about 4-5 days. You could try cooking your turkey frozen, but this is not advisable as most frozen turkeys come with their giblets and insides still intact, and they tend to be difficult to remove when the turkey is frozen solid.
  • Pat the entire turkey dry with paper towels.
  • Mix the paprika, garlic powder, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper with butter. Reserve two teaspoons of this compound butter and gently rub the rest underneath the turkey’s skin. Apply some on the top of the turkey too.
  • Add water to the crockpot and place your turkey inside to cook. Cover the crockpot with the lid. Ensure the lid is right; if it doesn’t fit properly, use some foil to cover it to avoid leaking steam.
  • Let the turkey cook for 3-4 hours on high heat or 7-8 hours on low heat. Cook until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast is 170 degrees and the thickest part of the thigh is 180 degrees. Unlike in an oven, the turkey does not need to be watched and checked regularly, freeing up your time for other things.
  • When the turkey is done, you can crisp up the skin by using either one of these two methods:

Broiling the turkey: Turn your oven to broil to preheat. Remove your turkey from the crockpot. Be careful while doing it, as taking the turkey out of the crockpot and using two tongs for a better grip might be awkward. Transfer the turkey to a baking sheet or a roasting pan. Slather the body of the turkey with the reserved butter. Broil the turkey for 10 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden brown.

Using the crockpot: Drain half of the liquid from the crockpot. Please do not dispose of it, though; it could be used to make delicious gravy. Slather the reserved butter over the body of the turkey. Turn the heat high for about 30 minutes to allow the skin to brown.

  • Take the turkey and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. Then your turkey is ready to carve and serve!

You now have a delicious turkey to serve for dinners and Thanksgiving.

How Long Should I Cook a Turkey in a Crockpot?

Cooking a turkey in a crockpot is a great way to make a delicious meal without spending much time in the kitchen. The time to cook a turkey in a crockpot depends on various factors. First, the size of the turkey will play a role in determining the cooking time. A 7-8 pound turkey will take about 7-8 hours to cook, while a larger 15-20 pound bird will take 12-15 hours.

The temperature of the crockpot will also affect the cooking time. Some models of crockpots have adjustable settings, so you can choose a lower or higher temperature depending on the size of the turkey and how long you have to cook it. Generally, a higher temperature will shorten cooking time, but it is important to keep the turkey cool, or it can dry out.

Another factor to consider is the type of crockpot you are using. If it is an old model, it will take longer to cook the turkey than a newer model with a higher wattage. It is also important to ensure that the crockpot has enough liquid, as this will help the turkey cook evenly and keep it moist.

TurkeyCooking Time
Whole turkey breast5-6 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low.
Turkey drumsticks4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.
Ground turkey2-3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low.
Turkey wings3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low
Turkey sausage2-3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low.
Turkey tenderloin3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.
Turkey thighs4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.
Turkey breast cutlets3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.
Turkey meatballs2-3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low.
Smoked turkey4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.

What Is The Right Temperature for Crockpot Turkey?

The ideal temperature for a crockpot turkey is 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to ensure the temperature remains consistent throughout the cooking process.

Monitor the turkey’s temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked. When the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit, it is considered safe to consume.

How Can I Check the Doneness Level for Crockpot Turkey?

The doneness levels of crockpot turkey vary depending on the recipe you use. Generally, the turkey should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Achieving this typically takes 6-8 hours on the high setting or 8-10 hours on the low setting.

When the turkey is done, it should be golden brown, and the juices should run clear. If unsure, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

What is the difference between crockpot turkey cooked with high heat and crockpot turkey cooked with low heat?

The difference between crockpot turkey cooked with high heat and chicken cooked with low heat is that high heat will cook the turkey faster but may also result in a drier bird. Low heat will take longer to cook, resulting in a more moist and tender turkey.

Is it safe to leave your crockpot on overnight?

Leaving your crockpot on overnight is not recommended as it may be a fire hazard. It is recommended to unplug your crockpot after it has finished cooking.

How long can you safely cook in a crock pot?

It depends on the food. Generally, cooking food in a slow cooker for up to 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high is safe. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the food reaches 165°F for safety.

How do you calculate the cooking time for a crockpot?

When adjusting cooking times between a “High” and “Low” setting, Luis Sanchez, senior category manager for Breville, suggests multiplying (or dividing) the original time by 1.5 to 2.5 hours. These times are estimated and may be different.

How long do I reheat a cooked turkey in a crockpot?

To reheat cooked turkey in a crockpot, cook it on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Make sure to stir the meat occasionally, and check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Recipe for Cooking a Turkey in a Crockpot

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • Turkey
  • Paprika
  • Butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Seasoning salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

  • The first thing you would want to do is thaw your turkey if it is frozen. The best way to do this is to allow it to thaw in the refrigerator. This could take about 4-5 days. You could try cooking your turkey frozen, but this is not advisable as most frozen turkeys come with their giblets and insides still intact, and they tend to be difficult to remove when the turkey is frozen solid.
  • Pat the entire turkey dry with paper towels.
  • Mix the paprika, garlic powder, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper with butter. Reserve two teaspoons of this compound butter and gently rub the rest underneath the turkey’s skin. Apply some on the top of the turkey too.
  • Add water to the crockpot and place your turkey inside to cook. Cover the crockpot with the lid. Ensure the lid is right; if it doesn’t fit properly, use some foil to cover it to avoid leaking steam.
  • Let the turkey cook for 3-4 hours on high heat or 7-8 hours on low heat. Cook until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast is 170 degrees and the thickest part of the thigh is 180 degrees. Unlike in an oven, the turkey does not need to be watched and checked regularly, freeing up your time for other things.
  • When the turkey is done, you can crisp up the skin either by broiling the turket or crockpot.

Video


Conclusion

cooking a turkey in a crockpot is a great way to get a juicy, flavourful turkey with minimal effort and time investment. The key to success is to ensure the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety and to check the bird every few hours to ensure it is not overcooking.

With these precautions, you can create a delicious turkey in 8-10 hours, depending on the size of the turkey.

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