Can You Cook A Whole Turkey In A Crock Pot?

It’s not easy cooking a whole turkey in any crock pot especially when winter sets in with temperatures dropping below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This article will show how to make the process easier on yourself whether you’re doing this life-saver with your family or on a solo mission. This article will show you how to cook the perfect turkey in a crock pot, including stuffing and roasting it in time for Thanksgiving dinner.

Can You Cook A Whole Turkey In A Crock Pot?

Yes, a whole turkey can fit in a crock pot. The trick is to know how big your turkey should be and cut it up if you want to do just pieces. You will need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your bird. The size of the crock pot and the weight of a turkey vary, so check your own model to be sure. However, as a general rule, plan on 1 pound of turkey per quart of crock pot. So if you’re using an 8-quart crock pot, you can cook an 8-pound bird.

Put dry rub or herbs on your turkey 24 hours before cooking to let it absorb flavors well. Stuffing a whole turkey in a crock pot is an option; the ingredients for the stuffing can be prepared beforehand and added to the turkey cavity before cooking. This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes 20 minutes to prep and 8 hours to cook.

Whole Turkey in a Crock Pot Recipe: How To Cook A Whole Turkey in A Crock Pot

Ingredients:

  • turkey, fresh is best
  • olive oil
  • potatoes
  • carrots
  • celery
  • onions
  • dry rub or mixed herbs

Instructions:

  1. After washing and drying your turkey, massage it with olive oil and then rub it with your preferred dry seasoning. Salt and pepper the entire chicken as well, if you choose.
  2. Using sage, thyme, and marjoram as your only herbs is recommended. Adding a little rosemary to the mix wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.
  3. A dry rub or herbs can be applied to the chicken after it has set out in the fridge for a day or two. Then, start with the vegetables.
  4. If you don’t break them up into manageable pieces, they’ll disintegrate on you. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper and a little olive oil before tossing them. Get a crock pot and put the bottom in.
  5. Pour a tiny quantity of stock into the crock pot; it will be used to create steam, not to cook the turkey. Top the vegetables and stock with the turkey. If you have more vegetables than you can put beneath the turkey, you may slide them down the edge of the bird.
  6. Basting isn’t required, but if you often open the lid, it may not be able to properly baste itself, so you should hand-baste if you prefer to keep an eye on things. Crisp the skin by brushing it with full cream or egg white.
  7. When the temperature reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the food is done. Be careful when serving. The meat will most likely fall off the bones because the chicken was cooked to perfection.
  8. Remove the wings, legs, and other appendages and arrange them on a tray for presentation. Serve the cooked vegetables on the side in a pretty dish if desired. For aesthetic purposes, you could want to scatter a few greens under the turkey on the dish.
  9. Make a gravy out of any remaining juice in the bottom of the pan, and you’ll be in heaven.

How long does it take to cook turkey meat in a crock pot?

The answer to this question is not definitively known, as there are many variables that could come into play (e.g. the size of the turkey, how much meat is being cooked, etc.). However, according to some sources, it could take upwards of 3 hours to fully cook a turkey in a crock pot. Cook until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check at 2 ½ hours and continue to cook as needed.

That said, it’s probably best to experiment with different times and see what works best for your needs. In any case, cooking turkey meat in a crock pot requires patience and time; but the final result should be moist and succulent meat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Angela Jones

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