This crockpot turkey is so easy to put together and what I love most about it is you free up your oven for sides and desserts! You'll love how easy it and tasty is it is to cook a whole turkey in a slow cooker!
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If you're looking to make turkey but want to make something smaller, you can always make my slow cooker turkey breast recipe!
Every year, at a company that I worked at for 8 years, we had a Thanksgiving luncheon. Everyone signed up to bring different things. Since there were so many of us, five to six people signed up for the stuffing, different veggies, the pie, and so on. We even had many turkeys! My former boss, BJ, always cooked his turkey in the slow cooker. He said his mom cooked it that way when he was growing up. The turkey always turned out moist.
I emailed him the other day because this year, we decided to cook our Thanksgiving dinner early- we enjoyed it on Sunday night and I wanted to try my hand at cooking the turkey in the slow cooker. He told me you can leave it in longer than the 6 to 8 hours but it starts to fall apart, which is totally fine! Just make sure the turkey you buy will fit in your slow cooker!
If you're running low on oven space or just want a low maintenance way to cook a turkey- the slow cooker is the way to go! This turkey version is a modified version of my popular crockpot whole chicken recipe that we LOVE to make all the time!
Prep the dry ingredients.
Cut up the vegetables and add them to the crockpot.
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Pat the turkey dry.
Fold back the wings and rub the turkey with garlic.
Add the rub to the inside of the turkey and all over it.
Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
All ready to go into the slow cooker.
I put one of the garlic cloves and the rest of the dry ingredients I didn't use on top of the veggies.
Place the turkey on top of the vegetables and cover the crockpot. Cook for 6 to 8 hours.
Remove the turkey and place on an oven-safe baking dish. Broil the skin in your oven broiler for 4 to 5 minutes, watching it carefully so it doesn't burn. Allow the turkey to rest for 30 minutes before carving.
Skim the fat from the broth and save it for another recipe! I'm thinking turkey ramen noodle soup are in order for this week!
Once you carve the turkey, add some broth to the turkey to keep the meat moist.
We loved this and it made it less stressful in the kitchen since I was able to do all of my sides in the oven without them having to compete with the turkey. We'll definitely do this again!
Wishing you and yours a happy Thanksgiving and hoping that you have a lot to be thankful for! I know I do! Huge hugs!
Recipe
Whole Turkey in a Slow Cooker Recipe
Ingredients
Rub Ingredients for the Turkey:
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Crockpot:
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, scrubbed, no need to peel, chopped in halves or thirds
- 2 celery stalks, cut in thirds
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 1 whole lemon, quartered
- 8 to 9- pound whole turkey, fresh, if frozen then defrosted
Instructions
- Combine salt, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, white pepper, garlic powder and black pepper in a small bowl and set aside. Prep the vegetables and place inside the slow cooker (I use a 7 quart that's oval shaped but this one is an 8-Quart or this one).
- Remove turkey from packaging and remove neck and pouch with organs. Discard or save for use in another recipe. Optionally, rinse turkey with water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Fold back the wings. Rub smashed garlic all over outside of the turkey. Put one garlic in the slow cooker and the rest inside the turkey. Put the rub all over the outside and inside the turkey. Add the quartered lemon to the inside of the turkey. Tie the legs with kitchen twine.
- Place turkey on top of the vegetables, you may need to move the veggies around depending on the size of your slow cooker. Cover slow cooker and cook turkey on low for 6-8 hours. (I used a 9.82-pound turkey, it took about 6 1/2 hours. The time will depend on the size of the turkey and your slow cooker.)
- Remove turkey and place in a 9×13 glass or ceramic baking dish. Place baking dish in the oven under the broiler for about 4-5 minutes but watch it carefully. It may take less time or a little longer, depending on the temperature of the broiler in your oven, you don’t want to burn your turkey.
- Allow turkey to rest after removing it from the broiler for 25 to 30 minutes.
Notes
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Ashley says
I used a 4.37 lb turkey breast instead of a whole turkey. Didn’t change any of the recipe amounts except I only used 3/4 of a lemon. Came out amazing! Thank you!
Julie Deily says
Hi Ashley!
So glad you liked it!! Yay!
Alyson Long says
That’s it … I’m buying a slow cooker. Imagine the oven space!
Angela says
Can you put stuffing in the turkey while it cooks in the crock pot?
Julie Deily says
Hi Angela! I have not tried it as I don’t usually make stuffing in my turkey. I’m not totally sure it’s safe in the slow cooker so I would do some research on it before trying it! Hope that helps!
Betty Curran says
I never thought of cooking a whole turkey in a slow cooker. In fact, I’m not sure mine would even be large enoigh.
Nancy Shaw says
I love the idea of my turkey in the slow cooker. We have just downsized again and there is only 2 of us now. This would be perfect.
Karen R says
I’ll have to try this next year. It would be nice to cook in the crock pot and not have to check the turkey in the oven constantly. Then there is room for the dressing and casseroles. Thanks for sharing.
kathy pease says
I have never tried turrkey in the crockpot but this looks awesome
Antoinette M says
The turkey looks delicious. Never thought of cooking the whole turkey in the crockpot. Thanks for the recipe!
Susan P. says
Do you use a fresh turkey? I’ve been buying fresh turkeys for many years now. I’ll have to try this since I have a bigger oval slow cooker.
Sarah L says
I’d have to buy a bigger crock pot. Mine is just barely big enough to cook a chicken.
Dana Rodriguez says
I use a slow cooker a lot but never thought of cooking a turkey in one. Great idea!
Christopher Sorel says
Looks surprisingly good thought might be mush and must be a huge slkow cooker. Nice spices used
Jaye Smith says
I like turkey and will now try it in the crockpot.
Mary Beth Elderton says
It would not occur to me to do a turkey in the slow cooker, but this is awesome! I’ll be doing a turkey breast at Christmas for just us….I’ll be doing it this way…Thanks!
patricia caradonna says
This looks easy and delicious! Definitely going to try.
Jennylyn Gross says
I never would of thought you could cook a turkey in a crock pot
Mary Gardner says
I like the idea of keeping my oven open for other uses.
kesha says
That turkey looks yummy! Perfectly cooked! Who knew a turkey in a slow cooker! Great idea!
Michelle J. says
It would be nice to keep the oven free.
Tina W says
What a great idea! I usually buy an extra turkey for the freezer, so this would be a great way to cook it during the warmer months.
Claudia Myles says
I have a 7 qt crock pot & a 12 lb turkey can I use my crock pot, if the lid doesn’t fit can I use aluminum foil. Do I put add 1 can of chicken broth over the turkey. Thank You.
Julie Deily says
Yes!! And then after a while, as the turkey cooks, the lid should fit. I did that with my 10-pound turkey this week. You don’t need to add any broth or liquid to the slow cooker. The turkey has will make a broth at the bottom of the slow cooker. Hope you enjoy, Claudia!
Victoria-Fetui says
OMG,that-looks-delicious!!!
shelly peterson says
I would never of thought to cook a turkey in a slow cooker.
Elena says
Looks delicious! I love turkey. Thank you for the recipe
Regina says
Fantastic recipes
Robin Kopf says
Wow! So perfect and moist and delicious! I have been serving the Honey-Baked-Ham-Company smoked turkey for years, which is awesome. Decided to do my own this year and found your savory recipe. This turned out so moist and so flavorful, that I’ve decided this is now our official Thanksgiving Turkey recipe!
Thank you for sharing this!
Julie Deily says
Hi Robin, I love this so much!! So happy it turned out soooo good for you!! We love it too! Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!! Happy Holidays!!!
Tom King says
Looks delicious
Phil says
I have been looking at ways to cook a moist, succulent turkey, such as cooking over night. However, I have come across warnings that this might not kill off any pathogens.
Do you think that using a slow cooker would kill off and prevent the growth of any ‘nasties’? I really don’t want either my family or myself to get food poisoning! It would be a huge helpo if I could slow cook the turkey either overnight in the oven or in the slow cooker as in your recipe.
Janice Wright says
I never thought about cooking the turkey in the crock pot. I think I need a bigger crock pot though!
Sandy Klocinski says
This looks awesome! Would have to be a small turkey or a really big slow cooker though. I do have a turkey but it won’t fit in my slow cooker
Evie says
Do you cook it on high or low in the crockpot?!?
Julie Deily says
Hi Evie,
I replied to your email earlier but I wanted to reply here too. I cook it on Low (it’s in the recipe card near the bottom). Thank you!! And enjoy!!
Natalie says
Do you put it breast side down in crock pot?
Julie Deily says
Hi Natalie, I actually do not…I thought about it yesterday but it comes out fine!
Sherri says
Doing this today! How long would you cook it if you stuff the turkey?
Julie Deily says
Hi Sherri, I don’t stuff my turkey in the slow cooker. I don’t think it’s a good idea to.
Linda Beus says
This recipe looks delicious!
Robin O’Neill says
Help!!! It’s the night before thanksgiving and I just realized I forgot to thaw my 14 lb turkey. oh No!!! Can I use the high setting for the same amount of time or am I out of luck? I can’t believe I did that. I used your recipe last year and it turned out awesome. Very moist and flavorful. Thank for any help.
Julie Deily says
Hi Robin! I’m so sorry! I just saw this now…I don’t think you can cook it in the slow cooker from frozen. I’m so sorry!! I would thaw it in the fridge and make it this weekend? Hope you have a nice holiday!
Sarah Bridges says
This is such a great way to make turkey without standing around the oven all day!
Jennifer Essad says
makes Turkey day dinner sound so much easier
Rachael DeBates says
Turkeys are hard to cook!
Susan Niemann says
Question! Could I cover the bird with Tin Foil…my turkey is ever so slightly too big for my crock pot.. 🙁 The lid wont go on! Or I could take the legs off!
Julie Deily says
Hi Susan,
I’m just seeing your question now! Mine didn’t close all the way today either. I moved the veggies on the bottom to be on the side more and let the lid sit on top…ask it cooks, the lid fits on! Unless it really doesn’t fit on at all…I hope it worked out!!
Cassy J says
This year we are deep frying our turkey but I bookmarked the slow cooker idea for next year 🙂
Kim says
next time I’ll be doing a turkey in the slow cooker, tomorrow I’m doing whole chicken in the slow cooker.
Lisa Reid says
Nice and easy recipe for a small turkey. Will have to try.
paige chandler says
I hope my turkey looks this good…drool
Anne Scott says
I think one of the problems with slow cooker turkey is that a slow cooker doesn’t let any moisture release so it isn’t like it is roasted but this method may have solved that. Interesting.
Rachel B says
Thanks for the great recipe it sounds like a delicious way to cook it
Bobbiejo m Patten says
Adore these recipe ideas
athena j graeme says
I tried this with a whole chicken once, it was so tender everything just fell apart. It made it really difficult to serve and the kids had to watch out for small bones because it all just literally fell apart. It was delicious though. I may have to try the turkey one next time.
Jennifer Raybon says
Well it looks good, still unsure if I will try it.
Christina says
Thanks for showing how to do this…It doesn’t seem so overwhelming now.
Rose Reeder says
I would like this as a great convenience. I use crockpots lots.
Erika Estrada says
Love the idea of doing the turkey in the slow cooker, so it’ll free up some much needed oven space!
Leslie Kiley says
I love trying new turkey ideas. This one looks great!
Steve Guth says
I’ve never tried it in the slow cooker. After reading this, I will try it.
Melissa Storms says
This actually sounds amazing. I ordered our Thanksgiving dinner from our local grocery store this year. I did buy a turkey for the freezer though and will definitely try this when I make it.
Evon Rairdon says
Love that you include pictures with instructions! Thank you!
Julie Deily says
Yay! So glad you like them and find them helpful, Evon!
Theresa Jenkins says
already have this years dinner planned but I’m adding this to my holiday recipes
Susan Smith says
i never thought about putting turkey in slow cooker. I like that it frees up the oven to bake the side dishes.
Ronnell Storie says
It does look good. Turkeys we have are too big. I might try it at Christmas.
MARY BENACK says
wow great idea didnt k u could do this more room in oven for all my pies an cookies
Christina Sparks says
Never thought of cooking a turkey in a slow cooker.
Debbie Yoder says
Ive never put a turkey in the crock pot,only a whole chicken, Im going to try this, sounds delish!
Elaine Williams says
This looks delicious and easy. Having a small gathering for Friendsgiving and don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.
Rachel Mauffray says
I love this idea. I am disabled and can no longer cook very much. I would love to feel like my old self and prepare such a wonderful meal for my family.
Deborah Waddell says
Wow! Never would have believed you could do a turkey in a crockpot! I will have to try this.
latanya says
saves the oven, so you can cook something else while cooking the turkey
CC says
This is great but now I need a bigger slow cooker!
Dean Ansley says
Bring on the turkey!
Rebekah Kirby says
This looks good, but I would have to find a small turkey!
Debbi says
This looks delicious! I never would have thought of cooking a turkey in the slow cooker!
Cynthia Smith says
We’re fond of the Julia Child method however this is a good low effort choice.
sheila ressel says
Wow, I would have never thought to do the turkey in the slow cooker but it definitely makes sense since I make chicken in there all the time. I’ll have to give it a try sometime.
Rebecca V says
It all looks amazing!!!
kelly nicholson says
looks simple enough…thanks
Jeanna Massman says
I like the idea of cooking the turkey with the vegetables. I think I can handle this method.
MaryB says
Looks delicious – and so easy!
tiesha says
Sounds like a great recipe. I can’t wait to try it.
Andi Durgin says
Looks easy & tasty!
Lisa Lawton says
Never even thought about this! But what about stuffing?
Mike Gresham says
I have copied this recipe and I have shared this recipe with others!
Thomas Gibson says
Recipe is easy for anyone. Sounds like this would be the best way to go without babysitting the turkey.
Pat F says
Great tips I have never made a turkey in a slow cooker!
Heather says
I would have never thought of putting my turkey in the crockpot! It looks delicious!!
Rosie says
I’m always excited to try something in the slow cooker that I haven’t yet. I want to try this, as I am not fond of dry turkey. Great idea from your former boss.
nyx says
looks so yummy!
Pam Flynn says
I’ve never thought of cooking a turkey in the crock pot. This looks easy and delish!
Josephine Berlin says
Omg Imma have to do this recipe. Thank you
Lisa Ayers says
Love this idea for Turkey! Can’t wait to try it!!
Diana M Haggerty says
Great idea. Turkey in a crock pot
Alicia Hewitt says
This is a new concept to me. What’s great idea!
Karin F says
Sounds great and so easy
teena sierson says
Sounds interesting. never tried cooking turkey in a crockpot before, I will have to try it
Jennifer Phillips says
wow I bet the meat just falls off of the bone after slow cooking it! Is it hard to remove after it is done? I have had chicken before that feel off of the bone and I had a terrible time getting it all out of the pot, but it was sooooooooo yummy.
Gabrielle says
This would have been so handy back when I had large family gatherings.
Devon Pickford says
We love slow cooker recipes but have never done a turkey!
rhonda miotke says
I love the smaller turkey! Printed this. Thanks
Della Dabner says
What’s so funny is that me and my sister was just discussing if it’s possible to cook a turkey in a slow cooker. I call her the slow cooker queen because she cooks everything in her slow cooker. I can’t wait to send her this recipe so she can cook a turkey for us both.
Mommad33467 says
Next Thanksgiving we will have to try this one.
Anita Kennett says
I am so doing this for Thanksgiving.Thanks????
Susan Biddle says
I am doing a second turkey this year and this sounds like the perfect solution! Thanks!!
belinda bell says
I’ve never cooked a turkey in the slow cooker. But I a going to try this.
Chris says
I don’t think I would make a turkey in the slow cooker, but I am checking out the chicken recipe you have!
Kim Hillman says
That looks amazing! Cannot wait to try it!!
Phyllis Huebbe says
Unfortunately my family is too big to do thid, but it sure would be nice.
Janet Fletcher says
This turkey looks delicious. Thanks for the recipe!
Erica Meares says
Seriously?!?! My Grandmother used to tell me that she could cook ANYTHING in a CrockPot/SlowCooker! I’ve heard of deep-frying a Turkey, but Never heard of making it in a SlowCooker! I’ve never even attempted to cook a whole turkey, because I’m quite intimidated by it all… But after reading this Blog… I’m DEFINITELY going to give it as try! I mean, IDK if I’m brave enough to serve it as a msin-dish for my Family’s Large Thanksgiving Feast… But I’ll certainly be picking up a turkey (that’ll fit inside at least one of the three cookers I have) the day after Thanksgiving… When they usually go on-sale! Places around here (Like Wal-Mart, Bi-Lo & FoodLion) mark all their turkeys down
to 50% to 75% off, the Friday after Thanksgiving! Thanks for the idea! If it works out, I might offer to cook the Turkey(s) next year!
Sherry Wooten says
Your turkey looks a lot prettier than mine and I have been using a crock pot for the last few years. I will definitely be using your step by step process this year. Thanks!
Diane Sallans says
we usually need to do a much bigger turkey at Thanksgiving, but this looks like a great idea for a smaller gathering
Rebecca Foughty says
Oh yeah! An easy way to make yummy moist turkey! Ill be trying this.
rana durham says
i never thought about putting turkey in slow cooker but i can see that it works from this article. it also looks so good
Tami Vollenweider says
I never thought about cooking it this way! For sure it would be nice and tender!
Michelle Damon says
These pics make me hungry! Can’t wait til Thursday!
Shanon says
Will be trying this recipe for my turkey
marilyn orsini nuovo says
never used a slow cooker for turkey interesting
Jan says
Perfect timing- I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year and these tips come at the perfect time!
Tashia M Jennings says
Love using a slow cooker. Cooking made simple.
Nik Sones says
Thank you for this amazingness! I wipl have to try this!
Jamie Herrick says
I am so going to try this! Frees up the oven for everything else!
Jennifer says
I love my slow cooker. I often make a turkey breast in it but I’ve never done a whole turkey–mainly because I’ve got a six-quart crock pot and I like to cook a pretty big turkey–it wouldn’t fit.
mandi says
Can you stuff a turkey that you cook in the slow cooker?
Natalie says
This is a great way to save space in your oven for the other side dishes!
Robin Weidner says
I love slow cook Turkey like this. is much juicer.
Minta Boggs says
Wow! that looks amazing! thanks so much for sharing!
Lynne B says
I’ve never thought to use a slow cooker. We done the dry brine, wet brine and even deep-fried one year.
Millie says
Omg this looks delicious! I’ll have to make this
Gloria Luongo says
It looks amazing!
Nerlande says
This turkey looks delicious it’s such a great recipe
Rania R. says
So delicious !! Thanks for the tips.
Sara Zielinski says
This looks like an amazing turkey!
Michael DeFren says
Love this blog, you always post the best food. Thanks!
Amanda B. says
Love how simple this is! Thank you!
Calvin says
Interesting, I haven’t thought of slow-cooking turkeys, great for thanksgiving, cheers.
Cheryl says
I’ve never thought of making a turkey in the slower cooker.
New Jenks says
Really? I’ve never heard of this before, but I’ve got to try it.
mj rudy says
maybe I need to get a bigger slow cooker, a whole turkey won’t fit in mine
Tasha Ward says
This looks absolutely delicious! I wish I had “smelo-vision”
Tanisha says
I cannot wait to try these tips! Maybe not this year, but soon! Cooking whole fowl intimidates me! Thank you for sharing your tips and recipe.
jackie says
beautiful bird!
Deborah Kalinovski says
Can you stuff a turkey that you cook in the slow cooker?
pam says
do i need to bribe prior to this? looks like you just thaw and go for it.
Sarah says
Can I sub white pepper with black pepper? I don’t want to buy something I won’t use again/don’t need.
Julie Deily says
Hi Sarah!
You totally can! I would just do 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper if you’re not using two kinds of pepper. I don’t use it a ton but I keep white pepper around for this recipe and this one for crockpot whole chicken.
Krystal Bradley says
Can I use this recipe on just the turkey breast? Would it be the same cooking time ?
Julie Deily says
Hi Krystal! I actually have a recipe for just the turkey breast! https://www.thelittlekitchen.net/turkey-breast-in-the-slow-cooker/
Piedad Sanchez says
I am having my kitchen remodeled so I tried this recipe. I was a bit worried not sure how it would turn out. I had nothing to worry about the turkey turned out moist and delicious. I put it in at 9:00 a.m and by 4:00 it was ready to serve. This might be my new way to cook a turkey….definitely less work!
Julie Deily says
Hi Piedad,
This is awesome! So glad you love it!!
Allen says
I have a gas oven and the broiler on my oven will not fit a 9lb turkey without being burnt from sitting to close to the fire, is there a oven temp you would recommend for browning/crisping the skin
Kathy Rubin says
I only want to cook the turkey in my slow cooker. Can I leave out the vegetables?
Julie Deily says
Hi Kathy! I’m sorry for the late reply. You totally can but I haven’t made it without the veggies before so I can’t promise it will turn out the same.
Megan says
Made this for our Friendsgiving last night. 8.6lb turkey in a 7quart slow cooker. There’s not a bit left! I used a slow cooker liner and broiled the whole thing (veggies and all). Not even the veggies were untouched which is a miracle in our circle. The bird just fell off the bones which made for perfect midnight munching. I was informed that I must do this every year. I’ll call that a success!
Julie Deily says
Hi Megan, that’s awesome!! So glad to hear this!!!! ????
Teylor Kirkpatrick says
I’m really curious if you can keep the recipe the same and just do one of the smaller turkey breasts. I’m not a huge fan of dark meat, and would love to use this recipe for just a breast. Thank you, I will be making your recipe tonight with a 7lb bird. Really looking forward to it. Thank you!!
Julie Deily says
Hi Teylor! I did it with a turkey breast! I recently shared it in this free ebook! https://www.thelittlekitchen.net/ebook
It will probably show up on the blog this fall but in case you wanted to check it out before then! 🙂
Sara says
I’m so going to try this recipe! This will be my first time ever cooking a turkey in a slow roaster. Hopefully all goes well.
Carol Horridge says
I usu put my turkeys in a cooking bag in the oven. Can I use a cooking bag in the crockpot? It usu cuts off 1-2 HRS from cooking time!! Any ideas?
Mary says
How long will s 13 1/2 lb turkey take approx
Thanks Mary
Kimberly Meyne says
Ok looks delicious but I can’t find the actual recipe and what’s in the rub. I’m guessing I’m just blind. Lol. All I saw was garlic and lemon juice. Can you plz tell me what’s in the rub? Thanks.
Julie Deily says
If you scroll down to the recipe with the full instructions, the ingredients are there.
Judy says
Thanks for this great idea.. I have a 6 quart slow cooker. Do you think this will be too small? If not should any adjustments be made to this?
Sphereb says
Great recipe! Is the broiling completely necessary or is that just to get the skin crisp?
Thanks!
Julie Deily says
Hi Sphereb,
It’s just to crisp the skin. You can totally skip it if you don’t care about that. Thanks!
Michelle Dobbs says
What size slow cooker are you using? I have a 7 quart and I’m not sure if it would be big enough. We had a kitchen fire last year and haven’t been able to afford to get the oven and range fixed. We have been cooking on hot plate, slow cooker, electric skillet and microwave for over a year and I’m dying to have turkey!! I’m hoping this would work.
JenFrYrEyesOnly says
This turkey sounds so good – I hope I can get 1 to do for Christmas ! Im amazed no liquid needed? That’s amazing ! What if it’s a frozen turkey?
Teresa Bear says
Tried it this year. Awesome! My turkey was 10.5 lbs and the lid didn’t quite fit on. I covered the top with aluminum foil and then put the lid on top of the foil. Cooked it for 7 hours, but the 6.5 would have been fine. . I did add some broth just to give me a little more gravy. We were planning to eat at 1:00 PM. Prepared everything the night before and put the crock in the frig. Set my alarm for 4:00 am, took the crock out of the frig, and started the timer. By the time I woke up at 9:00 to prepare the rest of the meal, the turkey was almost done.Pulled it out at 11:00, let it cool down and then carved and deboned the bird. Put everything back in the crock pot and turned it on warm – ready to eat at 1:00.
Monique says
First slow cooker recipe that popped up, most def trying this out….. So far so good should be done by 1p…thanks
Jennifer says
How would you adjust for a 20 pound turkey?
Diane Vos says
can u cook turkey on high instead of Low?
mombo Kim says
Americans living in Sweden this year… I bought the biggest turkey I could find and it fits in my crockpot with room to spare 🙂 Thank you for this recipe!
Julie Deily says
Mombo, that’s awesome! How big is the crockpot?
Steff says
Yes I wanna know too lol!
Melissa W says
Was your turkey thawed or still frozen when you put it in the slow cooker?
Julie Deily says
It was thawed. Hope that helps, Melissa!
David Arispe says
Going to try it.
Rubski Fenn says
I have a 4 lb. turkey (yes, i found a small one). do i just change the proportions of the rub and the cooking time accordingly?
Julie Deily says
You can totally change measurements of the rub but I would keep the proportions the same. And yes, just shorten the cooking time. Check to make sure the turkey is 165 degrees F. Hope that helps!
Victoria Conder says
Julie I’m intrigued by the turkey ramen noodle recipe you mentioned making with the leftovers. Can you post that recipe?!
Becky says
You cooked the turkey on LOW, for 6 1/2 hours, right??? What temperature should the turkey be at in the breast and thigh when it’s done?? I’m going to do this for Thanksgiving so please reply soon!! Thanks!!!
Julie Deily says
Hi Becky,
Yes I cooked it on low as stated in the directions.
I googled it and http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/poultry-preparation/lets-talk-turkey/CT_Index says 165 degrees F.
Zoe Tassava says
Thank you so much for this recipe! This is my first year doing a Thanksgiving dinner mostly by myself (I’m in charge of all things savory and my step-kids’ mother is doing all the sweets) and I’ve never prepared a Turkey. The idea of trying to do one in the oven was so daunting that I decided to ask the internet if I could do it in the slow-cooker instead. Thankfully, you can! Now I can set it in the crockpot first thing in the morning and forget about it! While having plenty of oven space for my dressing and funeral potatoes!
Julie Deily says
Hi Zoe!
You’ll love it and I agree…I love having room for the other things to bake!
Erin says
I have a question- I did this with a 10 pound turkey yesterday, and tried to use a leave in meat thermometer, but I think the steam and enclosed atmosphere of the crock pot broke the thermometer because it didn’t seem like it was working. So, I just tried to trust the time that I had it cooking (over eight hours on low). When I turned it off and cut off a few pieces it seemed fine. So I let it cool and refrigerated the rest. When I cut the whole turkey up later nearly all of it was pink. Any ideas why the breast would have turned out good but most of the rest was pink? I was afraid it wasn’t cooked and since it had been cooled and refrigerated for hours I felt it was unsafe to try to keep cooking it so I had to toss it. Any ideas? Thanks for your insightful article.
Karla says
Hi Julie!
I love this take on a very strenuous task! However, I have one question. Do you put any broth or other liquids in the crockpot with the turkey? I’d imagine, otherwise, everything would stick to the bottom?…
Julie Deily says
Hi Karla,
I don’t add any water…the turkey creates a broth while it cooks.
Jenn says
We brine our turkey for 3 days and slow cook it <3
Shawn says
Can you put stuffing inside the bird? I’m not sure if it would cook all the way through.
Julie Deily says
Shawn, I wouldn’t put stuffing in the turkey since you’re slow cooking at a low temperature.
Nicole says
Could you stuff the turkey before putting into slow cooker?
Julie Deily says
Nicole, I wouldn’t put stuffing in the turkey since you’re slow cooking at a low temperature.
Sunny Sifford says
Our a/c is out and I had already defrosted a Li’l Butterball. Since I don’t want to heat up the house any more than necessary, I looked for a crockpot recipe and found yours. It’s cooking in my crockpot as I write this and can’t wait to see how it turns out. Thanks for getting me out of a real dilemma!
Daniel says
Had a turkey and a slow cooker. Yours was the first recipe I found. Nice SEO work. After collecting all the ingredients I followed your instructions…..with some minor adjustments. Ten and a half pound turkey and 6.5 quart cooker. Had to put the veggies inside the bird. After 7 hours at 250F and a little broiling time, it was ready. Best turkey I’ve ever made. Fall off the bone done, super moist and the whole house smells like Thanksgiving on steroids. Much appreciation. I’ll be back for more.
Julie Deily says
Hi Daniel,
That’s awesome!!! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!!! 🙂
Joanne says
This is genius, Julie! I’ve seen your slow cooker chicken, too. I can’t wait to try soon.
Shaina says
I love that you get the crisp with the juicy on account of the oven finish, but without the turkey taking up all the oven space.
Lindsay says
If I HAD a slow cooker, you can bet I’d give this a try. 🙂
Glory/ Glorious Treats says
This looks so good, and I’m sure it makes the house smell amazing too! Perfect for the holidays!
Linda Fenwick says
Yeah after cooking turkey all my family member just amazed.
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
I love the thought of de-stressing the Thanksgiving meal with a slow cooker turkey!
Meghan @ Cake 'n Knife says
I can’t believe you cooked a turkey in a slow cooker! My mind is officially blown and I’m ditching the oven from now on. ????
Aggie @ Aggie's Kitchen says
What a great idea Julie, I honestly never thought to cook a turkey in a slow cooker! This would be great all year round! It’s hard to fit all of Thanksgiving in the oven isn’t it??