Wild turkey legs are notorious for being tough. But don’t give up just yet! This recipe turns the dark meat of a wild turkey leg into the wild game equivalent of sweet and spicy pulled pork or shredded beef. You can use the shredded meat on a sandwich or pour the entire broth mixture and meat over your choice of noodles for a warm and hearty meal. If you want to thicken the sauce, just add in some sour cream.
Cooking turkey thighs in a slow cooker is a fantastic hands-off way to enjoy delicious, fall-off-the-bone turkey meat. The low, slow heat gently breaks down the collagen in the thighs, resulting in incredibly moist, tender meat that’s full of flavor. But to get perfect results, it’s important to know exactly how long to cook turkey thighs in a slow cooker.
Benefits of Slow Cooker Turkey Thighs
Compared to lean chicken breasts, turkey thighs are hard to overcook and become incredibly succulent when braised for hours in a slow cooker Some key advantages include
- Requires minimal prep – just season and add to the slow cooker
- Thighs become fall-off-the-bone tender after 6-10 hours
- Keeps the meat remarkably moist and juicy
- Allows you to start dinner in the morning for a complete meal after work
With little hands-on effort, the slow cooker does the work to give you super tender, shred-ready turkey.
How Long Should You Cook Turkey Thighs?
The cooking time depends on a few factors:
Amount of thighs – More thighs take longer to fully cook through. Plan on 45-60 minutes per pound.
Bone-in or boneless – Boneless thighs cook faster than bone-in, Allow 7-8 hours for bone-in and 4-6 for boneless
Thigh size – Smaller thighs may only need 6 hours while huge thighs require 8-10 hours. Check temperature to be sure they’re done.
High or low setting – Cooking on low takes 2-3 hours longer than high.
Desired texture – Cook longer for shredded turkey Shorter for slices,
Follow these time guidelines based on quantity and type:
- 2-3 lbs bone-in thighs on low – 7-8 hours
- 2-3 lbs boneless thighs on low – 6 hours
- 4-5 lbs bone-in thighs on low – 8-10 hours
- 4 lbs boneless thighs on low – 7-8 hours
- 1 lb boneless thighs on high – 4 hours
- 3 lbs bone-in thighs on high – 5-6 hours
Always verify temperature and texture before serving.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this simple method for perfect moist, flavorful crockpot turkey thighs:
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs bone-in, skinless turkey thighs
- 1 cup broth or wine
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs)
- Aromatics like onion, celery, carrots (optional)
Instructions:
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Pat turkey thighs dry and season all over with salt, pepper and other spices.
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Place thighs in slow cooker and add chicken broth or wine plus any aromatics.
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Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours until thighs are fork-tender.
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Shred turkey using two forks, discarding bones.
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Stir shredded turkey back into hot cooking liquid to absorb juices.
The braising liquid provides a fantastic base for gravy. Serve these delicious slow cooker turkey thighs with rice, pasta or veggies.
Tips for Moist, Flavorful Turkey
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Brown thighs first for more flavor – sear 2-3 minutes per side in a hot pan.
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Elevate thighs on a vegetable rack to allow airflow and prevent sitting in juices.
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Add potatoes, carrots, mushrooms or greens during last 1-2 hours to cook in juices.
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Make turkey chili by adding beans, corn, tomatoes and spices like cumin.
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Shred turkey and mix with barbecue sauce for easy pulled turkey sandwiches.
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Add water or broth if liquid reduces too much to prevent drying out.
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Use a meat thermometer to verify 175°F, especially for large thighs.
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Let thighs rest 10-15 minutes before removing from cooker to cutting board.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell when turkey thighs are done?
Check temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure 175°F. Thighs are also done when shred easily with a fork. Let rest then test tenderness.
Why are my slow cooker turkey thighs dry?
Dryness often results from overcooking. Next time, reduce time by 1-2 hours. Also ensure enough liquid, adding more if needed.
Can I cook frozen turkey thighs in a slow cooker?
Yes, but add about 4 hours to the cook time for frozen bone-in thighs. Defrost first for a shorter cooking time.
Should the slow cooker lid be open or closed?
Always cook with the lid on tight for safety and to prevent evaporating liquids. Only remove at the end to check food.
What spices complement crockpot turkey thighs?
Garlic, onion, paprika, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper are all excellent seasonings. Get creative with spices!
What sides go well with slow cooker turkey thighs?
Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, breads, roasted veggies, and salad pair nicely.
Satisfying Slow Cooker Turkey
With this simple guidance, you can infuse amazing flavor into turkey thighs using the convenience of a crockpot. Just add seasoning, set the time, and let your slow cooker braise the thighs to fall-apart tenderness. Enjoy delicious, no-fuss turkey dinner!
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