A no-mess, no-stress way to cook a whole turkey—in the slow cooker! No basting or brining needed. This slow cooker whole turkey recipe will give you the most tender, juiciest turkey ever!.
When I was younger, my mom always slow-cooked her Thanksgiving turkey. The day before Thanksgiving, she would get the turkey ready and then cook it slowly in the oven overnight. Yup, overnight. She’d actually wake up a couple of times to baste the turkey. I’m sorry, but I seriously ain’t got time to wake up to baste a turkey! Nope. Honey, I refuse. I have to make candied yams, stuffing, collard greens, sweet potato pie, and let’s not even talk about gumbo during the holidays!
Long story short, I like to use a slow cooker to cook my turkey for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and ANY holiday. My turkey ALWAYS comes out super juicy. This slow cooker turkey recipe is foolproof!.
You just bought a whole turkey to cook for Thanksgiving or another holiday meal But now you’re wondering – what exactly should you do with this big bird? Roasting it whole is the traditional route, but that leaves you with piles of leftovers. Here are 12 creative ways to cook a whole turkey that will yield tasty meals without tons of leftovers.
1. Smoke the Turkey
Smoking is a flavorful way to prepare turkey. It gives the meat a delicious smoky flavor and keeps it incredibly moist. Set up your smoker with wood chips – mesquite, hickory, apple, cherry or pecan all work well. Rub the turkey with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Smoke at 225-250 degrees F until it reaches 165 degrees F internally, about 4 hours for a 12-14 lb turkey. Slice and serve with your favorite BBQ sides.
2. Deep Fry the Turkey
Deep fried turkey is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Peanut oil or canola oil work best. Heat oil in a turkey fryer to 350-375 degrees F. Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil using the fryer basket. Fry for 3-4 minutes per pound, about 45 minutes total for a 12 lb turkey. Drain excess oil and let rest before slicing. Be sure to deep fry safely outdoors.
3. Spatchcock and Grill the Turkey
Spatchcocking, or butterflying, the turkey allows it to cook quickly and evenly on the grill. Use scissors or shears to cut out the backbone. Flatten the bird and season well with spices. Grill over medium heat, breast side up first. Flip and finish cooking until 165 degrees F, about 1 hour 15 minutes total. The smoky flavor from grilling pairs deliciously with the turkey.
4. Roast Boneless Turkey Breast
A boneless, skinless turkey breast roast feeds 4-6 people, unlike a whole bird which can serve up to 20. Season with herbs like rosemary, sage and thyme. Roast at 325 degrees F until it reaches 165 degrees F internally, about 1-1 1/2 hours depending on weight. Slice for sandwiches or serve with gravy and sides.
5. Make Turkey Carnitas
For flavorful shredded turkey, cook it carnitas style. Cut turkey into large chunks. Simmer in orange juice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, cumin and oregano until very tender, about 2 hours. Drain liquid. Fry turkey pieces in oil until crispy on the outside. Shred meat and serve in tacos, burritos bowls or nachos.
6. Cook Turkey Legs and Wings
Turkey legs and wings make a smaller, more manageable meal than an entire bird. Rub them with spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin and chili powder Roast at 400 degrees F until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, about 1 hour 15 minutes. The spices give a bold, flavorful crust Serve with dipping sauces.
7. Make Turkey Chili
Lean ground turkey makes a healthier chili. Cook turkey with onion and garlic until no longer pink. Add chili powder, cumin, pepper, canned beans and tomatoes. Simmer until thickened, about 30 minutes. Garnish with cheese, sour cream, avocado and cilantro. Turkey chili freezes well for easy meals later.
8. Roast Turkey Breast in the Slow Cooker
For minimal hands-on time, cook a turkey breast in the slow cooker. Place breast in slow cooker and add chicken broth, carrots, onion, garlic and herbs. Cook on low 6-8 hours until very tender. The breast will be moist and fall-apart tender after slow cooking. Shred for sandwiches or slice thickly.
9. Make Hearty Turkey Soup
Transform leftover turkey into nourishing soup. Simmer turkey bones, vegetables, herbs and spices in water for 2-3 hours to make homemade broth. Remove bones and add turkey meat, vegetables, pasta or rice, and beans. Season with salt and pepper. Turkey soup is comfort food at its finest.
10. Cook Ground Turkey for Tacos
Ground turkey makes deliciously juicy tacos. Cook onions and seasonings like chili powder, cumin and garlic in a skillet. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Serve turkey mixture in soft tortillas with toppings like avocado, lettuce, cheese and salsa.
11. Make Turkey Tetrazzini
This classic pasta bake is a tasty way to use up turkey. Cook spaghetti and diced turkey in a creamy sauce with mushrooms, Parmesan and herbs. Combine with sauce and transfer to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and browned. Kids and adults alike love this comforting casserole.
12. Prepare Turkey Stir Fry
For a lighter option, stir fry thin strips of turkey with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, onion and snap peas. Cook in a skillet over high heat with olive oil and soy sauce, garlic, ginger and spices. Serve stir fry turkey with brown rice or quinoa. The turkey cooks quickly, staying tender and juicy.
With a little creativity in the kitchen, you can transform a whole turkey into all kinds of delicious, smaller meals for your family. From soups and chilis to tacos and pot pies, the possibilities are endless! Which recipe will you try first?
How long should you thaw a turkey before cooking it?
Remember that you need plenty of time to defrost the turkey. Defrosting time depends on the size of the turkey. You should always allow at least a few days to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator. This chart shows how long it takes for a turkey of different sizes to fully thaw:
| Weight of Turkey: | Thaw For: |
| 8 to 12 lbs. | 2 to 3 Days |
| 13 to 16 lbs. | 3 to 4 Days |
| 17 to 20 lbs. | 4 to 5 Days |
| 21 to 24 lbs. | 5 to 6 Days |
Is it safe to slow-cook a turkey?
Yes, it is perfectly safe! Food-borne illness has a “danger zone” where bacteria grow, between 41 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Your turkey should cook at above 135-140 degrees within 4 hours, so occasionally check the internal temperature of the turkey (in the thickest part of the breast) when cooking. If the temperature is too low, turn up the heat on your slow cooker.
AWESOME Smoked Turkey Recipe For Beginners!
FAQ
What to do with an entire turkey?
What should I do with a frozen turkey?
Can I freeze a fresh whole turkey?
Is it better to cook a whole turkey or cut it up?
What do you put on a Turkey?
The turkey is stuffed with quartered apples and onions, salt, coarse ground pepper, butter, and carbonated cola. Fresh garlic is rubbed all over the outside of the bird, and it’s given a good sprinkle of seasoned salt.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
What can I do with leftover turkey bones?
Using the turkey bones to make a broth for the soup is the best way to get every penny’s worth from your bird. If your leftover stuffing is chunky and rustic, finely chop it to make these delicate dumplings. Find easy and delicious recipes for your leftover Thanksgiving turkey including nachos, soup, sandwiches, pot pie and more from Food Network.
What do you put in a turkey casserole?
Most casseroles start with a mixture of butter and flour (also called a roux). But this turkey casserole takes it up a notch by adding gravy and cheese. Add the peas, carrots, and green beans for a hearty and vibrant dish! Plus, you can even use up leftover cornbread, too! 2. Turkey Tetrazzini
How do you prepare a roast turkey?
To prepare a roast turkey, you can follow our most popular method: cook the bird slowly, overnight at around 170 degrees. This method, which has received 144 comments expressing excitement, is a beloved turkey preparation.
What to eat if you have leftover Turkey Soup?
Leftover Turkey Soup This tummy-warming soup is loaded with rice, turkey chunks, veggies, and a few simple seasonings. For a healthier meal, brown rice is the way to go. Thicken the soup by using half milk and half cream. When sauteed carrots, onions, and celery join the mix, you get a hearty and oh-so-creamy dish!