Bursting with juices at the first cut then served with delicious gravy drizzled over the succulent meat; this slow cooker Turkey recipe provides a flavor rich main entree for your holiday celebration that you will be proud to serve to your family and friends. Cover the breasts with my simple recommended seasonings and slowly stew with tasty vegetables to create a lingering invitation of aromatic bliss that will resonate throughout the home on notes of fresh herbs. Once you let the slow cooker work its magic, transfer the juicy bird to the baking sheet and roast the skin to a crispy perfection (stay in the kitchen as this usually only take 5 to 7 minutes).
This gravy recipe will be an instant hit at the table as the remnants of the slow cooked turkey are thickened to your preference with mouth watering satisfaction from my easy to follow recipe style cheat code, that I know you will love. For those of us that may not require the entire bird for the Holiday feast, this recipe puts the main entree at the center of the table with little hassle and very predictable cook times. Watch the video and follow the detailed instructions below to have this gorgeous hunk of meat featured at your table this feasting season.
Also, be sure to check out my growing catalogue for complimentary sides and deserts to complete your meal planning. I include printable recipes and presentation suggestions to help inspire your vision of a complete meal. Feel free to like and share this or any of my recipes you may find interesting. Don’t forget to hit the follow and subscribe buttons to stay up to date on all my latest publications throughout the year.
Food, family, and friends grubbing on a hearty meal that fills the hunger and satisfies the soul is at the core of an eatfoodlicious adventure. Approach this holiday knowing that life is too short not to eat delicious food at every available opportunity and hug someone you love. Until the next time our paths cross, may your next food adventure become a fond memory worth sharing for generations to come. I hope you visit again soon!
In a medium size bowl: add softened butter, fresh thyme & rosemary, salt and pepper. Mix well. Use one hand to loosen and lift the turkey breast skin. Using about half the butter mixture, coat/smother the breast rubbing under the skin. Stuff the onion, lemon and the rest of the herbs, including stems (thyme & rosemary) into the turkey’s cavity. Then rub the rest of the butter over the outer layer of the turkey’s skin. Tie the legs together.
Place garlic cloves in the bottom of the slow cooker. Then place the turkey on top of the garlic. Throw in the carrots and celery.
Cover with the lid. Slow cook on low for 8 hours or cook on high for 4 hours.
Carefully remove the turkey from the slow cooker and place on a rack with a baking sheet. Broil for 10 minutes in the oven or until lightly golden brown. Make sure to keep an eye on the turkey while in the oven (broiler).
Use a fine mesh and strain the liquid; discard the vegetables and fat (optional). You should have about 2 cups of turkey liquid from the slow cooker.
Add 2 cups of chicken broth to the liquid. Set aside until ready to use.
Heat the sauce pan to medium-high. Melt the butter then add flour as you whisk. Slowly add the broth, whisk until smooth. Add thyme and Worcestershire sauce as you continue to whisk. Turn down the heat to medium and let simmer for 7-10 minutes or until desired consistency. Optional add 1 tsp soy sauce to darken the gravy. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve
Enjoy
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Slow Cooker Whole Turkey
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9-10 lbs whole turkey
- 1 garlic head 9-10 cloves
- 1 onion quartered
- 1 lemon quartered
- 1 carrot cut
- 1 celery stem cut
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 5-8 sprigs fresh thyme
Butter Mixture
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
Gravy
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups liquid from the slow cooker
- 2 cups low- sodium chicken/turkey broth
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the thyme and rosmary. Get about 1-2 stems from each and tear the leaves off and mince; set aside. In a medium size bowl: add softened butter, fresh thyme & rosemary, salt and pepper. Mix well.
- [If using a frozen turkey; thaw in the refrigerator 48-72 hours prior to use.] Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours prior to cooking. Remove turkey neck, giblets and package; reserve for giblet gravy or discard if you prefer. Clean, rinse and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Use one hand to loosen and lift the turkey breast skin. Using about half the butter mixture, coat/smother the breast rubbing under the skin. Stuff the onion, lemon and the rest of the herbs, including stems (thyme & rosemary) into the turkey's cavity. Then rub the rest of the butter over the outer layer of the turkey's skin. Tie the legs together.
- Place garlic cloves in the bottom of the slow cooker. Then place the turkey on top of the garlic. Throw in the carrots and celery.
- Cover with the lid. Slow cook on low for 8 hours or cook on high for 4 hours.
- Carefully remove the turkey from the slow cooker and place on a rack with a baking sheet. Broil for 10 minutes in the oven or until lightly golden brown. Make sure to keep an eye on the turkey while in the oven (broiler).
Gravy
- Use a fine mesh and strain the liquid; discard the vegetables and fat (optional). You should have about 2 cups of turkey liquid from the slow cooker. Add 2 cups of chicken broth to the liquid. Set aside until ready to use.
- Heat the sauce pan to medium-high. Melt the butter then add flour as you whisk. Slowly add the broth, whisk until smooth. Add thyme and Worcestershire sauce as you continue to whisk. Turn down the heat to medium and let simmer for 7-10 minutes or until desired consistency. Optional add 1 tsp soy sauce to darken the gravy. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve & enjoy!
Video
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