17 Best Slow Cooker Turkey Recipes (2024)

If you’re looking for something savory, filling, and relatively healthy for dinner tonight, you’ve come to the right place. These slow cooker turkey recipes are incredible.

Turkey is one of those foods that’s always good to eat. It may be a staple of Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations, but it’s also perfect for lazy afternoons any time of the year.

17 Best Slow Cooker Turkey Recipes (1)

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And when you can cook that turkey in a slow cooker where – let’s be honest – it pretty much cooks itself, that makes it even better.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter than a whole turkey don’t worry, I have you covered there, as well.

Now, let’s jump right in and check out 17 of the best slow cooker turkey recipes around.

1. Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

It’s hard to beat tender, succulent turkey with a perfectly crispy, golden-brown skin.

But what if I told you that this turkey takes less than 15 minutes (less than 5 without the gravy) to prepare and that the slow cooker would do all the rest? Yep. That beats it!

It’s herb-flavored, buttery, and features a ton of flavor in every bite. You won’t even need the gravy to make it taste good, but you should add it anyway because gravy makes everything better.

2. Crispy Skin Slow Cooker Turkey

This dish is similar to the one directly above, except for this one, you’ll cook a whole turkey, not just the breast. Otherwise, the two have a lot in common.

They’re both delightfully herby and juicy, and they both have insanely crispy skins. Of course, you can top them both off with thick, flavorful homemade gravy.

3. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

If you’re looking for something a bit spicier to fill your belly on the coldest nights of the year, check out this slow cooker turkey chili.

It contains everything that makes up a good chili – well-seasoned ground turkey, bits of onions, red and yellow peppers, diced tomatoes, jalapenos, two kinds of beans, corn, and more.

You’ll only need 10 minutes to prepare it, though it’ll take another 4 hours to cook correctly in the slow cooker.

Top it with cheese, sour cream, green onions, chives, and all your other favorite chili toppings for an extra special dinner that the whole family will love.

4. Crockpot Turkey Thighs With White Wine and Garlic

These moist, flavorful turkey thighs are so tender that you’ll have a hard time getting them to your mouth; the meat practically falls apart the moment you get it on your fork.

To taste so phenomenal, it’s a surprisingly simple recipe. All you’ll need are turkey thighs, salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic, dry white wine, chicken broth, and chopped parsley.

Whether you appreciate the pan-seared skin or the robust garlic flavor, these thighs have a little something for everyone.

5. Slow Cooker Turkey Legs

Turkey legs look so cool. I can’t see them without thinking of Renaissance fairs (or maybe Game of Thrones). They just look like something a medieval king would enjoy.

These are no exception, and they’ll taste even better than they look. The homemade rotisserie seasoning mix gives them an unmatched depth of flavor that’ll have you wanting thirds.

6. Leftover Turkey Barley Soup

Turkey barley soup is chicken noodle soup, only with turkey instead of chicken and barley instead of noodles. So you might be wondering why I even compare the two.

The simple answer is because they’re actually a lot alike. They’ll both have a thin, salty, flavor-packed broth, and they’ll feature plenty of tender veggies and garlic.

Additionally, they’re both comforting and filling, and you just can’t get that level of flavor from a can.

7. Ground Turkey Taco Soup

With tomato sauce, kidney beans, corn, taco seasoning, cilantro, avocado, and tortilla chips, ground turkey soup is ideal if you’re looking for something with a south-of-the-border flair.

It takes only half an hour to make and is packed with protein. The calorie count isn’t too bad, either, though you may want to avoid it if you’re counting carbs.

8. Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing

Turn your kitchen into Thanksgiving any time of year by whipping up this 10-ingredient Crockpot turkey breast and stuffing.

The stuffing is just like Thanksgiving stuffing – with celery, apples, onions, sage, etc. – and the turkey is yummy, too.

Pro Tip: If your turkey isn’t juicy enough, add a bit more chicken broth. Whenever I use the recipe as written, I find it leaves the turkey a little on the dry side.

9. Garlic Herb Butter Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

If the words “garlic butter” are like a magical spell that will have you drooling at the mention of them, then this is the recipe for you.

It’s a gorgeous, golden-brown bird full of the wonderful flavors of garlic, butter, and other herbs. What are you waiting for? Go try it!

10. Slow Cooker Whole Turkey

This slow cooker turkey is the epitome of Thanksgiving turkey. It looks perfect, smells perfect, and tastes perfect, too.

It takes hours to make, but the process is painless, and there’s very little work for you to do yourself. Plus, you know what they say: You can’t rush perfection.

11. Slow Cooker Turkey & Gravy

Use this recipe if you want to make a super juicy, insanely flavorful turkey without bothering with all the herbs, seasonings, rubs, and marinades.

You’ll only need four ingredients to make it: turkey tenderloins, cream of chicken soup, turkey gravy mix, and chicken broth (or water).

The result is impressive, especially for such a simple recipe. It’ll practically melt in your mouth.

12. Hot Turkey Sandwiches

Hot turkey sandwiches are outstanding for anyone who wants a meal with a rich, multi-level flavor. Between the beer, onion soup mix, and other ingredients, this turkey tastes superb.

It also requires only 5 minutes of prep time (but another 8 hours to cook, so be sure to plan ahead). Once the turkey is ready, slap it between two buns and enjoy!

13. Crockpot Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey tetrazzini is an excellent option if you need a way to use up lots of leftover turkey.

It combines the turkey with mushrooms, onions, tons of seasonings, spaghetti noodles, cream cheese, peas, chicken broth, and heavy whipping cream.

The finished product features tender noodles, tasty turkey, and a thick and creamy sauce perfect for sopping with bread.

It’s a delicious, easy-to-make meal that gives you meat, veggies, and carbs all in one delightful dish.

14. Slow Cooker Lemon-Dill Turkey Breast (Half Turkey Breast)

This turkey and potato dinner may be stick-to-your-ribs hearty, but it has the lightest, zestiest flavor that you can imagine.

You’ll season the turkey with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, and for the sauce, you’ll use butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dill. It’s simply delicious.

15. Orange Bourbon Crock Pot Turkey Breast

Orange bourbon turkey breast takes your traditional turkey and adds a sweet and savory glaze that no one can resist.

It’s wholesome and filling enough to enjoy for dinner, but it’s so tasty and easy to eat, you’ll also enjoy using it as an appetizer before the big game.

16. Leftover Slow Cooker Turkey Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup may be the ultimate comfort food when you’re sick, but turkey noodle soup is right on its heels. (If you prefer turkey to chicken, it might be at the front of the race!)

It’s brothy but features plenty of chunky ingredients – turkey, potatoes, onions, carrots, and noodles – along with a vast array of herbs and spices.

Every bite tastes better than the last, and you can eat it by itself, with a leafy green side salad, or with thick slices of warm bread. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

17. Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Stroganoff

You’ve probably had beef stroganoff once or twice (or several dozen times) in your life, but turkey stroganoff is not as popular.

Once you try it, though, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your dinner rotation. You’ll use the same tender egg noodles as in beef stroganoff, and the sauce is just as thick and creamy.

The dish has a fantastic taste, and because you’ll use turkey instead of beef, it’s less greasy and has fewer calories.

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17 Best Slow Cooker Turkey Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to cook a turkey in a slow cooker on low? ›

Research conducted by USDA FSIS indicates it's safe to cook large cuts of meat and poultry in a slow cooker.

Can you put raw ground turkey in a slow cooker? ›

Yes, you can cook ground turkey directly in the crock pot without browning it first.

How long does it take to cook a 13 pound turkey in the oven? ›

The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey (that's about 3 hours for a 12- to 14-lb. turkey), or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.

How to season a turkey? ›

Stick with salt and pepper, put herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to work, or take spicy Cajun seasoning for a spin for some kick. Whatever blend you choose, spread it all over the turkey—on top, underneath, between the body and wings and legs, under the skin, and even in the cavity of the bird.

Is it better to slow cook or fast cook a turkey? ›

Slow cooking turkey GUARANTEES juicy and succulent meat!

Is slow cooking a turkey safe? ›

Slow-cooking overnight method

Make it safe – The United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) recommends temperatures no lower than 325 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking meat and poultry. Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is slow cooked turkey pink? ›

The color of cooked meat and poultry is not always a sign of its degree of doneness. Only by using a meat thermometer can one accurately determine that a meat has reached a safe temperature. Turkey, fresh pork, ground beef or veal can remain pink even after cooking to temperatures of 160°F. and higher.

Is it better to cook a turkey low and slow or high and fast? ›

While higher temperatures will cook a turkey faster, they'll also increase the chances that your bird will singe or even burn on the outside before the inside is cooked through. This isn't a weeknight meal that you should be rushing through; low and slow is the way to go.

When not to cook ground turkey? ›

Raw turkey meat should be light pink or beige, depending on the type of meat and its fat content. The meat color becomes dull as time passes, which is normal. However, if the meat has a brown, gray or yellow or green hue, you will want to part ways with it.

How many people will a 13 pound whole turkey feed? ›

How to Figure Out How Much Turkey Per Person
Number of GuestsTurkey Weight–
1013lbs
1215lbs
1520lbs
2025lbs
4 more rows
Nov 21, 2022

How do you cook a 13 lb Butterball turkey? ›

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. ...
  2. In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic, salt, thyme, and parsley.
  3. Pat turkey dry. ...
  4. Bake until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into deepest part of thigh (not touching bone) registers 180°F (about 3½ hours). ...
  5. Carve turkey. ...
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F.

How many people will a 13 14 lb turkey feed? ›

The smaller the bird, the higher that percentage may be. For smaller gatherings, Jessie recommends scaling up to 2 pounds per person to maximize leftovers (more on that later). “For four to six people, 11 to 13 pounds is a good range,” Jessie says. (Most of our recipes call for a 12-to-14-pound bird.)

Should I put butter or oil on my turkey? ›

Don't butter your bird

Placing butter under the skin won't make the meat juicier, though it might help the skin brown faster. However, butter is about 17 percent water, and it will make your bird splotchy, says López-Alt. Instead, rub the skin with vegetable oil before you roast.

What adds flavor to turkey? ›

Instead of filling your bird with stuffing, fill it with aromatics. (News flash: Cooking stuffing inside a turkey can be dangerous.) The basics, like onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage, help lend that traditional Thanksgiving flavor. Take your aromatics up a notch by adding halved lemons or oranges.

Should I put a stick of butter in my turkey? ›

Impart rich flavor and add moisture to your Thanksgiving turkey by adding a layer of butter under the skin before roasting. Learn how to do this simple (but genius) technique for a delicious Thanksgiving turkey. I'm Kelly Senyei with http://www.epicurious.com, and this is how to put butter under turkey skin.

What's the lowest temperature you can cook a turkey overnight? ›

When you're starting to think about going to bed, preheat your oven to somewhere between 170-180ºF. If your oven temperature does not go this low, set it to its coolest setting; anything up to 200ºF is fine.

Is it safe to cook on low in slow cooker? ›

Is a slow cooker safe? Yes, the slow cooker, a countertop electrical appliance, cooks foods slowly at a low temperature—generally between 170° and 280° F. The low heat helps less expensive, leaner cuts of meat become tender and shrink less.

Is it safe to slow cook a turkey at 200 degrees? ›

If you buy a Butterball turkey, or any other name brand turkey, you will notice, most will reccommend you cook it at 325° or 350°. It is always best to follow these guidelines for health safty reasons. If you try to cook a turkey at 200° the temperature is too low, and bacteria can grow inside the turkey cavity.

How long can you leave meat in a slow cooker on low? ›

If the food has cooled, it is not safe to eat after sitting in the crockpot all day. How long is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for? It all depends what you are cooking if you are cooking soup you could put the cooker on low for 8 to 10 hours if you are cooking meat 10 to 12 hours to 24 hours .

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