How to Cook a Turkey in a Crockpot
Wondering how to cook a turkey in a crockpot? Here’s how I prepared a whole turkey with garlic butter and Creole seasoning, plus important slow cooker size and food-safety tips, cooking temperature guidance, and easy Thanksgiving side dish ideas. Always confirm your appliance is approved for a whole bird before using this method!
I LOVE Thanksgiving. Between the food and family time, it’s one of my very favorite days of the year. In college I loved it so much that I actually started hosting a yearly “Friendsgiving” party, complete with a roasted turkey I made myself.
I will fully admit that the first year I ordered a pre-made turkey that just needed to be heated up because I was convinced it was going to be too complicated for a rookie chef like me. However, after that year I was committed to learning how to roast my own turkey from scratch after seeing just how much more expensive a pre-made turkey was!
It took a few years of trial and error, but I eventually learned how to cook a delicious, juicy and perfect oven roasted turkey. While I still love doing that, an oven-roasted turkey from scratch takes time and precious oven space, especially when I’m juggling holiday food and three kids.
When you make a turkey in the oven, you’re talking hours of prep and paying close attention while your turkey roasts to make sure it comes out perfectly. And let’s be honest: who has time for that?!
That’s why I started experimenting with slow cooking turkey. The hands-on prep is simple, and freeing up oven space for side dishes is a huge win on the big day. The important catch: not every slow cooker is designed to cook an entire turkey safely.
One of my favorite ways to save money on groceries has always been buying what I call “clearance meat.” This is meat at the grocery store that has nothing wrong with it, but is marked down because it’s approaching the store’s sell-by date.
That’s how I first experimented with cooking a turkey in a crockpot: I found a turkey weighing just under 10 pounds for only $4 at the grocery store! Even though Thanksgiving was still months away, I knew I couldn’t turn down an amazing deal like this on a food my family likes.
I bought three at that price, froze them promptly, and used them to experiment with different turkey recipes. This is the method I tried, along with the safety details I’d want anyone cooking a whole bird to know.
And if you’re already planning your Thanksgiving dinner, I’ve got you covered with a few more easy ideas! Whether you’re cooking for a smaller crowd or hosting the whole extended family, these kid-friendly Thanksgiving side dishes are a great place to start. You can also make these easy air fryer roasted sweet potatoes to save even more oven space.
And because keeping the kids entertained while you’re cooking is basically its own Thanksgiving tradition 😜, try sharing some fun Thanksgiving riddles with them! They’re a simple way to get everyone laughing, thinking, and enjoying a little family time while you get the big meal ready.
Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.
Slow Cooker Turkey is Shockingly EASY
Just to be clear: this article describes my experience with a whole turkey, not a boneless turkey breast roast or a bone-in turkey breast. A slow cooker turkey breast recipe may be a better option for smaller appliances; the cooking time and safe setup will differ.
I love a good slow cooker recipe. There’s something so reassuring about being able to throw your ingredients in your crock pot and not stress about burning something when your kids start acting crazy.
If you love easy slow cooker recipes as much as I do, here are a few more family favorites:
- Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup
- Simple and Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast
- Super Simple Slow Cooker Shrimp & Grits
Slow cooker recipes are often wonderfully hands-off, which is one of the best parts and why I love trying new recipes. I’ll be honest though: I was really on the fence about cooking a turkey in one. I’ve cooked a whole chicken in an Instant Pot and it’s turned out amazing (check out the recipe for yourself here!), but a turkey is a lot bigger.
But hey, with a $4 turkey to experiment with I thought why not give it a try! And I’m SO glad that I did. This slow cooker turkey experiment ended up being one of my favorite ways to make holiday meal prep feel a little less overwhelming.
The turkey I made turned out flavorful and tender, with garlic butter seasoning and lots of its own juices. For a smaller crowd or small Thanksgiving dinner, a properly sized and manufacturer-approved slow cooker setup can save valuable oven space.
If your whole bird is too large or your appliance does not approve cooking whole poultry, roast it in the oven or choose a smaller turkey breast instead.
How to Prep Your Crockpot Turkey
There are a few things you will want to do in advance before getting ready to pop your turkey in your slow cooker.
First, be sure you give your turkey enough time to thaw. Just like roasting one in the oven, whole turkeys require time to thaw. The actual defrosting time depends on the size of the turkey you buy; plan for approximately 24 hours of refrigerator thawing per 4 to 5 pounds of turkey, allowing extra time if needed.
Here’s an easy chart for the time to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator based on pounds of turkey:
- 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
Remember it’s super important to give yourself this time. Never start a frozen or partially frozen turkey in a slow cooker. Slow cooking frozen poultry can leave it in the food-safety danger zone for too long.
Most store-bought whole turkeys also contain packages with the neck and giblets that need to be removed before cooking. If your turkey is still frozen or mostly frozen, it’s pretty impossible to get these packages out.
Be sure to look both inside the turkey’s cavity as well as under the flap of loose skin at the top of the turkey for these items. Most turkeys at the store have packages in both of these spots, so be sure to check them both.
I also recommend using paper towels to pat dry the entire turkey before seasoning it (including the inside of the turkey).
This crockpot turkey recipe uses a simple garlic butter. You can mix the softened butter and seasonings the day before and refrigerate them separately. Keep the turkey refrigerated until you are ready to cook; don’t leave it out to reach room temperature.
Be sure the size slow cooker you have can accommodate the turkey you purchased. The turkey I originally tested was just under 10 pounds and was a very tight fit in my 6-quart slow cooker.
A tight fit does not establish that a whole bird can be cooked safely. Check your specific slow cooker manufacturer’s guidance for whole poultry and maximum capacity; the lid must close completely without forcing it.
If the manufacturer does not approve a whole turkey of that size, use the oven or a manufacturer-approved smaller cut, such as a turkey breast. Never choose the bird’s size based only on whether you can squeeze it into the insert.
Finally, it’s important that the turkey you serve is the right temperature when you serve it. The cook time on this recipe serves as a guide, but you’ll want to double check the temperature before you serve it.
USDA guidance is to cook turkey to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), checking the thickest part of the breast, the innermost thigh, and the innermost wing without touching bone. The temperature is more important than the clock, and the cooker must also be suitable for the size of the bird.
Need some sides to go with this slow cooker turkey recipe? Be sure to also check out Easy, Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Toddlers too!
Ingredients Needed to Cook a Crockpot Turkey Dinner
One of my personal favorite things about turkey is how easy it is to customize a recipe for your own personal preference. For this recipe, I recommend you use:
- softened unsalted butter (soften briefly for mixing, but keep the turkey refrigerated)
- crushed garlic cloves or garlic powder
- Creole seasoning (I like Tony Chachere’s)
- black pepper
- salt
- 8-10 lb whole turkey, fully thawed (only if your slow cooker manufacturer approves a whole bird of its size)
- water
- 1 brown gravy packet
- meat thermometer. I use and love this one! It’s important to have one to ensure that your meat is fully cooked, whether you are cooking a turkey in a slow cooker or in the oven.
You can also choose to inject your turkey instead for more flavor. To learn how to do that, check out Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Injection Recipes.
How to Cook a Whole Turkey in a Crockpot
Before cooking, confirm that your slow cooker manufacturer explicitly approves cooking a whole turkey of this size. If it doesn’t, use these seasoning ideas for an oven-roasted turkey instead.
The garlic butter prep is surprisingly easy. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic, 1 tablespoon of Creole seasoning, salt and black pepper.
Gently loosen the skin of the turkey with your fingers and spread the garlic butter under the skin and on top of the skin, too. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of creole seasoning on top of the turkey’s skin.
Don’t want to use butter on the skin? Instead, you can rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top before the final creole seasoning is added. If you’d like, you can also add half a tablespoon of onion powder to the seasoning mix too.
For a whole bird in a manufacturer-approved slow cooker, place the fully thawed turkey in the cooker as directed by the appliance manufacturer, with the lid fitting securely. My original recipe used ½ cup of water at the bottom of the slow cooker, mixed with a brown gravy packet for extra flavor.
Chicken broth or chicken stock can also add flavor, but follow your cooker’s directions for liquid amounts. Do not overfill the cooker.
My original cooking notes used 3–4 hours on HIGH or 6–8 hours on LOW for an 8–10-pound bird, but those times should not be treated as validated food-safe directions for every whole turkey or slow cooker. Whole birds heat differently from turkey breasts and may be too large for standard slow cookers.
Follow the manufacturer’s approved instructions for the specific appliance and poultry size, and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Do not rely on the warm setting to cook raw turkey.
The best way to know if your turkey is cooked and safe to serve is to use a meat thermometer. Check for at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast, innermost thigh, and innermost wing, avoiding bone, using your meat thermometer.
One of the best parts of this slow cooker turkey recipe is the moist cooking environment, which can help keep the meat tender. But a long cook can still dry out turkey breast meat, so check doneness rather than automatically adding extra time. The turkey skin will generally stay soft instead of developing the crispy skin you get from roasting.
You can remove the skin after cooking, or carefully transfer the fully cooked turkey to a separate broiler-safe pan to crisp the skin.
Do not put the slow cooker’s removable stoneware insert under the broiler unless the manufacturer specifically states it is broiler-safe. Instead, carefully transfer the fully cooked turkey to a separate broiler-safe baking sheet or roasting pan. The bird may be very tender, so use sturdy utensils and support it from underneath.
Brush the top of the turkey with a little extra butter and broil briefly, checking constantly; browning may take only a few minutes. Again, this is totally optional. Just be sure to keep an eye on it under the broiler as it can get very crispy quickly!
How to Cook a Turkey in a Crockpot
Learn how to cook a whole turkey in a crockpot with simple ingredients, flavorful garlic butter and Creole seasoning. This easy slow cooker turkey recipe is a convenient option for a smaller Thanksgiving dinner, helping free up oven space for your favorite holiday side dishes. Includes tips for juicy turkey, crispy skin, and checking the internal temperature.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cloves crushed garlic (or substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons creole seasoning (I like Tony Chachere’s)
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon salt
- 8-10 lb whole turkey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 packet of brown gravy mix
Instructions
- Mix together the butter, crushed garlic cloves (or garlic powder), 1 tablespoon of the creole seasoning, salt and black pepper to make the garlic butter.
- Gently loosen the skin of the turkey with your fingers. Spread the garlic butter under the skin and on top of the skin too. After spreading the garlic butter, sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of creole seasoning on top of the turkey’s skin.
- Add the water to the bottom of the crockpot and mix in the packet of brown gravy mix. Gently place your turkey into the crockpot and cover.
- Cook your turkey on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours, until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the breast, innermost thigh and innermost wing.
- Optional: for crispy skin, broil your turkey in the oven on low for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove your turkey and place on a cutting board. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to help it stay juicy.
Notes
Turkey size and slow cooker: This recipe was developed using a whole turkey, not a boneless turkey breast. Only use a fully thawed turkey that fits comfortably in a slow cooker approved by its manufacturer for cooking a bird of that size. The lid must close completely. If your slow cooker isn't rated for a whole turkey, use an oven-roasting method instead.
Check the temperature: Cooking times are estimates, not guarantees. Use a meat thermometer to check that the turkey reaches at least 165°F in the thickest part of the breast, innermost thigh, and innermost wing. Avoid touching bone when taking the temperature.
For crispy skin: Slow cooking produces tender turkey but won't create crispy skin. If desired, carefully transfer the fully cooked turkey to a broiler-safe baking sheet or roasting pan and broil briefly, watching closely.
Seasoning: Creole seasoning blends vary in salt content. Check whether your turkey is already seasoned or enhanced with a salt solution before adding the full amount of salt.
Leftovers: Refrigerate cooked turkey within two hours, in shallow airtight containers. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Serving size: Plan on approximately 1–1½ pounds of bone-in whole turkey per adult, depending on appetites and how many side dishes you're serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 7 Serving Size: 7Amount Per Serving:Calories: 575
Can You Safely Cook a Whole Turkey in a Slow Cooker?
The most important question is not just whether a whole turkey fits in your crock pot. It’s whether your specific slow cooker is approved by its manufacturer to cook that size of whole poultry safely.
Many standard slow cookers are better suited to smaller cuts such as a bone-in turkey breast or boneless turkey breast roast. If the instructions do not clearly approve a whole bird, use the oven instead. Never cook a frozen turkey in a slow cooker.
For a turkey cooked by any method, USDA recommends checking for at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast, innermost thigh, and innermost wing. A meat thermometer is essential; color, tenderness, and cook times alone cannot tell you whether the turkey is safe.
Whole Turkey vs. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
This is a whole turkey recipe, not a slow cooker turkey breast recipe. A bone-in turkey breast or boneless turkey roast may fit an oval slow cooker more easily and is often a better choice for a smaller crowd.
Do not substitute a turkey breast into the whole-bird cooking time without using directions specifically tested for that cut and size. Whether you choose a crockpot turkey breast, slow cooker bone-in turkey breast, or oven-roasted whole bird, cook it to a safe internal temperature.
How to Get Crispy Turkey Skin
Slow cooking leaves the skin of the turkey breast and the top of the turkey soft. For crispy skin, transfer the fully cooked bird to a separate broiler-safe baking sheet or roasting pan, brush with a little melted butter or olive oil, and broil briefly while watching constantly. Never assume your slow cooker insert is broiler-safe!
How Long Should Turkey Rest Before Carving?
Let the turkey rest for about 15–20 minutes after cooking, loosely tented with aluminum foil, before carving. This helps the juices settle so you can serve moist turkey breast and dark meat. If you make gravy, this is a good time to warm the pan juices in a small saucepan and prepare homemade gravy according to a tested recipe.
What to Serve With Crockpot Turkey
One of the best parts of a Thanksgiving meal is the side dishes! Saving oven space can make it easier to prepare sweet potato casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce, and all the other favorites. For easy ideas, browse my kid-friendly Thanksgiving side dishes, or try these air fryer roasted sweet potatoes if your oven is already full.
How to Store and Use Leftover Turkey
Refrigerate leftover turkey within 2 hours of cooking, dividing it into shallow containers so it cools quickly. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat leftovers to 165°F. Use leftover turkey for sandwiches, leftover turkey soup, or these cheesy turkey cranberry sliders the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Turkey
Can I put a frozen whole turkey in the crockpot?
No. Fully thaw the turkey in the refrigerator before cooking. Starting with frozen poultry in a slow cooker can allow it to spend too long at unsafe temperatures.
What size turkey fits in a 6-quart slow cooker?
There is no universal safe weight based only on the quart capacity. My original turkey weighing just under 10 pounds was a tight fit in a 6-quart cooker, but fit alone does not mean that size is safe. Check your appliance manual for manufacturer-approved poultry sizes and methods. If you cannot confirm that a whole bird is approved, choose a smaller cut or use the oven.
How do I keep turkey from drying out?
Use the correct method for your cut and appliance, season with softened butter or a simple herb butter mixture, and avoid cooking past doneness. Even when slow cooking, turkey breast can dry out if overcooked.
Can I make gravy from the turkey juices?
Yes, provided the turkey has been cooked safely. Strain the cooking juices, remove excess fat, and bring them to a boil in a small saucepan before thickening for turkey gravy. The original recipe also uses a brown gravy packet for extra flavor.
I hope this recipe helps you understand how to cook a turkey in a crockpot, including what to check before attempting a whole bird! The garlic butter and Creole seasoning are a delicious combination, whether you use a suitable slow cooker or adapt the flavors for an oven-roasted Thanksgiving turkey.
Cooking a small crockpot turkey for a smaller crowd also helps to solve the issue of too much turkey leftover. It can also inspire a simple holiday-style dinner for a small family. If you have a smaller turkey or fewer people to feed, a turkey breast can be a more practical alternative. Whatever method you choose, let the turkey rest before carving and use the meat thermometer to confirm safe doneness.
If you make this, be sure to let me know! I would love to hear how yours turns out. And if you need a low-prep activity for the kids while you cook, my free printable Thanksgiving activities for toddlers can help keep little hands busy.
Did you enjoy this article? Use the image below to pin it on Pinterest to help other families find this useful information, too!
I’m 61 years old and when I looked at your happy photo and read the “I’m a boy mama to my two under three” I couldn’t help but think of my Mom whose been gone since 2010. My parents immigrated to Canada from Denmark in 1956 with my 3 year old brother. 7 years later on Sept 24, 1963 she had her 6th child. The newborn boy, a 2 year old boy[me], a 2 year 10 months old girl, a 5 year old girl, a 7 year old boy and a 11-12 year old boy. So 3 children under 3 years old. [My sister Connie born Jan 12, 1961 and me born Nov 18, 1961.]
Aww, I love that! You also reminded me that I need to update that photo and bio, as I am now a mom to 3 under 4! We welcomed our youngest son on October 30th =)
The other day, my heating element in my oven went out; the new one won’t be here for about 2 weeks. I had a turkey thawing out in my fridge, and was desperate, as I didn’t want a whole turkey to go to waste, and it was already thawed… I don’t think it would have lasted 2 weeks. I went online looking for alternative ways to cook the bird. I do not have a big grill, or a turkey fryer, BUT I DO have a crockpot. I didn’t know you could cook a turkey this way. Thank goodness, the turkey I had was only 9 pounds, and it fit, tightly ,but it did fit in my crockpot. I did the butter and creole seasoning etc, just on top of bird… I didn’t put it under the skin. I couldn’t sleep last night, so got up and put the turkey in the pot about 3:30 a.m. Actually, I didn’t think it would get done so quickly, and it was done at about noon. It turned out great! Moist, juicy, falling apart! I think I will do it this way from now on. Thank you for a wonderful recipe 🙂
This makes me so happy to read! I’m so glad you found this recipe so helpful =)
made a 11.5lb turkey today using your times and suggestions. I loved using the butter under the skin, and putting it under the broiler made it look like is cooked it there perfectly!
But no dryness at all! woot, never will I do one in an oven again!
thank you
This makes me so happy to hear!!
I cooked a turkey like this last year but couldn’t remember how long on high. So happy to have found this. I just cooked an 11.4 lb turkey a couple days ago but ran into a problem. My “last year” crockpot broke this summer so I bought a new one. The new one has the latching lid. This years turkey was not going to allow the lid to lock. I covered the pot tightly with heavy duty foil for the 1st hour. Laying a towel over the foil, I pressed down. I removed the foil and the lid fit snug. It still only took 4 hours to heavenly perfection.
Sound delicious!
I happen to be married to a stubborn wife of 42 years, as I was reading your recipe to her from my side of the couch, she’s scoffing. “I always cook the bird in the oven or tabletop electric roaster.” She kept spouting her oppion until I started reading other people’s reviews about how juicey their turkey turned out. “Really?” “Really?” is all she kept saying as I kept reading aloud.
She agreed to try this recipe this Monday, Christmas day. Wonderful article, and wonderful recipe. I will post back after Christmas as to our experiences. Thank you so much.
I’m so glad she loved it! Reviews like this make me so happy. I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday! =)
I do have a question though. Your recipe calls for 1/2 cup water, is it possible to add 6 or more to make turkey gravy with or would that inhibit the cooking process?
How many pounds turkey fits in a large crock pot?
Hi Lindy! The one I used for this recipe was just over 10 pounds. I recommend one 10 pounds or less for this method.
I was desperate when I found out that my roasting pan was no good anymore and had no other pan to cook in oven . I searched for another way I found this and cooking it right now I put it in at 610 am let’s find out if this works. 13.5 pounds
As embarrassing as this is, I’m 51 and this is going to be my first time ever cooking Thanksgiving dinner…wish me luck 😊 and I’ll be sure to let you know how it turns out.
I have a 5lbs turkey breast can I use same receipt? sorry it got sent twice
Absolutely, but it will cook faster! So be sure to keep an eye on it.