Olivia Carter
Do you want to make a delicious and flavorful turkey crown without all the hassle and stress of using the oven? Look no further! Cooking a turkey crown in a slow cooker is a fantastic alternative that still yields incredible results. With this method, you’ll have a tender and juicy turkey crown that will impress your friends and family.
Why use a slow cooker?
Using a slow cooker to cook your turkey crown has several advantages. Firstly, it’s extremely convenient. You can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other important tasks or spend quality time with your loved ones. Secondly, the slow cooker gently cooks the turkey crown at a low temperature, ensuring that it remains moist and tender. This cooking method also allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a more flavorful turkey crown.
Getting started
Before you begin, make sure you have a slow cooker large enough to fit your turkey crown comfortably. You’ll also need some basic ingredients, such as salt, pepper, herbs, and spices, to season the turkey crown. Additionally, you’ll need a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey crown is cooked to the proper internal temperature for safety.
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get cooking!
Preparing The Turkey Crown
Before getting started, it’s important to prepare the turkey crown properly. Here are the steps to follow:
| 1. | Start by ensuring that the turkey crown is fully defrosted. This will usually take around 24 hours for every 2 kilograms of meat. Defrosting the turkey crown in the refrigerator is the safest method. |
| 2. | Once defrosted, remove the turkey crown from its packaging and pat it dry with kitchen paper. This will help the seasonings to adhere to the meat better. |
| 3. | Next, season the turkey crown with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. This will add flavor to the meat as it cooks. |
| 4. | If desired, you can also stuff the cavity of the turkey crown with a stuffing mixture of your choice. This will add extra flavor and moisture to the meat. |
| 5. | After seasoning, place the turkey crown into the slow cooker, making sure it fits comfortably without touching the sides. If necessary, you can trim any excess skin or fat from the turkey crown to ensure a snug fit. |
| 6. | Finally, cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the desired cooking time and temperature according to the recipe you are following. Slow cookers can vary, so be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended cooking times and temperatures for poultry. |
By following these steps to prepare the turkey crown, you’ll be on your way to cooking a delicious and tender centerpiece for your holiday meal. Happy cooking!
Seasoning The Turkey Crown
To add delicious flavor to your turkey crown, it’s important to season it well before cooking. Here are some suggestions for seasoning options:
- Salt and pepper: Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper evenly over the turkey crown.
- Herbs: Use a mixture of fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage to rub onto the surface of the turkey. These herbs will add a lovely aroma and taste to the meat.
- Garlic: Crush a few cloves of garlic and spread them over the turkey crown. Garlic will infuse its pungent and savory flavor into the meat as it cooks.
- Onion: Slice an onion into rings and place them on top of the turkey crown. The onion will add a subtle sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
Once you’ve seasoned the turkey crown, gently pat the seasonings into the meat to ensure they adhere well. You can also marinate the turkey crown in the refrigerator overnight for even more flavor penetration. Remember to adjust the seasoning levels to your preference, and feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your unique flavor profile.
Preparing The Slow Cooker
Before you start cooking the turkey crown in the slow cooker, it is important to properly prepare the appliance. Follow these steps to ensure your slow cooker is ready to use:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the slow cooker pot and lid with warm, soapy water. Rinse them well and dry them completely.
- Place the clean pot in the heating base of the slow cooker, making sure it sits securely in the base.
- Next, plug in the slow cooker and ensure that the power is turned off.
- Check the slow cooker’s user manual to determine the appropriate size turkey crown that will fit comfortably in the pot. This information will help you choose the right size turkey crown for your slow cooker.
- Prepare the slow cooker by adding a layer of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, to the bottom of the pot. These vegetables will act as a natural rack for the turkey crown, elevating it from the bottom of the pot to allow for even cooking.
- Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices.
- Place the turkey crown on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker pot, making sure it is positioned in the center.
- At this point, you can add any additional seasonings or marinades to the turkey crown, if desired.
- Finally, place the lid securely on the slow cooker pot.
By properly preparing the slow cooker, you can ensure that your turkey crown will cook evenly and be full of flavor when it is ready to be served.
Cooking The Turkey Crown
Once the turkey crown is prepared and seasoned to your liking, it’s time to cook it in the slow cooker. Here’s how:
- Place the turkey crown in the slow cooker.
- Add any desired vegetables, such as carrots, onions, and celery, to the slow cooker.
- Pour in enough liquid, such as chicken broth or water, to cover the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low heat.
- Cook the turkey crown on low heat for approximately 6-8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey crown from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Carve the turkey crown into slices and serve with the cooked vegetables and juices from the slow cooker.
Checking The Turkey Crown
Once the cooking time is up, it’s important to check the turkey crown to ensure it is cooked through. Here are the steps to check the doneness:
- Carefully remove the slow cooker lid, taking caution as steam will escape.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey crown without touching the bone.
- The internal temperature should read at least 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is fully cooked.
- If the temperature is not yet at the desired level, continue cooking for additional time.
- Remember to replace the lid after each temperature check to maintain the cooking heat.
Checking the turkey crown’s temperature is crucial to ensure it is safe to eat. Undercooked turkey can lead to foodborne illnesses, so it’s important to double-check the doneness before serving.
Serving The Turkey Crown
Once your turkey crown is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious centerpiece. Here are a few tips for serving the turkey crown:
- Allow the turkey crown to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will ensure that the juices distribute evenly and the meat stays juicy and tender.
- Using a sharp carving knife, carefully slice the turkey crown into thin slices. Serve them on a warm platter to keep the meat at the perfect temperature.
- Accompany the turkey crown with your favorite sides and sauces. Traditional choices include cranberry sauce, gravy, roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
- For an elegant presentation, garnish the platter with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, and add a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
- Don’t forget to save the juices from the slow cooker. These juices can be strained and used to make a delicious homemade gravy to drizzle over the turkey crown.
Remember, the turkey crown is the star of the show, so take your time to arrange the slices beautifully on the platter and enjoy the meal with your loved ones!
Cleaning Up
Once the turkey crown is cooked to perfection and you’ve enjoyed a delicious meal, it’s time to clean up. Here are a few steps to make the process as easy as possible:
- Turn off the slow cooker: Unplug the slow cooker and let it cool down before handling.
- Remove the turkey crown: Carefully lift the turkey crown out of the slow cooker using tongs or a large fork. Place it on a cutting board and cover it with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
- Remove the cooking liquid: Pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a heatproof bowl or jug. You can strain the liquid if desired to remove any bits or pieces.
- Skim off excess fat: If there is a layer of fat on top of the cooking liquid, use a spoon or a fat separator to skim off as much fat as possible.
- Clean the slow cooker: Allow the slow cooker to cool down completely before cleaning it. Wash the removable crock and lid with warm, soapy water. If they are dishwasher-safe, you can also put them in the dishwasher.
- Dispose of leftovers: If there are any leftovers, transfer them to airtight containers and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. Leftover turkey can be used for sandwiches, salads, or other recipes.
By following these steps, you’ll have a clean and tidy kitchen after cooking a delicious turkey crown in the slow cooker.
Questions and answers
Can I cook a turkey crown in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a turkey crown in the slow cooker. It’s a convenient method that results in tender and juicy meat.
How long does it take to cook a turkey crown in the slow cooker?
It typically takes 4 to 6 hours on high heat or 6 to 8 hours on low heat to cook a turkey crown in the slow cooker. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the crown.
What ingredients do I need to cook a turkey crown in the slow cooker?
To cook a turkey crown in the slow cooker, you will need a turkey crown, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage), chicken stock, and vegetables (such as carrots, onions, and celery) for added flavor.
