Are you hosting a holiday feast and wondering how long it takes to cook a turkey crown in a slow cooker? Look no further! Slow cookers are a convenient and hassle-free way to cook a turkey crown while you attend to other tasks. By using a slow cooker, you can ensure that your turkey crown will be moist, tender, and full of flavor.
Slow cooking a turkey crown requires a bit of planning, as the cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey crown and the settings on your slow cooker. As a general rule, you can expect a turkey crown weighing between 2-4 kg (4.4-8.8 lbs) to take around 6-8 hours to cook on low heat. If you’re short on time, you can cook the turkey crown on high heat for approximately 4-6 hours. However, to achieve the best results, it’s recommended to cook the turkey crown on low heat for a longer period of time.
Before placing the turkey crown in the slow cooker, it’s important to ensure that it’s fully thawed. It’s not recommended to cook a frozen turkey crown in a slow cooker as it may not cook evenly. Additionally, it’s a good idea to season the turkey crown with your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. You can also add some liquid, such as chicken broth or wine, to the slow cooker to keep the turkey crown moist during the cooking process.
Remember to always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey crown. The turkey crown should reach a minimum internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to be safely consumed. Once the turkey crown is fully cooked, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and delicious turkey crown.
Turkey Crown in Slow Cooker
A turkey crown is a delicious and convenient alternative to cooking a whole turkey, especially when using a slow cooker. Slow cooking allows the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Here is a simple recipe for cooking a turkey crown in a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 1 turkey crown (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of dried mixed herbs
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 500ml of turkey or chicken stock
Instructions:
- Place the sliced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the dried mixed herbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey crown, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Place the turkey crown on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Pour the turkey or chicken stock into the slow cooker, ensuring it covers the vegetables and reaches halfway up the turkey crown. Add more stock if needed.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the turkey is cooked through and tender.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey crown from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
- Strain the vegetables and cooking liquid from the slow cooker to make a flavorful gravy.
- Serve the turkey crown with the gravy and your choice of side dishes.
With this recipe, you can enjoy a succulent and flavorful turkey crown cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. It’s the perfect option for a hassle-free holiday dinner or any special occasion.
Cooking Time for Turkey Crown
When cooking a turkey crown in a slow cooker, it is important to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly to both ensure food safety and to achieve the desired texture and taste.
The cooking time for a turkey crown in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the crown and the specific slow cooker being used. As a general guideline, it is recommended to cook a turkey crown in a slow cooker for approximately 4-6 hours on low heat.
However, it is important to note that slow cookers can vary in terms of temperature and cooking time, so it is essential to check the internal temperature of the turkey crown using a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Here is a general guide for cooking a turkey crown in a slow cooker:
Weight of Turkey Crown | Cooking Time |
---|---|
2-3 pounds | 4-5 hours |
4-5 pounds | 5-6 hours |
6-7 pounds | 6-7 hours |
8-9 pounds | 7-8 hours |
Remember to always check the internal temperature of the turkey crown to ensure it has reached the safe temperature before serving. Additionally, it is recommended to allow the turkey crown to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute and for easier carving.
Preparation for Slow Cooker Turkey Crown
Before cooking your turkey crown in a slow cooker, it’s important to properly prepare it to ensure a delicious and moist result. Here are some steps to follow:
- Thaw the turkey crown if it is frozen. It’s recommended to thaw it in the refrigerator for a couple of days before cooking.
- Remove the packaging from the turkey crown and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Season the turkey crown with your desired herbs and spices. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, or any other seasonings you prefer.
- Place the turkey crown in the slow cooker, breast-side up. If needed, you can trim any excess skin or fat.
- Add some liquid to the slow cooker to prevent the turkey from drying out. You can use chicken broth, turkey broth, or even water.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to low. Cook the turkey crown for approximately 6-8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once the turkey crown is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare a tender and succulent turkey crown in your slow cooker. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Turkey Crown
Preparing a delicious turkey crown in a slow cooker requires a few essential ingredients. Here is a list of the ingredients you’ll need:
Turkey Crown:
1 | 2 kg turkey crown |
Seasonings and Flavorings:
2 | teaspoons salt |
1 | teaspoon black pepper |
1 | teaspoon dried thyme |
1 | teaspoon dried rosemary |
1 | teaspoon garlic powder |
Vegetables and Aromatics:
1 | large onion, sliced |
2 | carrots, sliced |
2 | celery stalks, sliced |
3 | garlic cloves, minced |
These ingredients will help enhance the flavor of your turkey crown and create a delicious and moist dish. Make sure to gather all the ingredients before you start preparing your slow cooker turkey crown. Enjoy your meal!
Seasonings for Slow Cooker Turkey Crown
When it comes to cooking a turkey crown in a slow cooker, seasonings are key to adding flavor and enhancing the taste of the meat. Here are some delicious seasonings that you can use:
1. Herbs and Spices:
Add a combination of herbs and spices to your slow cooker turkey crown to create a delightful flavor profile. Some popular options include:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
2. Citrus Zest:
Add a burst of freshness to your slow cooker turkey crown by including citrus zest. Simply grate the outer layer of an orange or lemon and sprinkle it over the meat. The citrusy aroma will infuse into the turkey as it cooks, providing a unique and refreshing taste.
3. Liquid Seasonings:
For added moisture and flavor, consider incorporating some liquid seasonings into your slow cooker. Here are a few options:
- Chicken or turkey broth
- Apple cider
- White wine
- Soy sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
Be mindful of the amount of liquid you add to prevent your turkey crown from becoming too watery.
Remember, seasoning is a matter of personal preference, so feel free to experiment with different combinations and adjust the quantities according to your taste. With the right seasonings, your slow cooker turkey crown will be a flavorful and succulent centerpiece for any meal. Enjoy!
Tips for Cooking Slow Cooker Turkey Crown
Cooking a turkey crown in a slow cooker can result in a delicious and tender meal. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:
Choose the Right Size Turkey Crown
Before cooking, make sure to choose a turkey crown that fits your slow cooker. It should be small enough to fit comfortably with the lid on, but big enough to serve your desired number of guests.
Prepare the Turkey Crown
Before placing the turkey crown in the slow cooker, make sure to remove any giblets or extras that may be inside the cavity. Rinse the crown under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
If desired, season the turkey crown with your favorite herbs and spices. This will add flavor to the meat as it cooks slowly in the slow cooker.
Use a Trivet
Place a trivet or a rack in the bottom of the slow cooker. This will elevate the turkey crown, allowing the heat to circulate evenly and preventing the meat from sticking to the bottom.
Weight of Turkey Crown | Cooking Time |
---|---|
1-2 kg | 4-6 hours |
2-3 kg | 6-8 hours |
3-4 kg | 8-10 hours |
Check Internal Temperature
Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the turkey crown to ensure it reaches a minimum of 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption. The meat should be white and the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
Once the turkey crown is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender.
Enjoy your slow cooker turkey crown with your favorite side dishes, and savor the delicious flavors that come from cooking it slowly!
Serving Slow Cooker Turkey Crown
Once your slow cooker turkey crown is fully cooked and has reached the desired internal temperature, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are a few tips and ideas for serving your delicious slow-cooked turkey crown:
- Carving: Carefully remove the turkey crown from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp carving knife to slice the turkey crown into thin slices. Make sure to carve against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Accompaniments: Serve your slow cooker turkey crown with your favourite accompaniments. Traditional side dishes such as roasted potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green vegetables go well with slow-cooked turkey.
- Gravy: A rich and flavorful gravy is the perfect addition to slow cooker turkey crown. You can use the cooking juices from the slow cooker to make a delicious homemade gravy. Strain the juices, skim off any excess fat, and then simmer the juices in a saucepan until reduced and thickened. You can thicken the gravy further with a cornstarch or flour slurry if desired.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, make sure to store them properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover turkey can be used to make sandwiches, salads, or added to soups and casseroles for additional meals.
- Enjoy: Gather your family and friends, sit down, and enjoy your slow cooker turkey crown meal together. Take the time to savor the flavors and appreciate the effort you put into cooking this delicious dish.
Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of slow cooker you are using, so always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey crown is cooked through.
Questions and answers
Can I cook a turkey crown in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a turkey crown in a slow cooker. It will take approximately 4 to 6 hours on low heat setting.
What is the advantage of cooking a turkey crown in a slow cooker?
The advantage of cooking a turkey crown in a slow cooker is that it allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and moist turkey.
What size of turkey crown can I cook in a slow cooker?
You can cook a turkey crown of any size in a slow cooker as long as it fits comfortably. Just make sure that the lid of the slow cooker can still close properly.
Do I need to pre-cook the turkey crown before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, you do not need to pre-cook the turkey crown before putting it in the slow cooker. However, you can brown it in a pan before placing it in the slow cooker for added flavor.
Can I cook the turkey crown on high heat setting in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the turkey crown on high heat setting in the slow cooker. It will take approximately 2 to 3 hours on high heat setting.