Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday—it’s all about family, gratitude, and, of course, amazing food! But let’s be honest, the hustle of preparing a feast can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. That’s where my trusty crock pot comes in! This *crock pot thanksgiving* turkey recipe takes the stress out of the day, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Imagine a beautifully cooked turkey, tender and juicy, with minimal effort on your part. Plus, the aroma wafting through your home as it cooks is simply irresistible! So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make this Thanksgiving the easiest and most delicious one yet!

Ingredients List

• 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 2 cups bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

How to Prepare Instructions

Preparing the Turkey

First things first, let’s get that turkey ready! You’ll want to remove the giblets from the cavity—trust me, it’s essential for a good cook. Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is key to ensuring that the skin crisps up beautifully. Now, don’t forget to season the inside of the turkey with a sprinkle of salt and pepper; this adds flavor from the inside out!

Making the Stuffing

Now, let’s whip up the stuffing! In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, chopped onion, celery, carrots, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and that glorious melted butter. Mix it all together until everything is nicely coated and evenly distributed. I like to use my hands for this—feel free to get in there! Make sure the mixture is moist but not soggy; this is what makes the stuffing so flavorful.

Cooking the Turkey

Once your turkey is prepped and stuffed, place it breast-side up into your crock pot. Pour in the chicken broth around the turkey—this will keep it moist and add a lovely depth of flavor. Set your crock pot to low and let it work its magic for about 8 to 10 hours. Don’t peek too often; you want to keep that heat in! Just imagine the aroma filling your home as it cooks!

Resting and Carving

When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the turkey from the crock pot and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This resting time is crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice you cut is juicy and tender. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Now, grab your sharp knife and get ready to impress your guests with perfectly carved turkey!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each slice of this delicious turkey. Keep in mind that these are estimates, and actual values may vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Sugar: 2g

This turkey is not just satisfying but also a fantastic source of protein, making it perfect for your Thanksgiving feast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: Just stuff and set it—let the crock pot do the work!
• Flavorful and moist turkey: Cooking low and slow means juicy, tender meat every time.
• Perfect for gatherings: Serves 10-12, making it ideal for Thanksgiving feasts with family and friends.
• Gluten-free option: Substituting gluten-free bread crumbs means everyone can enjoy this dish!
• Minimal cleanup: One pot means less mess and more time to enjoy the holiday.

Tips for Success

Now that you’re all set to make this amazing crock pot Thanksgiving turkey, here are some pro tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly! First off, don’t be shy with the seasoning—feel free to adjust the salt and herbs according to your taste preferences. You can even add a bit of garlic powder or onion powder to the stuffing for an extra punch of flavor!

Using a meat thermometer is a game changer! Insert it into the thickest part of the turkey breast; it should read 165°F (74°C) when it’s fully cooked. This guarantees that your turkey is safe to eat and perfectly juicy. If you don’t have a thermometer, just make sure the juices run clear when you pierce the thigh; if they’re still pink, it needs more time!

Oh, and if you want to take it a step further, consider brining the turkey the night before. A simple saltwater brine can enhance the flavor and moisture content, making your turkey even more delicious! Just be sure to rinse and dry it well before seasoning and stuffing.

Lastly, resist the urge to lift the lid too often while it cooks. I know it’s tempting to peek at the magic, but keeping the lid closed helps maintain that lovely heat and steam inside, ensuring a moist and flavorful turkey!

Variations

If you want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize this crock pot Thanksgiving turkey recipe! Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:

• Herb Medley: Experiment with different herbs like sage, parsley, or oregano in the stuffing for a unique flavor profile.
• Fruit and Nut Stuffing: Add dried cranberries, apples, or walnuts to your stuffing mix for a delightful sweet and savory twist.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a spicy surprise.
• Italian Flair: Swap out the traditional herbs for Italian seasoning and include some grated Parmesan cheese in the stuffing for a rich flavor.
• Mushroom Medley: Sauté some mushrooms and mix them into the stuffing for an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with turkey.
• Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, use a large vegetable like a pumpkin or squash and fill it with the stuffing mixture for a stunning centerpiece.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love! The key is to have fun and make this dish your own.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Storing your delicious crock pot Thanksgiving turkey is super easy. Just let it cool down a bit, then slice it up and place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for those tasty turkey sandwiches!

If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the turkey too! Wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When it’s time to reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven or microwave. Just be careful not to dry it out—add a splash of broth or cover it to keep it moist. Enjoy every last bite!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your beautifully cooked crock pot Thanksgiving turkey, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside it! Here are some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly:

• Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they’re the perfect canvas for turkey gravy.
• Green Bean Casserole: This hearty dish adds a lovely crunch and a touch of nostalgia to your feast.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: Topped with marshmallows or pecans, it’s a sweet complement to the savory turkey.
• Stuffing: You can never have too much stuffing! Serve some on the side for those who want even more of that delicious flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the richness of the turkey beautifully.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed with olive oil and garlic, they add a delightful earthy flavor to your plate.

Don’t forget some warm dinner rolls to soak up all those tasty juices! Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast!

Crock Pot Thanksgiving: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Easy Turkey

---

• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A simple crock pot recipe for a delicious Thanksgiving meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 whole turkey (10–12 lbs)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 2 cups bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the turkey by removing giblets.
2. In a bowl, mix bread crumbs, onion, celery, carrots, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and melted butter.
3. Stuff the turkey with the mixture.
4. Place the turkey in the crock pot and add chicken broth.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the turkey is cooked through.
6. Let the turkey rest before carving.

Notes

• Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before cooking.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Crock Pot
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: crock pot thanksgiving