Effortless Slow Cooker Turkey with Easy Gravy for Thanksgiving

So, picture this: it’s Thanksgiving, the golden leaves are swirling outside, and the aroma of a perfectly cooked turkey fills your home… I mean, is there anything better? This recipe for Effortless Slow Cooker Turkey with Easy Gravy is all about embracing the cozy chaos of the holiday without breaking a sweat. You just pop everything into the slow cooker, and, poof, you’ve got a delicious turkey that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds!

Why You’ll Crave It

• This turkey is so juicy and tender—it practically falls off the bone.
• The gravy? Made right in the slow cooker, so you’d be using all those lovely drippings.
• No fussing with timers—set it and forget it while you enjoy time with family!
• It serves a crowd! Easily feeds around 10-12 people, making it perfect for gatherings.
• You can use the leftovers in so many ways—think sandwiches, soups…

I swear, my family fights over the last slice of this turkey every year—it’s that good!

What You’ll Need

• Turkey: 1 (12 to 14-pound) frozen or thawed, whatever you can get your hands on
• Salt: 1 tablespoon, just the right amount to bring out those flavors
• Pepper: 1 teaspoon, because who doesn’t love a little kick?
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, for that aromatic touch
• Onion powder: 1 teaspoon, adds depth
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon, a classic herb choice
• Dried rosemary: 1 teaspoon, to elevate your turkey game
• Dried sage: 1 teaspoon, it’s Thanksgiving after all!
• Chicken broth: 2 cups, to keep things moist
• Butter: 8 tablespoons, divided (it’s all about richness)
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, for thickening that gravy
• Water: 1 tablespoon, just to mix things up (literally)

Easy How-To

Prep Your Turkey

Okay, grab that turkey and—first things first—get it out of the packaging. Don’t forget to remove any neck and giblets from the cavity… trust me, you don’t want those in the cooking mix! Pat the turkey dry with paper towels—this helps it cook more evenly and, uh, get that nice skin.

Seasoning Fiesta

Next, season the turkey like it’s your best friend—it needs love! Generously sprinkle salt and pepper inside and out, like really get in there. If you’re feeling adventurous, add in those extra spices we talked about earlier… garlic powder, onion powder—whatever tickles your fancy. It’s all about making it flavorful!

Into the Cooker

Now, let’s get that turkey into the slow cooker. Plop it in breast-side up. If it feels a bit cramped—hey, turkey is like that sometimes—you might have to cut it to fit. Just don’t stress, there’s always a way!

Let It Cook

Cover up the slow cooker and set it to low for about 6 to 8 hours… Or high if you’re in a hurry, 4 to 5 hours should do it. You’ll know it’s done when it hits at least 165°F in the thickest parts. Just keep an eye on it, okay?

Gravy Time

Once the turkey is done, take it out carefully—don’t burn yourself! Let it rest for a bit, then get to that gravy. Strain all those lovely drippings from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Bring that liquid to a simmer over medium heat.

Thickening Up

In a bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water. When your drippings are simmering, stir that slurry in until it reaches your desired thickness. Taste it—if it needs a pinch more salt or herbs, don’t be shy!

Serve It Up

Finally, carve that turkey like a pro and serve with gravy on the side. Gather around the table and enjoy… It’s the best part, right?

Good to Know

• Pick a turkey that fits your slow cooker—10 to 12 pounds usually works best.
• Letting the turkey rest for about 20 to 30 minutes before slicing keeps it juicy—trust me on this!
• Add some herbs or spices to the gravy if you want to elevate it a bit more, like maybe some fresh parsley.

Serving Ideas

• Pair this beauty with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, or a zesty cranberry sauce for that sweet-and-savory combo.

Top Tricks

• If you want that perfect golden color, put the turkey under the broiler for a few minutes after cooking—it’ll give it that wow factor!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a frozen turkey in the slow cooker?

Not really—best to stick with a thawed turkey! A frozen one might be unevenly cooked, and no one wants that on turkey day.

What’s the best size for a slow cooker turkey?

Usually, a smaller turkey around 10 to 12 pounds works best—you want it to fit comfortably without crowding.

How long do I cook the turkey in a slow cooker?

Cooking times can vary a bit, but aim for about 6 to 8 hours on low. Patience is key here!

Can I cook stuffing inside the turkey?

It’s not a good idea to cook stuffing inside the bird in a slow cooker—safety first! Cook it on the side for the best results.

What if my turkey finishes cooking early?

If it’s done before you’re ready, you can keep it warm in the slow cooker on low, or wrap it in foil and stick it in a warm oven until it’s showtime!

Conclusion

This slow cooker turkey with no-fuss gravy really makes for a hassle-free Thanksgiving feast. It’s simple, delicious, and just the thing for a gathering with friends and family. You’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the holiday, which is really what it’s all about, right?

More Recipe Suggestions and Combos

• Herbed Mashed Potatoes: A creamy side dish that goes perfectly with the gravy.
• Green Bean Almondine: A crisp and colorful veggie to brighten up your plate.
• Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy, it cuts through the richness of the turkey.
• Stuffing with Sausage and Apples: This hearty stuffing brings so much flavor!
• Pumpkin Pie: You can’t go wrong with ending on a sweet note!