How Long to Cook Turkey Necks in a Crockpot for Tender, Juicy Meat

Turkey necks are an underrated and delicious cut of meat that benefit greatly from slow cooking. When cooked properly in a crockpot turkey necks become fall-off-the-bone tender and tasty. The extended cooking time allows the collagen in the necks to break down into gelatin ensuring moist, juicy meat.

So how long does it take to cook turkey necks in a crockpot? The cooking time can vary depending on the size and quantity of the necks, as well as your crockpot settings However, most recipes recommend cooking turkey necks for 6-8 hours on the low setting or 3-4 hours on the high setting.

Here is a complete guide to achieving tender, flavorful turkey necks using a crockpot, including tips on cook times, preparation, seasonings, and more:

Selecting and Preparing Turkey Necks for the Crockpot

When selecting turkey necks for crockpot cooking, choose necks that are fresh, raw, and still have the skin on. The skin helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor Avoid necks with an off-putting odor or slimy appearance

Once you have your turkey necks, rinse them under cold water and pat dry. Trim off any excess fat or skin if desired. Season the necks liberally with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices of your choice. Consider a blend of rosemary, thyme, sage, paprika, and garlic powder for a flavorful main dish.

For more intense seasoning, marinate the necks for a few hours in the refrigerator before cooking. Place them in a resealable plastic bag with your desired marinade or dry seasoning rub. The salt and acidic ingredients will help tenderize the meat.

Liquid for Moisture While Cooking

Crockpots are great for slow cooking tough cuts of meat, but it’s still important to add liquid to the pot. The liquid keeps the turkey necks from drying out over the extended cooking time.

Use chicken or turkey broth, stock, wine, or water. About 1-2 cups of liquid is sufficient for 4-6 necks. Pour the liquid over the necks before securing the lid and turning on the crockpot.

As the necks cook, they will release their own juices and natural gelatin into the pot. You can use this flavorful liquid as the base for gravies, soups, or stews after cooking.

Crockpot Temperature and Cook Times

Set your crockpot to the low temperature setting, which cooks between 190-200°F. This lower heat is perfect for breaking down collagen and transforming the turkey necks into tender, luscious bites.

On the low setting, turkey necks take approximately 6-8 hours to become fork tender. You’ll know they are done when the meat easily pulls away from the bone.

If you’re short on time, use the high setting, which cooks between 300-400°F. On high, turkey necks take around 3-4 hours to fully cook. Just keep an eye on the pot and check tenderness periodically to avoid overcooking.

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the necks have reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone.

Flavor Enhancements

One advantage of crockpot cooking is the ability to infuse flavors into the turkey necks over the lengthy cook time. Consider adding aromatics like onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs to the pot. Their flavors will permeate the meat.

For a touch of smoky flavor, brown the seasoned necks in a skillet before placing them in the crockpot. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of broth, wine, or water and pour the pan drippings over the necks.

Other flavor boosters include citrus zest and juice, Worcestershire or soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce. Get creative with spices like cumin, chili powder, coriander, and cayenne.

Maintaining Moisture

To ensure the turkey necks remain moist and juicy, refrain from lifting the lid to peek inside. Each time the lid is removed, heat and moisture are lost.

Give the contents an occasional gentle stir or flip the necks halfway through cooking to promote even exposure. Resist the urge to repeatedly shred and check pieces for doneness.

When done, promptly remove the fully cooked necks using a slotted spoon or tongs. Letting them sit in the crockpot could cause them to overcook.

Serving Suggestions

Serve crockpot turkey necks on their own with a ladle of the flavorful cooking liquid for dipping. They pair nicely with simple sides like mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or crusty bread.

For a heartier meal, use the tender meat in soups, sandwiches, tacos, casseroles, or stir fries. Remove the meat from the bones and incorporate it into your favorite recipes.

Save any leftover turkey neck meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The cooked necks also freeze well for longer term storage.

Tips for the Best Results

• Brown the necks before slow cooking for deeper flavor
• Marinate overnight in a flavorful blend of seasonings
• Add aromatics like onions, carrots, and garlic
• Use chicken or turkey broth for moisture and flavor
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness at 165°F
• Avoid lifting the lid during cooking
• Gently flip necks halfway through cooking
• Let necks rest briefly before serving

Common Turkey Neck Crockpot Recipes

Crockpot Turkey Neck Stew: Simmer turkey necks with potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, chicken broth, garlic, and herbs for a hearty, chunky stew.

BBQ Turkey Necks: Coat turkey necks with your favorite barbecue sauce and spices. Slow cook until sauce caramelizes for finger-licking flavor.

Cajun Turkey Necks: Marinate turkey necks in a blend of Cajun seasoning. Cook low and slow in broth infused with onions, bell peppers, and hot sauce.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Necks: Toss necks in olive oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic. Slow roast with broth and wine for deep, savory flavor.

Thai Turkey Neck Curry: Create an aromatic curry with necks, coconut milk, red curry paste, ginger, garlic, and vegetables. Simmer until tender.

Turkey Neck & Dumplings: Make an easy meal by dropping dumpling dough over tender cooked necks and broth. Cook until dumplings are fluffy.

Crockpots excel at transforming turkey necks into fork-tender, flavorful meat perfection. Allow 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for the collagen to properly break down. Watching the simple ingredients meld into a comforting dish while the savory aroma fills your kitchen is part of the appeal. Now that you know how easy it is to make turkey necks in a crockpot, give this underappreciated cut a try!