Did you get what you wanted for Christmas this year? I did! There was an All Clad deluxe slow cooker with nonstick aluminum insert under my tree.*Hey, we cant all want an official Red Ryder carbine action 200 shot range model air rifle
Turkey thighs are perfect for the slow cooker. They have enough fat and connective tissue to make them hard to overcook. Even better, turkey thighs have a big, meaty flavor to match the sweet beer and onion sauce.*Hard to overcook is the key to slow cooking, because it means simmering for hours on end. I cringe when I see a slow cooker recipe with lean protien, like pork loin or chicken breasts. All I can think of is dry, dry meat.
I pull the skin off the thighs before cooking, a trick I learned from Cooks Illustrated
The final trick is to keep the liquid to a miniumum. There isnt much evaporation in slow cooking, so watery sauces are a real danger. I add a quarter cup of flour to thicken the sauce as it cooks, and only one bottle of beer for liquid. The turkey and onions give up more than enough liquid while they slow cook, and the result is a thick, creamy sauce of beer and onions.
If you are a dark meat fan (like me!), this recipe should be in your arsenal.
For many home cooks, the slow cooker is a lifesaver for making easy weeknight dinners While you can throw just about anything in the crockpot, to get perfect results you need to know how long to cook various meats and dishes. When slow cooking turkey thighs, the timing can vary based on the size and amount of thighs as well as your preferred texture. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to cook turkey thighs in a slow cooker so they turn out juicy and delicious every time.
Benefits of Cooking Turkey Thighs in a Slow Cooker
Compared to chicken breasts which can dry out turkey thighs are hard to overcook and stay moist when braised in the slow cooker. Other benefits include
- Requires minimal prep work – just season and add to the slow cooker
- Thighs become fall-off-the-bone tender
- Adds deep flavor as thighs braise in their juices
- Keeps meat incredibly moist even after hours of cooking
- Infuses great taste into the sauce or gravy
- Allows you to dump in ingredients in the morning and enjoy a complete meal after work
With minimal hands-on effort, the slow cooker does all the work to give you fork-tender turkey perfect for shredding into tacos, pasta dishes, sandwiches and more.
How Long Should You Cook Turkey Thighs in a Slow Cooker?
The cooking time depends on a few factors:
Amount of thighs – The more turkey thighs you add, the longer it takes to cook them through. Plan for a minimum of 45 minutes per pound.
Bone-in or boneless – Boneless thighs cook faster than bone-in. Allow 7-8 hours for bone-in and 4-6 hours for boneless.
Thigh size – Smaller thighs may only need 6 hours while jumbo thighs require 8-10 hours. Check temp with a meat thermometer.
High or low setting – Cooking on low takes 2-3 hours longer than high.
Desired texture – Cook longer for pulled or shredded turkey. Shorter for slices.
Follow the cooking time guidelines below based on the amount and style of thighs.
Cooking Times for Turkey Thighs in a Slow Cooker
- 2-3 pounds bone-in thighs on low – 7-8 hours
- 2-3 pounds boneless thighs on low – 6 hours
- 4-5 pounds bone-in thighs on low – 8-10 hours
- 4 pounds boneless thighs on low – 7-8 hours
- 1 pound boneless thighs on high – 4 hours
- 3 pounds bone-in thighs on high – 5-6 hours
These times are simply estimates. Always check temp and texture before serving.
Step-by-Step Guide to Slow Cooker Turkey Thighs
Follow this simple method for moist, flavorful crockpot turkey thighs every time:
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs bone-in, skinless turkey thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth or wine
- Spices and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary etc)
- Aromatics like onion, celery, carrots (optional)
Instructions:
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Pat turkey thighs dry and season generously with salt, pepper and other spices.
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Place thighs in slow cooker and add chicken broth or wine along with any aromatics.
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Cook on low setting for 7-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours until thighs are very tender.
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Use two forks to shred turkey, discarding bones.
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Stir shredded turkey back into the cooking liquid to moisten before serving.
The braising liquid makes a tasty basis for gravy, soup or sauce. These delicious slow cooker turkey thighs pair perfectly with rice, noodles or roasted veggies for satisfying dinners.
Helpful Tips for Cooking Turkey Thighs in the Slow Cooker
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Brown the thighs first for more flavor and color. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side in a hot skillet before slow cooking.
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Elevate thighs on a rack or vegetable slices to prevent sitting in juices if making shredded turkey.
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Add root vegetables – potatoes, carrots, turnips – during the last 1-2 hours to cook in the juices.
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Mix in creamy coconut milk, sliced mushrooms or chopped kale during the final 30 minutes.
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Make turkey thigh chili by adding beans, tomatoes, corn and seasoning like cumin and chili powder.
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Shred turkey after cooking and mix with barbecue sauce for easy pulled turkey sandwiches.
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Keep an eye on cooking liquid level – add water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
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Let pressure release, then carefully remove lid. Turkey thighs will be very delicate and tender.
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, especially for very large thighs. Turkey should reach 175°F.
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Let thighs rest in the hot juices for 10-15 minutes before removing to a cutting board.
FAQs About Making Turkey Thighs in a Slow Cooker
How can I tell when turkey thighs are done in a slow cooker?
Check temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 175°F. Thighs are also done when the meat shreds very easily with a fork. Let rest 15 minutes then test for tenderness.
Why are my crockpot turkey thighs dry?
Dryness usually results from cooking too long. Next time, cut back on the time by 1-2 hours. Also make sure there is enough liquid – add more broth or water if needed.
Can I cook frozen turkey thighs in my slow cooker?
Yes, but add about 4 hours to the cook time for frozen bone-in thighs. Defrost first for a shorter cooking time.
Should the slow cooker lid be open or closed?
Always cook with the lid on tight for food safety and to prevent liquids from evaporating. Remove only at the very end to check food.
Can I use chicken broth instead of turkey broth?
Absolutely! Chicken and turkey broth are interchangeable. Use whatever you have on hand.
What spices go well with crockpot turkey thighs?
Some great seasonings include garlic, onion powder, paprika, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt and pepper. Get creative with your favorite spices!
What side dishes pair well with slow cooker turkey thighs?
Buttery mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, quick breads, roasted veggies and a fresh salad are all excellent pairings.
Moist, Delicious Slow Cooker Turkey
With the simple guidance provided here, you can infuse amazing flavor into turkey thighs using the set-it-and-forget-it ease of your crockpot. Just add your favorite seasonings, set the time, and let your slow cooker do the work of simmering the thighs to fall-apart tenderness.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Thighs with Beer and Onions
brand is fine, but I like my fancy one from 