Do you love turkey, but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen preparing it and ending up with a ton of turkey leftovers? Our Slow Cooker Turkey Crown is the perfect solution!
This recipe is simple and easy to follow and results in a moist and delicious turkey dinner with a few basic ingredients. You can even create a turkey gravy with the leftover stock.
Serve as part of your Christmas dinner with all the trimmings or for Thanksgiving dinner with mashed potatoes and your favourite vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal!
Jump to what you need to know, or continue reading for more info.
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If you are looking for a quicker result? Check out our air fryer turkey crown recipe.
Slow Cooker Turkey Crown Video
Check out the video for how to cook a turkey crown in the slow cooker.
What is a Turkey Crown?
A turkey crown is just the upper part of a whole turkey, mostly consisting of the breast meat with the breast bone still intact; some smaller turkey crown joints may come with wings. But it will always have the legs removed.
This slow cooker turkey breast recipe is perfect for smaller families who prefer nice slices of moist turkey breast meat instead of brown meat found on the legs and carcass.
Ingredients
You will need a few basic ingredients, including a turkey crown, onion, carrots, butter, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper.
Turkey crown
You can buy fresh or frozen turkey crowns from most UK supermarkets, or butchers. Also known as bone in double turkey breast. It is not the same as a boneless turkey breast.
Make sure the turkey crown will fit in your slow cooker pot. Most large crock pots will fit up to a 3kg turkey crown.
Butter
Used under the skin of the turkey breasts to help keep the meat moist, and used over the turkey skin create a delicious golden colour. Olive oil could be used instead.
Garlic
A couple of cloves of garlic adds flavour to the slow-cooked turkey.
Herbs
We use dried thyme, but other dried herbs can be added to the butter such as sage or rosemary. Dried herbs are the best choice as fresh herbs will lose their flavour during the slow cooking time.
Onion and Carrots
These are used as a trivet to sit the turkey crown on during the slow cooking process.
Stock
The stock is used to create steam keeping the turkey meat moist during slow cooking but also helps to create a rich gravy after.
We like to use stock pots as they have the best flavour. Turkey, chicken or vegetable stock or broth can be used. If using cubes, ensure you have crumbled stock cube and dissolved in hot water before adding them to the pot.
Salt and Pepper
We recommend using a little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to season.
Gravy Ingredients
There are a few key ingredients to add to the leftover turkey juices to make a delicious gravy.
Flour
Use plain flour to thicken the leftover stock and make a thick gravy.
Browning
We use browning sauce to give the turkey gravy a deeper, more appetising colour.
Defrost time for Turkey Crown
If you buy a frozen turkey crown, ensure it is completely defrosted before cooking.
It will tell you on the packaging how long to defrost for, but here's a rough guide:
| Turkey Crown Size | Defrost Time in the Fridge |
|---|---|
| Small turkey crown (1 kg/2.2lb) | at least 14 hours |
| Medium turkey crown (2 kg/4.4lb) | at least 20 hours |
| Large turkey crown (3 kg/6.6lb) | at least 30 hours |
Equipment
You will need a slow cooker for this turkey recipe and some tin foil. A carving fork and a sharp knife to carve the turkey slices.
You will need a sieve and a gravy fat separating jug to strain the juices, and a large pan and whisk to make the gravy, and finally, a gravy boat.
Instructions
A slow cooker is a moist and delicious way to cook a turkey crown. We keep these instructions brief; the full breakdown, including pictures and measurements, can be found in the recipe card.
Jump to Slow Cooker Turkey Crown Recipe CardRemove all the packaging and excess liquid from the turkey by patting it with a kitchen paper towel.
Next, use a smooth flat spoon to loosen the skin around the breast meat.
Mix softened butter, garlic, and dried herbs in a small bowl.
Rub half of the mixture under the skin of the turkey breasts and spread the rest all over the outside of the bird.
Place the carrots and onion in the bottom of your slow cooker pot and pour in the stock.
Place the turkey crown on top of the vegetables, breast side up add salt & pepper all over the skin. Put the lid on your slow cooker and turn on a low setting.
Cooking times
The slow cookers cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey crown. We always cook on low for the most succulent meat results.
How long to cook Turkey Crown in a slow cooker?
| Turkey Crown Size | Low Setting - Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Small turkey crown (1 kg/2.2lb) | 4 hours |
| Medium turkey crown (2 kg/4.4lb) | 5 hours |
| Large turkey crown (3 kg/6.6lb) | 6 hours |
Can I cook slow cooker turkey on a high setting?
This slow cook method is better on a low setting, if you want to cook it quicker, we have an oven roast turkey crown recipe which suits the quicker cooking method without making the turkey dry.
How to check the turkey is cooked?
To check that the turkey crown is fully cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat. It should read at least 74 degrees centigrade (165 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you don't have a thermometer, pierce the breast meat with a skewer; the juices should run clear with no pink meat visible.
Whilst cooking turkey in the slow cooker results in tender and juicy meat, the skin is a bit pale and soggy, as seen in the above picture!
You have two options, if no one eats the skin, you can remove and discard it. Alternatively, brown it off in the oven broiler.
How to Crisp up Slow Cooker Turkey Skin
If you want to crisp up the turkey skin, you can pop the cooked turkey crown onto a baking sheet and cook on the middle oven shelf for 10 minutes at 180°C fan/ 200°C/ 400°F/ Gas Mark 6 for 10 minutes.
Rest
Once the turkey is cooked, remove turkey crown from the heat and cover loosely with foil and allow the juices to redistribute through the meat for at least 30 minutes before carving.
Carving
Slow cooking the turkey will result in tender and juicy meat that's perfect for slicing up and serving.
Use a carving knife and fork to remove the whole turkey breasts from the turkey crown bone.
Then slice the breast into your desired thickness slices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with all the traditional thanksgiving sides or Christmas Dinner Trimmings; roasted potatoes, honey roast parsnips, sausage meat stuffing balls, giant pigs in blankets, carrots, Brussels sprouts, bread sauce or cranberry sauce. Oh, and don't forget the gravy!
If you have some leftover turkey, we have some great recipes for you soon.
Turkey Gravy
To make gravy, strain the remaining liquid through a sieve from the pot into a jug; the fat from the stock will rise to the top.
Scoop some of the top fat layer into a large pan. Discard any extra fat, so only the stock is left.
Gradually add the flour into the hot turkey fat, whilst using a whisk to constantly stir, creating a thick roux.
Now begin adding the stock from the jug, a little at a time into the pan, whisking until you have used all of the stock.
Add a drop of browning sauce if you want a darker gravy. The pale turkey gravy tastes fine but looks so much better with a deeper colour!
Bring to a boil over medium high heat, stiring until it has thickened to your liking.
Taste and add salt and pepper as required. Serve immediately or reheat later. Pour into a gravy boat or jug.
📖 Step by Step Recipe
Slow Cooker Turkey Crown
Ingredients
- 2 kg Turkey Crown
- 120 grams Butter
- 2 teaspoon Garlic - pureed
- 2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 2 Carrots - cut in half
- 1 Onion - cut in half
- 300 ml Chicken Stock - made with stock pot
Turkey Gravy
- Leftover Cooking Juices from Slow Cooker
- 60 grams Plain Flour - all purpose flour
- Splash Browning - (To give gravy a rich colour)
Instructions
- Always fully defrost the frozen turkey before cooking.See notes for turkey defrosting time.Remove all packaging2 kg Turkey Crown
- Pat down the turkey with kitchen paper towels to remove excess liquid from defrosting.
- Use a smooth flat spoon to loosen the turkey skin from around the breast meat.
- Mix softened butter, dried herbs and garlic together in a small bowl.120 grams Butter, 2 teaspoon Dried Thyme, 2 teaspoon Garlic
- Rub half of the herb butter under the skin onto the turkey breasts.
- The remaining butter can be rubbed all around the skin of the turkey.
- Place carrot and onion on the base of the slow cooker pot.2 Carrots, 1 Onion
- Pour in the stock.300 ml Chicken Stock
- Place the turkey crown on top of the vegetables, breast side up.
- Put the slow cooker lid on and cook on low setting.Cooking time will vary depending on turkey's weight1kg (2.2lb) - 4 hours2kg (4.4lb) - 5 hours3kg (6.6lb) - 6 hours
- You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the meat. It should read at least 74°C (165°F)
- Remove from the slow cooker. The skin can be removed and discarded, or follow the steps below to crisp it up.
Crispy Turkey Skin (optional)
- If you want crispy skin, as soon as you take the slow-cooked turkey out of the crock pot, place it on a baking tray.
- Place in a preheated oven at 180°C fan/200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6 for 10 minutes
- Cover the cooked turkey loosely with foil.Its important to allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute after cooking.
- Enough time to prepare the side dishes and make a delicious gravy from the leftover turkey juices.
Turkey Gravy
- Use a sieve to drain the remaining juices from the slow cooker pot into a jug.Set aside until the fat from the stock rises to the top.
- Scoop 4 tablespoons off the top fat layer into a large pan. Discard any extra fat so only the stock is left.
- Gradually add the flour into the fat, whilst using a whisk to constantly stir60 grams Plain Flour
- Once all the flour has been added you will have a thick roux, do not allow it to burn.
- Now, slowly add the turkey stock a bit at a time, whilst whisking in.
- To make the gravy colour more appealing, add a drop of browning.Splash Browning
- Stir and bring to a boil to thicken.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.If too thick, add some extra boiling water until at desired texture. If too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cold water with 1 tablespoon flour until smooth and whisk into the gravy and boil.
- Pour into a gravy boat, ready to serve with your turkey crown.
- Serve the gravy with your turkey slices and all the trimmings!
Video
Nutrition
If you like Slow cooker recipes, try our Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne, Slow Cooker Jacket Potatoes or our Slow Cooker Beef Brisket or Roast Beef in the slow cooker. Indulge in the festive season with our delightful Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding. This exquisite traditional British dessert is a must-try for your holiday celebrations.
Storage
Once cooled, Slow Cooker Turkey Crown can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to two months.
Freezing
If freezing, make sure to seal in a freezer bag or airtight container.
When ready to eat, allow the frozen meat to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Slow Cooker Turkey Crown can be reheated in the oven, microwave, or hob.
We prefer reheating in slices in the microwave coated with the gravy, as it helps to keep all of that moisture locked in.
FAQ's
Any size can be used; just make sure you buy the right size turkey crown that will fit in your pot.
Yes, you can cook your Turkey Crown in the slow cooker the day before you need it. Simply follow the recipe and instructions once cooled, cover with cling film and refrigerate overnight. The next day, cut into slices and reheat them with the gravy to keep the slices moist.
Turkey Crown will keep in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months.
Looking for more Christmas slow cooker recipes, try our slow cooker Christmas Pudding recipe.
More Turkey Recipes
If you're looking for more turkey recipes, why not try one of these?
We hope you love this turkey crown slow cooker recipe as much as we do, and remember, turkeys are available all year round, not just for Christmas or Thanksgiving!
Leftover Turkey Recipe Ideas
If you have turkey leftover don't let it go to waste, check out our tasty turkey curry or our turkey and ham pie.
Amy Liu Dong says
Awesome! This turkey dish looks yummy! I love slow-cooked dish which makes the meat tasteful and it brings out the best of it! Perfect for this Thanksgiving festivity!
Ann says
Turkey is very intimidating to me, so I did a trial run with this recipe. Turned out delicious! This will be how I make my turkey for the holidays!
Jamie says
Such a perfect dish to prepare for Thanksgiving!
It looks easy and delicious!