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Crispy Skin Turkey (Crockpot)

Crispy Skin Turkey (Crockpot)
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This Crispy Skin Turkey (Crockpot) recipe lets you enjoy tender, juicy turkey with perfectly crispy, golden skin using a slow cooker combined with a quick broil finish. Easy to prepare with basic ingredients, it ensures moist meat and delicious flavor, ideal for holidays or family dinners with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Whole turkey or turkey breast (size fitting your crockpot, approximately 4-6 lbs)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Butter or olive oil (3-4 tablespoons for browning)
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage – about 1 tablespoon each, chopped)
  • Garlic cloves (4-6, peeled and whole)
  • Onion (1 large, sliced)
  • Chicken broth or stock (1 cup, preferably low sodium)

Optional Variations

  • Smoked paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes (1 teaspoon each, for spicy twist)
  • Lemon or orange zest (1 teaspoon, for citrus infusion)
  • Softened herb butter (4 tablespoons butter mixed with herbs and spices, rubbed under skin)
  • Vegetables (carrots, celery, potatoes – about 2 cups chopped, to place in crockpot bottom)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Turkey: Pat the turkey dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture which helps the skin crisp later. Season the turkey generously inside and out with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Optionally, tuck whole garlic cloves and fresh herbs inside the cavity for added aroma during slow cooking.
  2. Brown the Turkey Skin: Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully brown the turkey skin on all sides until it becomes golden. This step jumpstarts the crispy skin process and locks in flavor before placing the bird in the crockpot.
  3. Set Up the Crockpot: Layer sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the browned turkey on top of this bed. Pour about 1 cup of chicken broth around the edges of the turkey but avoid pouring liquid over the skin to keep it dry.
  4. Slow Cook the Turkey: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, depending on the turkey’s size. The slow cook process results in incredibly juicy and tender meat, infused with herbal and savory aromas.
  5. Crisp the Skin: When the turkey is fully cooked, carefully transfer it to a baking sheet. Place under a preheated broiler or in a very hot oven for 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the skin crisps up to a beautiful golden finish.

Notes

  • Dry the skin thoroughly before browning and slow cooking to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Keep broth or any liquids away from the skin during slow cooking to prevent sogginess.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Choose a crockpot size that comfortably fits the turkey to ensure even cooking without steaming.
  • Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes after crisping the skin to lock in the juices before carving.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey, slow cooker turkey, crockpot turkey, crispy skin turkey, holiday turkey, easy turkey recipe, gluten free turkey

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/crispy-skin-turkey-crockpot/