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Crispy Skin Turkey (Crockpot)

Crispy Skin Turkey (Crockpot)
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This Crispy Skin Turkey (Crockpot) recipe combines the convenience of slow cooking with a quick broil to achieve tender, juicy meat and irresistibly crispy golden skin. Perfect for holiday feasts or special dinners, it saves time while delivering flavorful, moist turkey with a delightful crunchy exterior.

Ingredients

Turkey and Fat

  • Whole turkey (5-7 pounds)
  • Butter or olive oil (enough to rub the turkey inside and out)

Seasonings and Aromatics

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Garlic cloves (several, whole or crushed)
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage – a few sprigs each)
  • Lemon or orange zest (from 1 lemon or orange)

Vegetables and Liquids for Crockpot Base

  • Onion, roughly chopped (1 large or 2 medium)
  • Carrot, roughly chopped (2 medium)
  • Chicken broth or water, about 1 cup

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps in crisping the skin later. Rub the entire bird, inside and out, with butter or olive oil. Generously season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic, and your chosen fresh herbs. Tuck some lemon or orange zest and additional herbs inside the turkey cavity for enhanced flavor.
  2. Set Up the Crockpot: Place roughly chopped onions and carrots in the bottom of the crockpot to form a flavorful base and elevate the turkey slightly. Pour in about 1 cup of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture during cooking without stewing the meat.
  3. Slow Cook the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast-side up on top of the vegetables in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low heat for approximately 4 to 5 hours depending on the size of your bird. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
  4. Crisp the Skin Under the Broiler: Carefully transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet. Place under a preheated oven broiler for 5 to 10 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning while the intense heat crisps and browns the skin beautifully.
  5. Rest Before Serving: Let the turkey rest for 15 to 20 minutes after broiling to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Notes

  • Pat the turkey skin dry before seasoning to help achieve crispiness under the broiler.
  • If possible, use a rack in the crockpot to elevate the turkey and prevent it from sitting in liquid, which can make the skin soggy.
  • Do not skip resting the turkey after broiling; it locks in moisture and improves tenderness.
  • Monitor broiler time carefully as skin can burn quickly once exposed to high heat.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best aromatic flavor and fragrance.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot turkey, crispy skin turkey, slow cooker turkey, holiday turkey, easy turkey recipe, moist turkey, golden crispy turkey

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