Description
At its heart, slow cooker turkey thighs in gravy is a hearty main dish where turkey thighs cook low and slow alongside onions, garlic, and broth. Dark meat turkey contains rich natural fats and healthy connective tissue. These components melt during slow cooking, yielding moist meat that stays juicy over hours of gentle heat.
Ingredients
For the turkey
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2–2½ lb (900 g–1.1 kg) turkey thighs, bone-in or boneless
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon dried rosemary
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
For the gravy
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2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional garnish
– Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Season the turkey: Pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Sear the turkey (optional): Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey thighs for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. This adds extra flavor.
3. Prepare the slow cooker: Arrange the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the turkey thighs on top.
4. Add the broth: Pour the chicken or turkey broth around the thighs. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard if using, onion powder, and garlic powder.
5. Slow-cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the turkey is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part, away from the bone.
6. Remove the turkey: Carefully transfer the cooked thighs to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
7. Make the gravy: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in about 1½–2 cups of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker, including some softened onions if desired. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, whisking until smooth and thickened.
8. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the gravy and add more black pepper or salt if needed. If it is too thick, add a little broth; if too thin, simmer it longer.
9. Serve: Spoon the gravy over the turkey thighs and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For the best flavor, sear the turkey thighs before slow cooking to enhance their richness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches at least 165°F (74°C), and adjust the gravy’s thickness to your preference. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice for a comforting, hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow-Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turkey thigh with gravy (approximately 250 g)
- Calories: 380 kcal
Keywords: crockpot turkey thighs with gravy, slow cooked turkey thighs, turkey thighs and gravy