Wild turkey cooked in a crock pot

Wild turkey cooked in a crock pot is a flavorful and convenient dish that showcases the rich taste of this dish. The turkey is typically seasoned with herbs and spices, then placed in the slow cooker with ingredients like broth, vegetables, and perhaps a touch of wine for added depth. Cooking it slowly allows the meat to become incredibly tender and infused with the flavors of the seasonings and vegetables.

After several hours, the turkey is ready to be shredded or served in chunks, making it perfect for hearty meals, sandwiches, or as a filling for tacos, all while highlighting the wild turkey’s unique taste.

Ingredients for slow cooker wild turkey breast

• 5 to 6 pounds of wild turkey breast, boneless
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons celery flakes (or 1/2 cup of fresh celery, if you prefer)
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 3 teaspoons butter
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 bouillon cubes in 2 cups of water (or 2 cups of chicken stock)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with 1/2 cup water (for thickening the sauce)

Step by step process for making slow cooker wild turkey breast

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Start by carefully inspecting the wild turkey breast. Remove any pin feathers, excess fat, or connective tissue left over from butchering. Set the cleaned turkey breast aside as you prepare the broth.

Step 2: Make the Broth Base

In your slow cooker, add 2 cups of water and 2 bouillon cubes (or use 2 cups of chicken stock). Turn on the slow cooker to warm it up, allowing the bouillon to dissolve and create a flavorful broth.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet, melt 3 teaspoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced carrot, chopped sweet onion, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture until the onions become translucent and the carrots are tender. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Once softened, slowly pour in 1 cup of white wine, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Everything

After the vegetable and wine mixture has simmered, transfer it into the warm broth in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Add the Turkey

Carefully place the prepared turkey breast into the slow cooker. Ensure that the broth comes about halfway up the side of the meat. This will help keep the turkey moist during cooking. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

Step 6: Cook the Turkey

Set the slow cooker to high for about 2 hours. After this initial period, switch to low and let it cook for an additional 3 hours. Check for tenderness; the turkey should be very tender and easily shred with a fork when done.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Once the turkey is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside on a cutting board. To thicken the broth, mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water in a small bowl. Ladle about 1.5 cups of the broth from the slow cooker into a saucepan, then add the cornstarch mixture. Heat this over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Tips for making slow cooker wild turkey breast

1. Keep the Turkey Moist

To ensure the turkey stays moist during cooking, make sure the broth level is sufficient—ideally, it should cover about half of the turkey breast. If you notice the liquid reducing too much during cooking, add more broth or water to maintain moisture.

2. Let It Rest Before Slicing

After cooking, let the turkey breast rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful when you cut into it.

3. Enhance the Sauce Flavor

When thickening the broth into a sauce, consider adding a splash of the same white wine used in the cooking process or a bit of fresh herbs for additional flavor. This will create a richer sauce that complements the turkey beautifully.

Benefits of eating turkey:

1. High in Protein

Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. A single serving can provide a significant amount of your daily protein needs.

2. Low in Fat

Skinless turkey breast is low in fat, making it a healthier option compared to many other meats. This can help support weight management and heart health.

3. Rich in Nutrients

Turkey is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (such as B6 and niacin), which are important for energy metabolism, and minerals like selenium, which supports immune function.

4. Supports Heart Health

Turkey contains less saturated fat compared to red meats, which can contribute to lower cholesterol levels and improved heart health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

5. Contains Tryptophan

Turkey is a source of tryptophan, an amino acid that can promote the production of serotonin in the brain, potentially helping to improve mood and promote better sleep.

6. Boosts Immune Function

The combination of nutrients found in turkey, including zinc and vitamins, can help support a healthy immune system, aiding in the body’s defense against illness.

7. Versatile and Easy to Prepare

Turkey can be cooked in various ways—roasted, grilled, or in stews—making it easy to incorporate into different meals and cuisines.

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