Slow Cooker Turkey And Dressing
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker turkey and stuffing dish featuring tender turkey, dried cranberries, and savory herbs, perfect for a comforting family meal or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat inside of a 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Add stuffing mix, chopped onion, chopped celery, and dried cranberries to the slow cooker.
- Combine chicken broth and melted butter in a bowl.
- Pour the broth mixture over the stuffing mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Remove any string from the turkey breast and rinse it thoroughly.
- Place the turkey breast on top of the stuffing in the slow cooker.
- Mix salt, pepper, and dried thyme, then sprinkle over the turkey.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour.
- Reduce heat to LOW and cook for 5 to 6 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted in the turkey registers 170°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture and flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can substitute the dried cranberries with raisins or chopped apples for a different twist. If you prefer a bit more crunch, adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can enhance the stuffing mix. Ensure the turkey is fully thawed for even cooking, and you might want to check the seasoning levels before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Slow Cooker Turkey and Dressing with a side of green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Potato Delights for a comforting dinner. For a festive touch, consider adding a cranberry sauce on the side. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or as part of your holiday menu.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the turkey and dressing in a covered dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until warm, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow Cooker Turkey And Dressing contains roughly 307 calories, with 17g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (330% of the Daily Value), iron (169% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value). At about 307 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?
Yes, you can substitute fresh thyme for dried thyme. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, so for this recipe, you would need approximately 3/4 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Just chop it finely before sprinkling it over the turkey.
How can I ensure the turkey remains juicy?
To keep the turkey juicy, avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 170°F. Additionally, adding a bit more broth at the start can help keep the stuffing moist throughout the cooking process.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. On the day of cooking, simply layer it in the slow cooker with the turkey and proceed with the recipe. This makes it an excellent option for busy days or holiday meals.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).