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Flavorful Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Thighs

slow cooker cranberry orange glazed turkey thighs - featured image
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These slow cooker turkey thighs are fall-apart tender with a sticky-sweet cranberry orange glaze. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this an easy yet impressive dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs (about 3–4 pounds total)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Fresh orange slices (for garnish, optional)
  • Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture all over the turkey thighs, rubbing it in gently. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. While the turkey rests, make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, and cayenne if using. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the turkey thighs skin-side down in the hot pan. Sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Transfer the seared turkey thighs to your slow cooker, arranging them skin-side up in a single layer if possible.
  5. Pour the cranberry orange glaze over the turkey thighs, making sure each piece gets coated.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. About halfway through, spoon some of the glaze over the tops of the thighs.
  7. Check for doneness around the 5-hour mark on low. The meat should be fork-tender and pulling away from the bone easily. Internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.
  8. Optional: For extra caramelization, transfer the cooked turkey thighs to a baking sheet lined with foil. Spoon some glaze over the top and broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the glaze bubbles and darkens.
  9. Let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
  10. Garnish with fresh orange slices, cranberries, and thyme sprigs if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

If your slow cooker runs hot, start checking at the 4-hour mark on low. For a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Turkey thighs can be substituted with chicken thighs (reduce cooking time by about 1 hour).

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker turkey thighs, cranberry orange turkey, glazed turkey thighs, easy turkey recipe, holiday turkey, comfort food

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