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Easy Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Thighs

slow cooker cranberry orange glazed turkey thighs - featured image
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Tender, fall-off-the-bone turkey thighs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry orange glaze, made effortlessly in the slow cooker. This foolproof recipe turns turkey skeptics into believers with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs (about 2–3 pounds total)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels. Trim any large pieces of excess fat, but leave the skin on. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, ginger, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Pour about ¼ cup of the glaze into the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker and spread it around. Place the seasoned turkey thighs in a single layer, skin side up if possible. Pour the remaining glaze over the top, making sure each thigh gets coated.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and pulling away from the bone easily.
  5. Optional: When the turkey is done, carefully transfer the thighs to a plate and tent with foil. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust salt or pepper.
  6. Optional but amazing: For crispy skin, place the cooked turkey thighs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush with a little of the thickened sauce. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the skin bubbles and caramelizes.
  7. Serve the turkey thighs hot with the remaining sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh orange slices and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid during cooking unless absolutely necessary. If using frozen turkey thighs, add an extra hour on LOW and check for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F at the thickest part). For best results, let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking before serving. Double the sauce recipe if you want extra for serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker turkey thighs, cranberry orange turkey, easy turkey recipe, holiday turkey, gluten-free turkey, dairy-free turkey, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-slow-cooker-cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey-thighs/