Perfectly seasoned and slow cooked, this recipe for Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Necks yields juicy, tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. This is a classic Southern meal perfect for holidays and Sunday dinners.
Turkey necks are a delicious and affordable cut of meat that can be cooked in many ways. One of the easiest and most flavorful ways to cook turkey necks is in a crock pot. However, the exact cooking time can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the necks, whether they are bone-in or boneless, and whether they are fresh or frozen.
General Guidelines for Cooking Turkey Necks in a Crock Pot:
- Bone-in turkey necks: 6-8 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat.
- Boneless turkey necks: 4-6 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat.
- Fresh turkey necks: May require slightly less cooking time than frozen necks.
- Frozen turkey necks: May require slightly more cooking time than fresh necks.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Necks in a Crock Pot:
- Preheat your crock pot to the desired temperature.
- Pat the turkey necks dry with paper towels. This will help them brown evenly.
- Season the turkey necks with your favorite spices.
- Place the turkey necks in the crock pot.
- Add enough liquid to cover the turkey necks. This could be water, broth, or a combination of both.
- Cook for the recommended time, or until the turkey necks are cooked through.
- An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the neck should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the turkey necks rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute.
Additional Notes:
- If you are using a different crock pot setting, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- You can also add vegetables to the crock pot with the turkey necks.
- To check if the turkey necks are done, you can insert a fork into the thickest part of the neck. If the juices run clear, the necks are done.
- Leftover turkey necks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Here are some specific recipes for cooking turkey necks in a crock pot:
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Necks Recipe: This recipe from Stay Snatched calls for cooking turkey necks in a crock pot on low heat for 7-8 hours.
- Turkey necks in crock pot (so juicy and tender!) Recipe: This recipe from The Top Meal calls for cooking turkey necks in a crock pot on high heat for 4 hours.
No matter which recipe you choose, be sure to follow the general guidelines and tips above to ensure that your turkey necks are cooked perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my turkey necks are done?
An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the neck should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I cook turkey necks at a higher temperature?
Yes, you can cook turkey necks at a higher temperature, but they may be more likely to dry out. If you cook them at a higher temperature, be sure to check them often and reduce the cooking time accordingly.
Can I cook turkey necks in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook turkey necks in a slow cooker. Cook them on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I freeze turkey necks?
Yes, you can freeze turkey necks. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 6 months.
How do I reheat turkey necks?
You can reheat turkey necks in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. To reheat them in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the necks for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat them in the microwave, heat them on high for 1-2 minutes per neck, or until heated through. To reheat them on the stovetop, heat them over medium heat in a skillet until heated through.
What Are Turkey Necks
The portion of the turkey that is composed of meat and bones—the tiny bits at the bottom—is called the neck. It can be roasted to make a delicious main course for a meal or used to make soups, stews, and broth.
When you grab them in the store, they usually come in packs of three or more. The necks don’t have any feathers. Oftentimes, when purchased the neck, is cut into pieces. My grocer provides a full neck. Once you get these in the Crockpot, they are tender, delicious, and will fall off the bone.
Can You Use Turkey Legs or Turkey Wings?
Cooked turkey necks can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.
You can freeze leftover necks tightly covered and sealed. For best taste, they will last up to 3 months. Defrost the turkey necks overnight in the fridge and reheat.
