Slow Cooker Apple Dijon Turkey Thighs Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add another layer of flavor, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh thyme instead of dried, though you should increase the amount slightly as dried herbs are more concentrated.

If you prefer a more pronounced mustard flavor, you can brush a small amount of extra Dijon mustard directly onto the turkey thighs before adding the apple and onion layers, which helps the seasoning adhere better to the meat.

If you are planning to serve this for a crowd, you can easily double the recipe provided your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra turkey thighs in a single layer.

Do not stack the meat, as this will lead to uneven cooking. If your slow cooker is not large enough, it is better to cook in batches or use two separate slow cookers to ensure all the meat is cooked safely and thoroughly.

Variations

• Savory Herb Twist: Add a tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or sage alongside the thyme to provide a deeper, earthier aroma that complements the turkey and Dijon mustard perfectly.
• Spicy Dijon Kick: Incorporate a half-teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes into the Dijon apple juice mixture if you prefer a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the poultry.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the turkey and sauce are cooled to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking before placing them in the fridge to maintain food safety. For longer storage, the cooked turkey and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture of the apples and onions may become softer upon thawing and reheating.

This dish is perfect for making ahead as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool completely, and then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the turkey and sauce gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on low until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) throughout.

Serving ideas

Serve the turkey thighs hot, ideally spooning plenty of the apple-Dijon sauce over the top of each piece. The tender apples and onions make an excellent accompaniment, so be sure to include a generous portion of the braised vegetables on each plate.

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the turkey.

For a more complete meal, consider serving the turkey alongside a starch that can soak up the flavorful sauce, such as mashed potatoes, cauliflower puree, or a warm grain salad.

The acidity from the Dijon and the sweetness from the apples provide a balanced profile that complements a wide range of vegetable sides, making it a versatile choice for both casual family dinners and more organized entertaining.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Apple Dijon Turkey Thighs

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 lbs bone-in skinless turkey thighs
• 2 large apples, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced into rings
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup Dijon apple juice mixture

Instructions

1. Place the bone-in skinless turkey thighs into the slow cooker insert, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking throughout the process.
2. Layer the apple slices and onion rings over the turkey. Sprinkle the dried thyme and garlic powder evenly over the top of the ingredients to distribute the flavors.
3. Pour the Dijon apple juice mixture over the turkey and vegetables. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours until the meat is fully tender and cooked through.
4. Remove the turkey thighs from the slow cooker and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute through the meat.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

38 g

Carbohydrates

15 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

10 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.