Slow Cooker Turkey Gravy Peas

This recipe makes Thanksgiving dinner easy any time of year with slow cooked turkey that turns out juicy and tender every time. Paired with caramelized sweet potatoes and vibrant green peas, you only need seven basic ingredients and your slow cooker does most of the work. The first time I tried this method for a small holiday gathering, everyone thought I had been cooking all day—the turkey is that flavorful and the sides come together effortlessly.

Ingredients

• Turkey thighs or legs: Choose bone in skin on pieces for maximum flavor and moisture
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning each component use a flaky style for best results
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked adds just the right spice
• Sweet potatoes: Look for ones with firm skins and deep orange flesh for rich flavor and sweetness
• Brown sugar: Packed dark brown sugar gives classic caramelized flavor in the sweet potatoes
• Canola oil: A neutral oil that helps the sweet potatoes roast evenly
• Unsalted butter: This forms the base of a rich gravy pick a good quality butter if possible
• Flour: Used to thicken the gravy all purpose flour works well
• Frozen green peas: These are convenient and provide fresh color look for small sweet varieties

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker:

Season the bottom of your slow cooker with a pinch of salt and black pepper to prevent sticking and start layering in flavor

Layer the Turkey:

Pat turkey thighs or legs dry with paper towels then place them in the slow cooker skin side up Sprinkle over the remaining salt and pepper making sure each piece gets even coverage

Slow Cook the Turkey:

Cover and cook on low for about seven hours The turkey will become incredibly moist do not lift the lid during cooking or you will lose heat and moisture

Roast the Sweet Potatoes:

While the turkey is nearly done peel and cube your sweet potatoes Season them generously with kosher salt black pepper canola oil and half the brown sugar Toss to coat and spread on a baking pan Roast at 375 degrees for about thirty minutes until they are tender and edges have caramelized

Make the Gravy:

Carefully remove the cooked turkey and set aside Strain the cooking juices and skim off excess fat Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour Cook for about a minute until bubbly to remove the raw flavor Slowly add the reserved turkey juices while whisking until smooth Simmer three to five minutes until it thickens Season to taste with salt and pepper

Finish the Candied Sweet Potatoes:

Once roasted sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar over sweet potatoes while still hot The heat melts the sugar into a glossy glaze

Cook the Peas:

Heat frozen green peas quickly in the microwave or steam until just tender to keep their bright color and sweet flavor

Plate and Serve:

Arrange turkey thighs on a platter and spoon gravy generously over the top Serve with candied sweet potatoes and green peas on the side for a full meal

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My favorite ingredient in this dish is the dark turkey meat because it stays impossibly moist I will always remember my niece sneaking extra pieces of sweet potato because they tasted like dessert

Storage Tips

Leftovers store well in airtight containers for up to four days in the refrigerator For freezer storage slice the turkey off the bone and wrap well with sides in separate containers This makes quick reheating for future meals and prevents drying

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless turkey thighs if you want faster prep although bone in provides richer flavor Chicken thighs can be swapped in if you cannot find turkey For the sweet potatoes you can use yams or even butternut squash in a pinch Green beans work instead of peas if needed

Serving Suggestions

Serve this meal as is for a full plate or add classic stuffing bread rolls or cranberry sauce for that full holiday experience I like to scatter a few toasted pecans over the sweet potatoes for extra crunch or sprinkle fresh parsley on the turkey for color

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Cultural and Historical Context

This streamlined version of Thanksgiving dinner is inspired by the desire to recreate holiday flavors without the pressure of a full day’s cooking Roasting turkey thighs in the slow cooker keeps things simple for smaller gatherings or weeknight dinners and has roots in the American tradition of making holidays accessible and homey

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of turkey works best?

Bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs are ideal for tender results, though legs may be substituted for similar flavor.

→ How can I ensure moist turkey?

Slow cooking the turkey with skin on and minimal liquid helps lock in moisture and keeps the meat succulent.

→ Is it possible to prepare sweet potatoes ahead?

Yes, you may cut and season the sweet potatoes in advance. Simply roast them when nearly ready to serve.

→ How is the gravy thickened?

The gravy is made by combining the turkey cooking juices with a butter and flour roux, then simmering until thick.

→ Can I use frozen peas?

Frozen peas work perfectly—just microwave or steam them before serving for maximum brightness and flavor.