How to Cook Your Thanksgiving Turkey Without an Oven

Have you ever considered cooking your Thanksgiving turkey any other way besides baking it in the oven? It’s an interesting prospect – and one that might come in handy if your oven is already jam-packed with pies, stuffing, and casseroles. With these creative techniques, you’ll be able to impress your guests and enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving.

Slow Cooking Your Thanksgiving Turkey

The first and, perhaps, best option when it comes to an alternative Thanksgiving turkey recipe is to put your slow cooker to use. Learning how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey this way not only frees up oven space, but also guarantees moist, tender meat.

What You’ll Need

• A turkey breast (or turkey pieces if your slow cooker isn’t large)

• Butter or olive oil

• Herbs and spices (think rosemary, thyme, garlic, and paprika)

• Chicken or turkey broth

Instructions

1. Prep Your Turkey: Pat the turkey dry and rub it generously with butter or olive oil. Season with your favorite herbs and spices.

2. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place a few onion slices, carrots, and celery stalks at the bottom of the slow cooker. These will act as a natural rack and add flavor.

3. Cook Low and Slow: Place the turkey on top of the vegetables, add a cup of broth, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Crisp the Skin (Optional): For crispy skin, pop the turkey under a broiler for a few minutes after cooking.

Your turkey will be fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor!

Grilled Turkey Perfection

This is the next best option when it comes to cooking turkey for Thanksgiving. Grilling isn’t just for summer barbecues. It’s a fantastic way to cook a turkey while adding a smoky, char-grilled flavor.

What You’ll Need

• A grill (charcoal or gas)

• Aluminum foil

• A drip pan

• Wood chips (optional, for added smoky flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill for indirect heat. For a charcoal grill, push the coals to one side; for a gas grill, only light one side. Place a drip pan beneath the unlit side.

2. Season the Turkey: Rub your turkey with oil and season with a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

3. Set Up the Grill: Place the turkey on the grill over the drip pan. If using wood chips, toss them onto the coals or place them in a smoker box for added flavor.

4. Cook to Perfection: Cover the grill and cook the turkey, maintaining a temperature of about 325°F. A whole turkey takes roughly 15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.

Pro Tip: Baste the turkey with melted butter or a marinade every hour for extra flavor and moisture.

Deep-Fried Turkey Delight

Have you scored any major thanksgiving turkey deals at your local supermarket? Great! A deep-fried turkey is a Thanksgiving game-changer. It’s crispy, juicy, and cooks in a fraction of the time.

Safety First

Deep-frying a turkey requires caution. Always fry outdoors, away from anything flammable, and never use a frozen turkey—it can cause dangerous oil splatters.

What You’ll Need

• A turkey fryer with a large pot

• Peanut oil (or another high-heat oil)

• A thawed and dry turkey

• A turkey frying thermometer

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil: Fill your fryer pot with oil, leaving enough room for the turkey to submerge without overflowing. Heat the oil to 350°F.

2. Prep the Turkey: Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and pat it dry inside and out. Season generously with salt and your favorite spices.

3. Fry Carefully: Using the fryer’s hook or basket, slowly lower the turkey into the oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per pound.

4. Check the Temp: Once done, the turkey’s internal temperature should reach 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh.

Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. The result? Crispy skin and juicy meat in every bite!

Instant Pot Turkey Time

Do you know when to thaw a turkey for Thanksgiving? A good rule of thumb is to allow about 24 hours for every four to five pounds in a refrigerator set to 40°F or cooler. 

If you’ve forgotten this step, fear not! Your Instant Pot can handle that for you. It’s also perfect for smaller gatherings or when only cooking a turkey breast.

What You’ll Need

• An Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)

• Turkey breast or thighs

• Butter or olive oil

• Garlic, onion, and fresh herbs

Instructions

1. Sauté the Turkey: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the turkey on all sides in butter or oil. Remove and set aside.

2. Add Aromatics: Place garlic, onion, and herbs in the pot, then deglaze with chicken broth or white wine.

3. Pressure Cook: Place the turkey back in, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for about 6 minutes per pound. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before a quick release.

4. Finish It Off: For crispy skin, give the turkey a quick broil in the oven or air fryer.

Smoked Turkey Bliss

Smoking a turkey is the ultimate way to wow your guests because it creates such a rich, smoky flavor.

What You’ll Need

• A smoker or charcoal grill with smoking capabilities

• Wood chips (apple, cherry, or hickory are great choices)

• A meat thermometer

Instructions

1. Prep the Turkey: Rub the turkey with oil and a smoky spice rub (paprika, garlic, cumin, and brown sugar work well).

2. Prepare the Smoker: Soak your wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Heat your smoker to 225°F and add the soaked chips.

3. Smoke It Low and Slow: Place the turkey on the smoker grate and close the lid. Smoke for about 30 minutes per pound, checking the internal temperature periodically.

4. Let It Rest: Once the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Enjoy a Stress-Free Turkey Feast

Thanksgiving is about more than just the turkey. It’s about the people around the table. With these oven-free cooking methods, you’ll not only save space and reduce stress, but also create a meal that everyone will rave about. Whether you choose to slow cook, grill, fry, pressure cook, or smoke your turkey, one thing is certain: this Thanksgiving, you’ll be the hero of the feast.

We also have some fabulous stuffing recipes to pair with your Thanksgiving turkey. Be sure to keep coming back for more! We’re all in this together and plan on us all having a fabulous holiday season.