Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a turkey dinner that practically cooks itself and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, this Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It delivers a juicy, flavorful turkey breast with minimal effort, making it perfect for cozy weeknights, festive gatherings, or even a simplified holiday meal. With simple pantry staples and fresh herbs, you’ll be amazed at how the slow cooker transforms a humble turkey breast into a show-stopping centerpiece. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever fussed with a full-sized bird!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You truly don’t need a mile-long ingredient list for outstanding results with this Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe. Each item here has a role to play, whether it’s boosting flavor, keeping the turkey moist, or adding a pop of savory color.
- Turkey Breast (4 to 6 pounds, bone-in or boneless, with skin): The star of the show—choose a quality turkey breast for best results, and keeping the skin ensures maximum juiciness.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasonings adhere and promotes that gorgeous golden color.
- Garlic Powder (1 tablespoon): Brings deep, aromatic flavor that infuses every bite.
- Onion Powder (1 tablespoon): Adds sweetness and rounds out the savory notes.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the finished turkey.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers classic herby flavor, perfect for poultry.
- Dried Rosemary (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb that makes the whole house smell like Thanksgiving.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a bit of gentle heat and depth.
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the turkey moist as it cooks and creates delicious drippings for gravy.
- Onion, quartered (1): Lays the flavor foundation at the bottom of the slow cooker and adds a sweet undertone.
- Garlic Cloves, smashed (4): Intensifies the savory aroma and taste in both the turkey and the drippings.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Turkey Breast
Start by patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels. This simple step helps the seasoning stick and is key to achieving that crave-worthy, golden skin. Whether you’re using bone-in or boneless, keeping the skin on is a game-changer for moisture and flavor.
Step 2: Mix and Apply the Seasoning Paste
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter) with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir until you have a fragrant, herby paste. Then, rub this mixture generously all over the turkey breast—don’t forget to get some under the skin if you can for extra flavor!
Step 3: Layer the Flavors in the Crockpot
Scatter the quartered onion and smashed garlic cloves at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth to set the stage for a moist, aromatic cooking environment. These veggies create a bed of flavor for your turkey to rest on.
Step 4: Arrange and Cook
Nestle the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onions and garlic, skin side up. Cover and let your Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe work its magic: cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The turkey is done when a thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Crisp Up the Skin (Optional)
If you’re a fan of crispy skin, don’t skip this step! Transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for 4 to 6 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn. This little extra effort delivers that irresistible, golden-brown finish.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Let your turkey breast rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, so every bite is as juicy and tender as possible.
How to Serve Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle your sliced turkey with a handful of freshly chopped parsley, a few sprigs of thyme, or even a light dusting of paprika. These little flourishes not only make your Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe pop on the plate, they add a fresh, aromatic touch.
Side Dishes
This turkey pairs perfectly with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Don’t forget a ladle of gravy made from the slow cooker drippings to tie everything together—your guests will be coming back for seconds!
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the turkey breast and arranging it on a platter with roasted root vegetables, or serve it sandwich-style on crusty rolls with cranberry sauce. For a fun twist, tuck slices into wraps or grain bowls for easy lunches throughout the week. The Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe is endlessly versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover turkey stays fresh and moist when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can enjoy it for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches, salads, or sandwiches. Just be sure to let it cool before sealing it up.
Freezing
If you want to save some turkey for later, slice or shred the cooled meat and pack it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat turkey without drying it out, add a splash of broth and cover the slices with foil before warming gently in the oven or microwave. This keeps your Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe just as juicy and flavorful the second time around!
FAQs
Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Both bone-in and boneless turkey breasts work beautifully in the Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe. The bone-in version tends to be a bit juicier, but boneless is just as delicious and often easier to slice.
Do I need to sear the turkey before slow cooking?
No searing necessary! The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. However, if you crave that extra-crispy skin, finishing the turkey under the broiler after slow cooking gives you the best of both worlds.
Can I cook vegetables alongside the turkey?
Yes! Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or parsnips can be added to the bottom of the slow cooker with the onions and garlic. They’ll soak up all those flavorful juices, making for an easy one-pot meal.
Is this Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe gluten-free?
It sure is! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for guests with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your chicken broth to be safe.
How do I make gravy from the slow cooker drippings?
After removing the turkey, strain the drippings into a saucepan. Whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water, then simmer until thickened. It makes the ultimate gravy to pour over your turkey and sides!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about a meal that’s both comforting and fuss-free, and this Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe fits the bill every time. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the juicy, flavorful results as much as my family does. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite way to serve turkey—happy slow cooking!
Print
Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe delivers tender, juicy turkey with minimal effort. Seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices, then slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an ideal main course for a comforting family dinner or holiday feast. The slow cooker does all the work, and for a crispy skin finish, a quick broil in the oven seals in flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (4 to 6-pound) bone-in or boneless turkey breast (with skin)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks properly and the skin crisps well later.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil or melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful paste.
- Season the Turkey: Rub the seasoning paste all over the turkey breast, making sure to get some under the skin for maximum flavor infusion.
- Set Up Crockpot: Place the quartered onion and smashed garlic cloves in the bottom of the slow cooker, then pour the chicken broth over the vegetables to add moisture and aroma.
- Cook the Turkey: Position the turkey breast on top of the vegetables skin side up. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3.5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Crispy Skin: For a crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 4 to 6 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender slices.
Notes
- Use the drippings from the crockpot to make a delicious quick gravy for serving.
- This recipe works equally well with boneless or bone-in turkey breast.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for future meals.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
