Dinner

Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

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This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe combines ease and flavor to deliver a tender, juicy centerpiece for any meal. With just 10 minutes of prep and a few hours in your slow cooker, you can have a perfectly seasoned turkey breast that’s sure to impress. The butter-based spice rub, featuring paprika, oregano, and turmeric, creates a vibrant color and rich flavor profile that pairs beautifully with traditional sides. Whether you’re hosting a small Thanksgiving dinner or preparing a weeknight family meal, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The golden-broiled skin adds a touch of elegance, while the tender meat ensures each bite melts in your mouth. Serve it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, or roasted vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying feast.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 3 lb. boneless turkey breast
  • 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
  • 1 large yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Soften butter in the microwave if needed (avoid fully melting). Use a small amount of butter to grease the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Place onion slices in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Remove turkey from packaging, discard any twine or gravy packet, and pat dry with paper towels.
  4. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, and turmeric to form a paste.
  5. Rub a small portion of the paste on the bottom of the turkey breast. For a skin-on turkey breast, gently lift the skin and rub paste underneath it. Rub the remaining paste evenly on top of the turkey.
  6. Place turkey breast in the slow cooker on top of the onions. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
  7. For crispy skin, transfer the turkey to a baking sheet, skin side up, and broil for 5-10 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  8. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 231 per serving | Servings: 6

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast: A Perfect Blend of Flavor, Convenience, and Juiciness

When it comes to preparing a turkey breast that is both succulent and flavorful, the slow cooker proves to be an invaluable kitchen companion. This recipe for Slow Cooker Turkey Breast takes all the guesswork out of cooking the perfect turkey, offering a stress-free, foolproof way to achieve a moist and delicious centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re planning a small Thanksgiving dinner, looking for an easy weeknight meal, or prepping for a holiday gathering, this recipe is a standout option.

Why Choose Slow Cooking for Turkey Breast?

Cooking turkey breast in a slow cooker offers several advantages over traditional oven-roasting methods. First and foremost, it virtually eliminates the risk of dry meat—a common complaint when cooking turkey breast. Slow cooking ensures even heat distribution and allows the meat to gently cook in its own juices, resulting in a moist, tender texture that’s hard to achieve with high-heat methods.

The slow cooker also brings unmatched convenience. Once you’ve prepared the turkey breast with the seasoning rub and placed it in the slow cooker, you can leave it unattended for hours while it cooks to perfection. This hands-off approach is ideal for busy households, especially during the holiday season when multitasking in the kitchen is often a necessity.

Another benefit of slow cooking is its energy efficiency. Unlike running a full-sized oven for hours, a slow cooker uses minimal electricity, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice. Additionally, it frees up your oven for baking side dishes or desserts, a major advantage when preparing for a large meal.

The Magic of the Butter-Based Rub

One of the highlights of this recipe is the butter-based spice rub, which infuses the turkey breast with a rich depth of flavor. A harmonious blend of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, and turmeric (optional but highly recommended) creates a vibrant, aromatic coating that not only enhances the taste but also gives the turkey a golden hue.

The use of softened butter, rather than melted, allows the rub to form a paste that adheres beautifully to the turkey breast. This ensures that every bite is infused with seasoning, while also helping to keep the meat moist. For those who enjoy crispy skin, broiling the turkey after it has finished slow cooking adds a delightful texture and enhances its visual appeal.

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is its versatility. While it’s an obvious choice for smaller Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving gatherings, it’s also a fantastic option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. Its simplicity allows you to pair it with a wide range of side dishes, from classic mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce to lighter options like roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.

For those who enjoy meal prepping, the cooked turkey breast can be easily shredded or sliced and used in various dishes throughout the week. Think turkey sandwiches, wraps, salads, or even a hearty turkey soup. The possibilities are endless, making it a practical choice for those looking to save time and reduce food waste.

Tips for Success

While this recipe is simple and straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve the best results:

  1. Start with a thawed turkey breast: Slow cookers aren’t designed to safely cook frozen meat, as it can remain at unsafe temperatures for too long. Plan ahead to ensure your turkey breast is fully thawed before cooking.
  2. Pat the turkey dry: Moisture on the surface of the turkey can dilute the seasoning and prevent the rub from adhering properly. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the turkey breast before applying the butter-based rub.
  3. Monitor the cooking time: While the recipe suggests about 4 hours on low, the exact cooking time can vary depending on the size of your turkey breast and the specific slow cooker you’re using. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F is the most reliable way to ensure doneness.
  4. Rest the turkey before slicing: Allowing the turkey to rest for about 20 minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.
  5. Don’t skip the broiling step: If you’re using a skin-on turkey breast, broiling it for a few minutes after slow cooking creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust that adds both texture and visual appeal to the dish.

A Flexible Recipe for Dietary Preferences

This recipe can be easily adapted to suit a variety of dietary preferences and needs. For instance, if you’re serving guests who prefer lighter fare, you can omit the butter and use olive oil instead. Those who follow a low-sodium diet can reduce the amount of salt in the rub or use an unsalted butter alternative.

The optional turmeric not only adds a vibrant golden color but also provides health benefits as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. However, if you prefer a more traditional flavor profile or don’t have turmeric on hand, it can be left out without compromising the overall taste.

Pairing Suggestions

To create a balanced and satisfying meal, consider pairing your Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with complementary side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

  • Traditional Sides: Mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green beans are classic accompaniments that never fail to impress.
  • Low-Carb Options: Roasted cauliflower, sautéed spinach, or a fresh cucumber salad are great choices for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
  • International Flavors: Add a twist by serving the turkey with couscous, spiced rice, or a tangy yogurt-based sauce.

Don’t forget to save the drippings from the slow cooker—they make an excellent base for a quick and flavorful turkey gravy. Simply strain the drippings, whisk them with a roux of butter and flour, and simmer until thickened.

Conclusion:

The Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify the process of cooking a flavorful, juicy turkey. Its ease of preparation, versatility, and reliable results make it a must-try, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or planning a weeknight meal.

By combining the rich flavors of a butter-based rub with the gentle cooking method of a slow cooker, this recipe delivers a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s a perfect reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated it just needs a little care and the right technique.

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