Slow Cooker Roast Turkey Breast is the perfect way to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey without the hassle of constant monitoring. The slow cooking process allows the flavors of fresh sage, lemon, and garlic to infuse into the meat, resulting in a perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this dish guarantees a delicious and effortless meal. Not only does this recipe create an impressive centerpiece for the dinner table, but the leftovers are just as exciting! Enjoy the turkey in sandwiches, salads, soups, or wraps throughout the week. With minimal hands-on effort, this slow-cooked turkey breast is a game-changer for home cooks looking to enjoy a hearty, comforting, and nutritious meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh sage
- 1 (5- to 7-pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground sage
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat the slow cooker for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the ingredients.
- Layer the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the smashed garlic cloves, lemon slices, and fresh sage leaves.
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, thyme, ground sage, paprika, and black pepper.
- Rub the room-temperature butter all over the turkey breast, including under the skin.
- Evenly coat the turkey with the spice mixture, then place it in the slow cooker on top of the onions and lemons.
- Drizzle olive oil over the turkey, then cover with the lid.
- Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature; it should read 165°F.
- Remove the turkey from the slow cooker, tent it with foil, and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
- Optionally, broil the turkey for 5 minutes for a crispy skin.
- Use the flavorful juices from the slow cooker to make a rich gravy or drizzle over the turkey before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal per serving | Servings: 8
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Turkey Breast?
There are several advantages to cooking turkey breast in a slow cooker instead of using traditional roasting methods.
1. Effortless Cooking
One of the biggest benefits of using a slow cooker is the minimal effort required. Once you season the turkey and place it in the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. There’s no need to constantly check for doneness, baste, or rotate the bird. This makes it a perfect option for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Juicy and Tender Meat
A common challenge when roasting turkey breast in the oven is that it can dry out quickly due to the lean nature of the meat. Slow cooking, on the other hand, allows the turkey to cook slowly at a lower temperature, retaining moisture and resulting in incredibly juicy, tender meat. The addition of butter, olive oil, and citrus further enhances the flavor and texture.
3. Frees Up Oven Space
If you’re making this dish for a holiday meal, using a slow cooker keeps your oven free for other dishes like stuffing, casseroles, or desserts. This is especially helpful on Thanksgiving when multiple dishes need to be cooked at once.
4. Enhanced Flavor Infusion
The slow cooking process allows the turkey to absorb the flavors of fresh herbs, citrus, and seasonings over time. Unlike quick roasting, which primarily seasons the surface, slow cooking ensures that every bite is flavorful and aromatic.
How to Choose the Best Turkey Breast
Not all turkey breasts are the same, so choosing the right one for this recipe is important. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Bone-In vs. Boneless
- Bone-in turkey breast is the best choice for this recipe as it retains moisture better and adds more flavor to the dish.
- Boneless turkey breast can be used as well, but it may cook slightly faster, so you’ll need to monitor it closely to avoid overcooking.
2. Skin-On vs. Skinless
- Skin-on turkey breast is recommended because it helps lock in moisture and adds a rich flavor.
- Skinless turkey breast can be used if you prefer a leaner option, but you may need to add extra butter or oil to prevent dryness.
3. Fresh vs. Frozen
- Fresh turkey breast is ideal since it requires less preparation time.
- Frozen turkey breast works well too, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator (which can take up to 24 hours) before cooking.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Turkey
To make sure your slow cooker turkey turns out perfect every time, follow these key tips:
1. Preheat Your Slow Cooker
Preheating the slow cooker for at least 20 minutes before adding the ingredients helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
2. Use Aromatics for Extra Flavor
Layering onions, garlic, lemon slices, and fresh herbs at the bottom of the slow cooker enhances the flavor of the turkey. As the turkey cooks, these ingredients infuse the meat with a delicious aroma.
3. Don’t Skip the Spice Rub
A well-seasoned turkey is a flavorful turkey! Mixing salt, thyme, sage, paprika, and black pepper ensures the skin is beautifully seasoned and enhances the natural taste of the meat.
4. Keep the Lid Closed
Resist the temptation to lift the lid and check on the turkey. Each time the lid is removed, heat escapes, and the cooking time is extended. Only open it when checking the internal temperature.
5. Check the Internal Temperature
Using a meat thermometer is crucial. The turkey is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the breast. Overcooking can dry out the meat, so check the temperature toward the end of the cooking time.
6. Let It Rest Before Slicing
Allowing the turkey to rest for at least 20 minutes after cooking ensures the juices redistribute throughout the meat. This results in a juicier, more flavorful turkey breast.
7. Broil for a Crispy Skin (Optional)
If you prefer a crispier skin, place the turkey under the broiler for 5 minutes after slow cooking. This step gives the turkey a golden brown, crispy exterior.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Turkey
One of the best things about making a large turkey breast is the leftovers! Here are some creative ways to repurpose the extra turkey into new meals:
1. Turkey Sandwiches
Classic turkey sandwiches are always a hit. Try a turkey club sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on toasted bread.
2. Turkey Salad
Chop the turkey and mix it with Greek yogurt, cranberries, pecans, and celery for a flavorful turkey salad. Serve it over greens or in a wrap.
3. Turkey Soup
Use leftover turkey to make a comforting turkey and vegetable soup with carrots, celery, and noodles.
4. Turkey Tacos
Shred the turkey and season it with taco spices for quick and delicious turkey tacos. Top with avocado, salsa, and cheese.
5. Turkey Casserole
Combine turkey with cooked pasta, a creamy sauce, and cheese to make a turkey casserole baked to perfection.
Conclusion:
A slow cooker roast turkey breast is a game-changer for home cooks looking for a simple, hands-off approach to making juicy, flavorful turkey. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time.
With minimal preparation and a foolproof slow-cooking method, you can enjoy tender turkey breast without the stress of traditional roasting. Plus, with plenty of creative ways to use leftovers, this meal keeps on giving.
