This slow cooker turkey breast is a perfect example of comfort food done right. The turkey is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, thanks to the simple blend of seasonings and the slow cooking method. With every bite, the turkey is moist and succulent, making it the ideal choice for a family dinner or a holiday feast. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also a great way to make sure you have a flavorful, stress-free main dish. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a beautifully cooked turkey breast that’s ready to be carved and served. Whether you pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad, this turkey breast is sure to be the highlight of your meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-6 pounds) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Season the turkey with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Massage the seasonings into the skin.
- Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker, breast side up.
- Pour the chicken broth around the turkey.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the turkey.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the turkey from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Serve the turkey breast with its juices, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-7 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal (per serving)
Servings: 6 servings
A Simple and Flavorful Meal
When it comes to preparing turkey, the process can often seem intimidating. However, using a slow cooker to cook turkey breast changes the game. This method results in a moist, flavorful turkey that’s easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special holiday dinner.
Turkey breast in the slow cooker is not only incredibly tender but also offers a level of convenience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or simply prepping a meal ahead of time, the slow cooker ensures that the turkey stays juicy and perfectly cooked with minimal effort. Let’s explore why this slow cooker turkey breast recipe should be your go-to meal option.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Turkey Breast?
1. Effortless Cooking
One of the major benefits of cooking turkey breast in a slow cooker is how easy it is. Unlike traditional roasting methods that require constant attention and precise timing, the slow cooker does all the work for you. All you need to do is season the turkey, place it in the slow cooker, and let it cook low and slow for several hours. The slow cooker will maintain a steady, even heat, ensuring that the turkey remains juicy throughout the cooking process. This leaves you free to prepare other side dishes or even relax while your meal cooks itself.
2. Perfectly Moist Turkey Every Time
Dry turkey is often a complaint when preparing it in the oven, especially during large holiday meals when the oven may be crowded with other dishes. However, slow cooking ensures that the turkey stays moist and tender throughout the entire cooking process. The low and slow method allows the turkey to cook evenly, retaining its natural juices. The addition of broth or butter further ensures that the turkey absorbs plenty of moisture, resulting in a succulent dish with each bite.
3. Set-It-and-Forget-It Convenience
Slow cookers are known for their “set it and forget it” appeal. Once you’ve prepped the turkey, there’s nothing more to do except let the slow cooker work its magic. This is especially beneficial during the holiday season when you’re juggling multiple tasks in the kitchen. Instead of worrying about basting the turkey or timing it perfectly, you can focus on other preparations, knowing that the slow cooker is taking care of the main course.
How to Make Your Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Stand Out
1. Seasoning for Maximum Flavor
The key to a flavorful slow cooker turkey breast lies in the seasoning. While turkey can be bland on its own, the right blend of herbs and spices can elevate the dish to new heights. Common seasonings for turkey breast include garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage. You can also opt for other seasonings based on your preferences, such as paprika, parsley, or a touch of lemon zest for a citrusy note.
Additionally, don’t forget about the fat! Brushing the turkey breast with melted butter or olive oil before cooking helps the skin crisp up while infusing the meat with flavor. If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding a few fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, under the skin for added aromatic flavor.
2. The Importance of Broth or Stock
Adding broth to the slow cooker is not just for moisture – it’s an essential part of the cooking process that enhances the overall flavor. As the turkey cooks, it will release its natural juices, which then combine with the broth to create a savory, rich liquid that can be used as gravy or a base for soups. Chicken broth is the most common choice, but you can use vegetable broth, or even white wine for a more robust flavor.
3. Achieving the Perfect Skin
While the turkey breast will be moist and tender, the skin can sometimes be left soggy if not handled properly. If you prefer crispy skin, you can finish the turkey breast in the oven. Once it’s done cooking in the slow cooker, transfer the turkey to a preheated oven and broil for a few minutes to crisp up the skin. This step adds a delicious texture contrast, giving you the best of both worlds – moist turkey with a crispy, golden skin.
Versatility of Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
While this recipe is perfect for a holiday feast, it’s also incredibly versatile and can be used for many other occasions.
1. Weeknight Meals
On busy weeknights, you can use the slow cooker turkey breast as the foundation for a quick and satisfying dinner. Serve the turkey breast with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. The turkey breast also makes excellent sandwiches, wraps, or salads the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
2. Holiday Feasts
Slow cooker turkey breast is a great alternative to cooking a whole turkey, especially if you’re only feeding a small group. It’s perfect for intimate holiday dinners like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. Since it cooks in the slow cooker, you can free up oven space for other dishes, which is essential when you’re preparing a large holiday meal.
3. Leftovers
One of the best things about slow cooker turkey breast is that it provides plenty of leftovers. You can use the leftover turkey in sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles. It’s a great option for meal prepping ahead of time and ensuring that you have nutritious and delicious meals throughout the week.
Tips for Success
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker
Although the slow cooker is quite forgiving, it’s important not to overcrowd it. If your turkey breast is too large for the slow cooker, it may not cook evenly. Make sure there is enough room around the turkey for the heat and moisture to circulate properly.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring that your turkey breast is cooked to the correct temperature. For poultry, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that the turkey is fully cooked while remaining juicy and tender.
3. Let It Rest
Once the turkey breast is finished cooking, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every slice is as moist and flavorful as the last.
Conclusion:
Slow cooker turkey breast is a game-changer for anyone looking to prepare a delicious, fuss-free meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a holiday feast, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and convenience. The slow cooker ensures the turkey remains moist and tender, while the seasoning enhances its flavor, making each bite a joy.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to pair it with a variety of side dishes and customize the seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner solution or a way to impress guests, slow cooker turkey breast is the perfect dish.
For those who love the idea of stress-free cooking without sacrificing flavor, this recipe is a must-try. So the next time you find yourself in need of an easy, delicious meal, reach for your slow cooker and make a turkey breast that’s as flavorful as it is simple.
