If you’re searching for a stress-free method to cook a turkey breast, whether for Thanksgiving or any day of the year, look no further. This Crock Pot turkey breast recipe is not only the best, but it’s also the easiest way to cook a delicious bone-in turkey breast. And the best part? It requires much less effort than cooking a whole bird.
Ingredients & Substitutions
To ensure your slow cooker turkey breast turns out perfectly, it’s important to choose the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Turkey Breast: I recommend using a whole bone-in turkey breast weighing around 7 pounds. However, if you prefer boneless turkey breast, that works too, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for the herb butter rub. If you only have salted butter, reduce the salt in the recipe by 1/8 teaspoon.
- Garlic: You can either mince fresh garlic or use jarred minced garlic to save time.
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and parsley add incredible flavor. Feel free to substitute other fresh herbs according to your taste. You’ll need roughly 2 tablespoons in total. If you prefer dried herbs, use 2 teaspoons, or keep it simple with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
- Spices: Sea salt, black pepper, and paprika (sweet or smoked) are the key spices. For an even simpler option, use poultry seasoning instead.
- Onion: Chop a yellow or white onion into large, thick pieces. These will act as a “rack” for the turkey breast, promoting even cooking and infusing more flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Use reduced-sodium chicken broth to ensure a juicy slow cooker turkey breast. Regular chicken broth works too, but adjust the salt accordingly. Bone broth is also a great option.
How to Cook a Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot
The following steps will guide you through the process of cooking a turkey breast in a slow cooker. For detailed instructions, including measurements and temperatures, refer to the recipe card below.
- Make the garlic herb butter: Combine butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Dry the turkey breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with a paper towel. This helps the herb butter stick to the meat.
- Prep the slow cooker: Grease the bottom, place the onion pieces inside, and pour in the chicken broth.
- Rub the turkey breast with herb butter: Apply the herb butter all over the turkey breast and place it in the Crock Pot. Cover it.
- Cook the turkey breast in the Crock Pot: Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Remember, the temperature will rise further during broiling and resting.
- Broil: Transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking dish and broil it in the oven for a few minutes until golden.
- Rest: Allow the slow cooker turkey breast to rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to settle.
How Long to Cook Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot?
The cooking time for a slow cooker turkey breast is approximately 6-7 hours on Low or 3.5-4.5 hours on High if using bone-in turkey breast. For boneless turkey breast, cook for 5-6 hours on Low or 3-3.5 hours on High. After cooking, place the turkey breast under the broiler to brown, and the internal temperature will rise during resting.
To ensure perfectly cooked slow cooker turkey breast, it’s best to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees F in the slow cooker, as it will increase by another 5 degrees while broiling and resting.
How to Carve Turkey Breast?
After cooking the Crock Pot turkey breast and allowing it to rest for at least 10 minutes, carving is a breeze. Simply cut the turkey meat along both sides of the breast bone, then slice each half into thin slices. Don’t forget to remove any remaining pieces of meat.
Storage Instructions
Here’s how to store, reheat, and freeze your slow cooker turkey breast:
- Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
- Reheat: You can use the slow cooker again on the Low setting or warm the turkey breast in the oven at 300 degrees F to prevent drying it out. Add some broth to the bottom to keep it juicy.
- Freeze: Once the Crock Pot turkey breast has cooled completely, place the meat in a zip lock freezer bag (you can leave the bone in or slice it first). Remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
There are countless delicious side dishes that pair well with slow cooker turkey breast. Here are a few options, perfect for both holidays and everyday meals:
- Sauces: Consider serving turkey gravy or healthy cranberry sauce.
- Starches: Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, but you can also try roasted potatoes or opt for healthier options like mashed cauliflower, cauliflower risotto, or low-carb “sweet potato” casserole.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, whole roasted cauliflower, pan-fried Brussels sprouts, or classic roasted green beans are all excellent choices.
More Easy Turkey Recipes
If you’re looking for other flavorful ways to cook turkey, give these recipes a try:
