Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

If you’re craving a juicy, tender turkey breast without the hassle of roasting it in the oven for hours, then this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is exactly what you need! It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and is perfect for any occasion where you want to serve a flavorful, fall-off-the-bone turkey. The best part? It’s practically foolproof. You’ll get that golden-brown, perfectly cooked turkey with no stress, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy the meal with friends and family. Trust me, this will be your new go-to turkey recipe!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Here’s why this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is going to become your favorite way to make turkey:

Effortless and Low Maintenance

No need to constantly check on your turkey or baste it every half hour. Pop it into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a perfectly cooked turkey breast with minimal work.

Juicy and Tender

The slow cooking method ensures the turkey is tender and juicy, with all the flavors locked in. The low, slow heat allows the turkey to cook evenly and retain its moisture, making every bite extra flavorful.

Perfect for Smaller Gatherings

If you’re not cooking for a crowd but still want the taste of a roasted turkey, this is the way to go. You’ll get all the delicious turkey flavor but in a more manageable, smaller serving size.

Super Customizable

Feel free to play around with the seasoning and flavors. Add some herbs, a little garlic, or even some citrus for a fresh twist. You can really make this dish your own!

Great for Leftovers

Leftover turkey is a blessing in disguise! Use it for sandwiches, salads, or soups. This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast makes fantastic leftovers.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this juicy and flavorful Slow Cooker Turkey Breast:

Turkey Breast

The star of the show! Make sure you get a boneless, skinless turkey breast (or bone-in if you prefer) to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.

Olive Oil

This helps to crisp up the skin and locks in the turkey’s juiciness. A little olive oil goes a long way in making the skin golden and delicious.

Garlic

Garlic is your friend in this recipe. It adds that perfect savory depth to the turkey and fills your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma as it cooks.

Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Sage)

A blend of fresh herbs gives the turkey that classic, herby flavor. If you can’t find fresh herbs, dried ones work just fine too!

Onion

Adding onion to the slow cooker gives the turkey an extra layer of savory flavor as it cooks and also makes your house smell incredible.

Chicken Broth

The turkey will cook gently in chicken broth, keeping it moist and flavorful. The broth will also add a savory base to the dish that you can spoon over the turkey before serving.

Salt and Pepper

You can’t forget the basics! A generous seasoning of salt and pepper helps bring out all the natural flavors of the turkey.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make this turkey breast that will have everyone asking for seconds!

1. Season the Turkey

Start by patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick and ensure that it crisps up nicely in the slow cooker. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the fresh herbs and garlic over the turkey to create a flavorful herb crust.

2. Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the sliced onion on the bottom of your slow cooker. This will act as a base for the turkey and help elevate it as it cooks. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, covering the onions. This liquid will keep the turkey moist while it cooks and add richness to the final dish.

3. Cook the Turkey

Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onions and broth in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the turkey is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you!

4. Optional: Crisp the Skin

If you like your turkey skin extra crispy, you can remove the turkey from the slow cooker and place it under the broiler for 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, and you’ll have that beautiful, golden-brown skin that everyone loves.

5. Rest and Slice

Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the turkey with some of the cooking juices and roasted vegetables for a complete, comforting meal. You’ll be amazed at how tender and flavorful this turkey is!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 200
Total Fat: 8g

• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 70mg
  Sodium: 300mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
  Protein: 30g
  Vitamin A: 6%
  Vitamin C: 2%
  Calcium: 2%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

This turkey is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

With Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes on the side. The creamy, buttery potatoes pair perfectly with the tender turkey and rich broth.

Roasted Vegetables

Roast some veggies, like carrots, brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, to serve alongside the turkey. They’ll add color and a bit of sweetness to balance the savory turkey.

In Sandwiches

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, try making turkey sandwiches with a drizzle of gravy or cranberry sauce. It’s a great way to use up the turkey and keep the flavor going for a few more meals.

With Gravy

Take some of the cooking juices from the slow cooker and turn it into a rich gravy. Drizzle it over the turkey slices for even more delicious flavor.

Additional Tips

Spice It Up

Add a little heat by seasoning the turkey with red pepper flakes or chili powder for a kick. It’ll add a nice balance to the richness of the turkey.

Make It Ahead

This turkey is great for prepping ahead of time! You can season it the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight, then toss it in the slow cooker the next day for a no-fuss meal.

Use Bone-In Turkey

If you prefer bone-in turkey, it will still work wonderfully. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to account for the larger size, and check that it reaches 165°F before serving.

Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the turkey for up to 3 months for a quick meal later.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a frozen turkey breast for this recipe?
A1: It’s best to thaw the turkey breast before cooking it. If you start with a frozen turkey, it might not cook evenly, and the texture could be off.

Q2: Can I use a boneless turkey breast?
A2: Yes, boneless turkey breasts work perfectly in this recipe! Just reduce the cooking time slightly if you’re using boneless.

Q3: Can I make this turkey in a pressure cooker?
A3: Yes, you can use a pressure cooker! Cook the turkey on high for about 35 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally. The turkey will be incredibly tender!

Q4: How do I know when the turkey is done?
A4: The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the turkey?
A5: Absolutely! You can add root vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker. Just make sure they’re cut into chunks so they cook evenly.

Q6: Can I make gravy from the slow cooker juices?
A6: Yes! Just strain the juices, add a little flour or cornstarch to thicken, and season to taste. It makes a delicious, savory gravy!

Q7: How do I store leftover turkey?
A7: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q8: Can I cook this turkey on high heat in the slow cooker?
A8: You can, but I recommend cooking it on low for the best texture and flavor. Cooking on high may result in a drier turkey.

Q9: Can I make this turkey ahead of time?
A9: Yes! You can cook the turkey in advance and reheat it before serving. Just be sure to keep the turkey covered with some of its cooking juices to prevent it from drying out.

Q10: What should I serve with this turkey?
A10: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple salad make great sides for this tender, flavorful turkey.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is a game-changer when it comes to making a delicious, juicy turkey with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, it’s a foolproof way to get that perfectly cooked turkey every time. Enjoy this easy, flavorful dish with your favorite sides and savor every bite!

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