Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is your secret weapon for an easy Thanksgiving feast! Grab a 6-8 pound turkey breast (just right for feeding a crowd with leftovers) and pop it into a 6-quart slow cooker. With minimal prep, you can set it, forget it, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Thanksgiving dinner has never been this effortless—juicy, flavorful turkey without any of the hassle!
Once you’ve mastered this Crock Pot Turkey Breast, you’re going to want to put those leftovers to good use! Try whipping up a comforting Turkey Casserole that’s perfect for cozy nights in, or treat yourself to a delicious Turkey Cranberry Sandwich that’s the ultimate post-holiday lunch. And if you’re looking to switch things up next time, give this Smoked Turkey Breast a try—it’s packed with flavor and sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just a little prep, and the slow cooker handles the rest—perfect for busy days or holiday gatherings.
- Juicy & Tender: Slow cooking ensures a moist and flavorful turkey breast every time.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other dishes or spending time with family.
- Great for Leftovers: The leftover turkey can be easily repurposed into casseroles, sandwiches, and more.
You know how Thanksgiving can be a little stressful with all the cooking and trying to get everything just right? Well, I’ve found the secret to making it a whole lot easier: Turkey Breast in Crock Pot. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to roasting in the oven. It’s seriously a game-changer—just set it, forget it, and a few hours later, you’ve got the most perfectly moist turkey breast you’ve ever tasted.
I can’t tell you how much I love this recipe. Not only is it super simple to throw together, but it also frees up your oven for all those delicious sides and desserts. Plus, it turns out perfect every single time, which is exactly what you need when you’re cooking for a crowd. If you’re looking for a stress-free way to make Thanksgiving (or any turkey breast recipe) a breeze, you’ve got to try this.
Ingredients For Crockpot Turkey Breast
Turkey breasts tend to be on the more lean side, since a lot of that juicy dark meat is located in other parts of the bird. The secret to keeping things nice and moist, without brining, is this slow cooker turkey breast recipe. AND you only need three ingredients.
- Turkey: For a slow cooker, a 6-8 pound turkey breast is ideal. Make sure it fits comfortably in your slow cooker without touching the sides too much, as this helps with even cooking. If you’re using a frozen turkey breast, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This can take up to 24-48 hours depending on the size.
- Dry Onion Soup Mix: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the turkey breast. This helps ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. If you prefer to avoid store-bought mixes, you can make your own by combining onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a bit of beef bouillon granules.
- Butter: Mix in some fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage with the butter for an extra boost of flavor. This can be a game-changer for your turkey!
Variations and Substitutions
This is one of the more basic boneless turkey breast recipes. If you’d like to try out a few ways to jazz it up I suggest:
- Herb Lovers: If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, feel free to swap out the dry onion soup mix for a blend of your favorite herbs. Rosemary, thyme, and sage are classic choices that pair beautifully with turkey. Simply mix them with a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a homemade seasoning blend.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, consider adding a dash of paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a hint of chili powder to the seasoning mix. It’ll give your turkey a subtle kick that’s sure to impress.
- Different Mixes: Don’t have dry onion soup mix on hand? No problem! You can use a ranch seasoning packet or your favorite spice blend instead. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish.
- Broth or Wine: For an even more flavorful turkey, pour a cup of chicken broth or white wine into the bottom of the slow cooker. This will add moisture and an extra layer of taste to your turkey breast.
- Turkey Brine: While you don’t need to brine a slow cooker turkey breast, this turkey brine is a delicious variation to consider.
How To Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Be sure to save all the juices from the slow cooker—they make an incredible turkey gravy! With just a few simple steps, you can create a rich, flavorful gravy that complements the turkey beautifully.
- Preparation: Plan ahead by thawing your turkey breast in the refrigerator. This process typically takes 1-2 days, so it’s a good idea to set a reminder a few days before you plan to cook, ensuring the turkey is fully thawed and ready to go.
- Seasoning: Place the turkey breast, breast side down, into the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle one packet of dry onion soup mix over the top, and dot the turkey with butter to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Cooking: Set your slow cooker to the low setting and allow the turkey to cook for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This method ensures a tender, juicy turkey breast every time.
What to Serve with Your Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
This slow cooked boneless turkey breast pairs beautifully with a variety of classic side dishes, making it the perfect centerpiece for a comforting meal or holiday feast. Here are some of our favorite side dishes that complement the tender, juicy turkey:
- Green Bean Casserole: A timeless favorite, green bean casserole brings creamy, savory flavors to the table. The crispy fried onions on top add a satisfying crunch, making it a must-have side dish for any turkey dinner.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized, crispy Brussels sprouts are a fantastic accompaniment to the turkey. Their slightly nutty flavor contrasts perfectly with the rich, savory taste of the turkey breast, adding a fresh and healthy element to your meal.
- Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing: No turkey dinner is complete without stuffing. Our easy Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is packed with flavor, featuring a blend of herbs, celery, and onions mixed with hearty bread cubes. It’s the perfect side to soak up the delicious turkey juices and gravy.
Slow Cooker Cooking Times for a Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker turkey breast recipes are a convenient and reliable way to achieve a tender, juicy result every time. Here’s a guide to help you determine the correct cooking times based on the size of your turkey breast:
- 4-5 Pound Turkey Breast: Cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This size is perfect for smaller gatherings or a family meal with minimal leftovers.
- 6-7 Pound Turkey Breast: Cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This size is ideal for a larger family dinner or small holiday gathering.
- 8-9 Pound Turkey Breast: Cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This larger size is great if you’re expecting a crowd or want plenty of leftovers for sandwiches, casseroles, and more.
Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is ready when it reaches 165°F. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the specific slow cooker and the size of the turkey breast, so it’s important to start checking the temperature a bit before the estimated time to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
It’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Allow the turkey to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the turkey in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have a large amount of leftovers, you can also freeze the turkey for longer storage. To freeze, place the cooled turkey in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating the turkey correctly is key to retaining its moisture and flavor. For best results, use one of the following methods:
- Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the turkey slices in an oven-safe dish, adding a splash of chicken broth or gravy to keep the meat moist. Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave Reheating: Place the turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals until the turkey is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the turkey to become tough.
- Stovetop Reheating: For a quick reheat, you can warm the turkey in a skillet over low heat. Add a little broth or gravy to the pan and cover with a lid, stirring occasionally until the turkey is thoroughly heated.
Remember, reheating slowly and gently is the best way to keep your turkey tender and delicious, even the second time around!
Expert Tips:
Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure your turkey is perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding bone, and check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure the turkey breast fits comfortably in your slow cooker without touching the sides too much. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. If your turkey breast is too large, consider using a larger slow cooker or cutting the breast into smaller portions.
Keep the Lid On: Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. Each time you remove the lid, heat escapes, which can extend cooking time and potentially dry out the turkey.
Add Aromatics: For an extra burst of flavor, place a few aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker. These will infuse the turkey with additional flavor and can be used to enhance your gravy later.
Let It Rest: After the turkey is done cooking, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender.
Use the Juices: Don’t discard the cooking juices! They are packed with flavor and can be used to make a rich, delicious gravy. Simply strain the juices, skim off the fat, and thicken with a bit of flour or cornstarch for a quick gravy.
Try Browning the Skin: If you prefer crispy skin, you can quickly brown the turkey breast under the broiler after slow cooking. Just transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
Recipe FAQs
While it’s not necessary to add water or broth directly to the slow cooker, doing so can help keep the turkey moist and add flavor. A cup of chicken broth or white wine at the bottom of the slow cooker is a great way to enhance the overall taste and ensure the turkey stays tender.
It’s best to thaw the turkey breast completely before placing it in the slow cooker. Cooking a frozen turkey breast can result in uneven cooking, and it may take significantly longer to reach a safe internal temperature.
The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the breast, avoiding any bones. This ensures that the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
To keep the turkey breast moist, be sure to cook it on the low setting and avoid overcooking. Adding a bit of butter and seasoning under the skin before cooking, as well as using the juices to baste the turkey occasionally, can also help retain moisture.
Yes, adding vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker can enhance the flavor of the turkey. These aromatics can also be used to make a delicious gravy with the cooking juices.
More Must-Try Thanksgiving Recipes
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Crock Pot Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 1 (3lb) boneless turkey breast (thawed)
- 1 package dry onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup butter (cubed )
Instructions
- Place the turkey into a large crock pot, top side down.
- Sprinkle with one pack of dry onion soup mix.
- Dot the top of the bird with butter.
- Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
I am using your recipe right now. just got everything in the Crock-Pot. I’m pretty sure it’s going to come out perfect. thank you for the simple recipe, with few ingredients!
Thank you so much for giving my recipe a try! Simple recipes with few ingredients are my favorite too! Let me know how it turns out; I’d love to hear what you think. Happy cooking!
Maybe this is a crock pot issue, but I cooked a 2.5lb turkey and 1 hr per pound wasn’t nearly long enough at a low temp. It needed about 4 hours on low temp.
Was it a boneless turkey breast or bone in? Bone-in birds take longer to cook. I’ll add that into the post for reference.
should you use aluminum foil to wrap or tent the turkey??
Hi Dale. Great question! Using foil to wrap or tent a turkey when cooking it in a slow cooker is not necessary. Slow cookers are designed to provide gentle, even heat, so there’s no need for foil to trap moisture or heat.