Tender Crockpot Turkey Breast: Easy Recipe

Are you looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy tender and juicy turkey without the fuss of roasting a whole bird? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Crockpot Turkey Breast. Perfect for small gatherings, weeknight dinners, or special occasions, this slow cooker turkey breast is a game-changer. Seasoned with fresh herbs, citrus, and aromatics, this turkey cooks low and slow to perfection, resulting in meat so moist and flavorful, it practically falls off the bone.

I stumbled upon this slow cooker turkey breast recipe when I wanted that classic holiday turkey taste without the oven time or dealing with a massive bird. The bone-in turkey breast makes all the difference, keeping the meat moist and enhancing that deep turkey flavor we all crave. Plus, the simplicity of this recipe is perfect for even the most hesitant cooks. Just toss the ingredients in the crockpot, let it work its magic, and enjoy the praise for your delicious creation. Whether you’re serving it up for a holiday feast or meal prepping for the week ahead, this Crockpot Turkey Breast is sure to become a household favorite.

Quick Benefits

• Easy preparation with minimal active work – just season, set, and forget in the slow cooker
• Incredibly juicy and tender turkey due to slow cooking process
• Versatile leftovers for delicious sandwiches or salads
• Enhanced flavor from using bone-in turkey breast and fresh herbs

Why You’ll Love This Tender Crockpot Turkey Breast: Easy Recipe Recipe

• Convenient: Perfect for small gatherings or weeknight dinners when you don’t want to cook a whole turkey.
• Flavorful: Fresh herbs, citrus, and aromatics create a juicy, tender turkey with deep flavors.
• Beginner-friendly: Easy-to-follow recipe that even novice cooks can successfully make.
• Versatile: Customize with different herbs, seasonings, and aromatics for various flavor profiles.
• Foolproof: Resting the turkey and using an instant-read thermometer ensure juicy, perfectly cooked meat every time.
• Saves time: Set it and forget it – let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
• Great leftovers: Enjoy delicious turkey sandwiches or use leftovers in salads, pastas, or wraps.
• Impressive presentation: Slice and arrange the turkey for a beautiful platter perfect for holiday meals.
• Aromatic: Infuses your home with wonderful scents as it cooks, adding to the festive atmosphere.
• Consistent results: Achieve flavorful, moist turkey without the hassle of traditional roasting methods.

Ingredients for Tender Crockpot Turkey Breast: Easy Recipe

For the Turkey

• 6 to 7 pound bone-in turkey breast with skin
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 to 2 teaspoons fine sea salt, to taste

For the Slow Cooker

• 2 oranges, quartered (or 1 orange and 1 lemon)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock (apple cider works too)
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary

How to Make Tender Crockpot Turkey Breast: Easy Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Turkey

Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and thoroughly dry it using paper towels to enhance seasoning adherence.

Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Arrange quartered oranges, whole sprigs of thyme, and rosemary at the bottom of the slow cooker to enhance flavor and elevate the turkey.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

Drizzle olive oil over turkey breast, then sprinkle chopped thyme, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub seasonings into skin to coat evenly.

Step 4: Start Cooking

Arrange the seasoned turkey breast on top of the oranges and herbs in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth around the sides. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Remove the cooked turkey from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover loosely with foil and allow it to rest for 20 minutes to retain juices.

Step 6: Brown the Skin (Optional)

For crispy, golden skin, remove the turkey breasts from the bone and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until skin is golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent burning, then tent with foil.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Slice the turkey breast and serve warm with preferred sides.

Storage Tips

Once you have cooked the Crockpot Turkey Breast and enjoyed your meal, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Allow the cooked turkey to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Cooked turkey can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, ensuring that it remains safe to eat.

If you have more turkey than you can consume within a few days, you can freeze the leftovers for longer storage. Place the cooled turkey in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, cooked turkey can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it thoroughly to piping hot temperatures, ensuring it’s safe to eat. By storing your Crockpot Turkey Breast leftovers correctly, you can savor the delicious flavors and enjoy them for additional meals in the future.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a different flavor twist, consider using a dry rub made from brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cumin instead of the fresh herbs. This will give your turkey a sweet and smoky profile that complements the meat well. Alternatively, you could try a maple syrup and Dijon mustard glaze for a sweet and tangy variation that adds a unique taste to your dish.

If you want to experiment with different aromatics, try using chopped apples and onions in the bottom of the slow cooker instead of oranges. This will create a more savory, fall-inspired version of the turkey. Additionally, adding a few cloves of garlic to the aromatics can enhance the depth and richness of the overall flavor. These substitutions can provide exciting new flavors while still maintaining the juicy and tender texture of the turkey breast.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try slicing the rested turkey breast and serving it over a bed of creamy mashed sweet potatoes and drizzling it with a cinnamon-infused maple glaze. The combination of savory turkey, sweet potatoes, and a hint of spice from the glaze creates a delicious and comforting holiday dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Another fun idea is to shred the leftover turkey breast and use it as a filling for homemade turkey and cranberry empanadas. Simply mix the shredded turkey with leftover cranberry sauce, a sprinkle of goat cheese, and a handful of chopped pecans before filling the empanada dough. Bake until golden brown and serve as a unique and tasty appetizer or main course for your next gathering.

FAQs for Tender Crockpot Turkey Breast: Easy Recipe

Question: Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead of bone-in for this recipe?

Answer: While you can use a boneless turkey breast, it may result in a drier and less flavorful outcome compared to using a bone-in breast. The bone helps keep the meat moist and adds depth to the turkey flavor.

Question: How important is it to let the turkey breast rest before carving?

Answer: Allowing the turkey breast to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving is crucial. This resting period helps the meat retain its juices, resulting in a juicier and more tender turkey. Carving too soon can lead to dry meat.

Question: Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs in this recipe?

Answer: While you can substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs, using fresh herbs is recommended for the best flavor. Fresh herbs release their oils slowly during the long cooking process, imparting a more fragrant and flavorful profile to the turkey.

Question: How can I adjust the cooking time if my slow cooker runs hotter than usual?

Answer: If your slow cooker tends to run hot, it’s advisable to start checking the turkey earlier than the recommended cooking time. Begin checking around four and a half hours to ensure the turkey does not overcook and stays juicy.

Conclusion

As you wrap up your culinary journey with the delightful Crockpot Turkey Breast, remember that cooking is all about experimentation and making it your own. Don’t be afraid to play around with different herbs, fruits, and seasonings to create unique flavor profiles that suit your tastes. Whether you stick to the classic herb-infused version or try out one of the many variations suggested, the key is to enjoy the process and savor the delicious results.

With the simplicity and convenience of using your slow cooker to whip up a mouthwatering turkey breast, you can now confidently tackle any meal, whether it’s a special holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner. Embrace the magic of the Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe and let it be your go-to dish for creating memorable meals with minimal effort. So, gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy juicy, flavorful turkey that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds. Here’s to many more delicious moments shared around the table, all thanks to the wonders of Crockpot Turkey Breast!

Tender Crockpot Turkey Breast: Easy Recipe

“Juicy, tender Crockpot Turkey Breast infused with fresh herbs and citrus, creating a hassle-free holiday meal that yields incredible leftovers and consistently impressive results.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time300 Minutes

Total Time310 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings10 Servings

Ingredients

For the Turkey

• 6 to 7 pound bone-in turkey breast with skin
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 to 2 teaspoons fine sea salt, to taste

For the Slow Cooker

• 2 oranges, quartered (or 1 orange and 1 lemon)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock (apple cider works too)
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

1. Prep the Turkey: Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and thoroughly dry it using paper towels to enhance seasoning adherence.
2. Set Up the Slow Cooker: Arrange quartered oranges, whole sprigs of thyme, and rosemary at the bottom of the slow cooker to enhance flavor and elevate the turkey.
3. Season the Turkey: Drizzle olive oil over turkey breast, then sprinkle chopped thyme, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub seasonings into skin to coat evenly.
4. Start Cooking: Arrange the seasoned turkey breast on top of the oranges and herbs in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth around the sides. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
5. Let It Rest: Remove the cooked turkey from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover loosely with foil and allow it to rest for 20 minutes to retain juices.
6. Brown the Skin (Optional): For crispy, golden skin, remove the turkey breasts from the bone and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until skin is golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent burning, then tent with foil.
7. Slice and Serve: Slice the turkey breast and serve warm with preferred sides.