Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

This Crockpot Turkey Breast is a foolproof way to cook a flavorful and juicy turkey, perfect for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner! Imagine tender, succulent turkey breast with crispy skin, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of hands-on time and a handful of simple ingredients. Your slow cooker does the rest of the work, resulting in a delicious and satisfying main course that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the work! Simply season the turkey, arrange it in the slow cooker with vegetables and herbs, and let it simmer to perfection while you go about your day.
• Flavorful and Tender: The combination of herbs, spices, and aromatics infuses the turkey with incredible flavor, while the slow cooking method ensures that it stays incredibly tender and juicy.
• Crispy Skin: Finishing the turkey under the broiler creates a beautifully crispy skin, adding a delightful texture to the dish.
• Versatile: Serve this Crockpot Turkey Breast with your favorite holiday sides, or use the leftover turkey in sandwiches, salads, or soups.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Turkey breast: Use a boneless or bone-in turkey breast for this recipe. If using a boneless breast, make sure it’s tied with netting to help it hold its shape.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the turkey.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Lemon: Zested and juiced, it adds brightness and acidity to the turkey.
• Carrots and celery: Cut into 2-inch pieces and adds flavor and moisture to the slow cooker.
• Apple: Cut into wedges and adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.
• Fresh thyme: Adds a fragrant and earthy flavor.
• Dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds flavor and moisture to the slow cooker.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and drizzled over the turkey for richness and color.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Turkey

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Zest the lemon into the bowl and stir to combine. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast. Cut the zested lemon into wedges and reserve. If time allows, cover the turkey and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Step 2: Arrange Ingredients in Slow Cooker

When ready to cook, remove the turkey from the refrigerator. Scatter the carrots, celery, apple wedges, thyme sprigs, and lemon wedges in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetables and carefully pour the white wine or chicken broth around the turkey, avoiding pouring it directly on top. Drizzle the melted butter over the turkey breast.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until the turkey registers 155°F (68°C) on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Do not cook on HIGH, as this may dry out the turkey. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the turkey breast, so it’s best to check the temperature early and often.

Step 4: Rest and Crisp the Skin

As soon as the turkey reaches 155°F, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a baking dish or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey. While the turkey is resting, you can use the cooking liquid in the slow cooker to make turkey gravy, if desired.

To crisp the skin, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the turkey breast on a rack in the center of the oven and broil for about 4 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Watch the turkey closely to prevent the skin from burning.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the turkey breast to a serving platter and let it rest for a few more minutes before carving. Slice the turkey and serve it with your favorite sides and gravy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is crucial for ensuring the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature without overcooking it.
• Don’t overcook the turkey: Overcooked turkey will be dry. Cook it just until it reaches 155°F (68°C), as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.
• Rest the turkey: Resting the turkey after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
• Crisp the skin: Broiling the turkey for a few minutes after slow cooking creates a crispy and golden brown skin.
• Make ahead: You can season and marinate the turkey breast up to 24 hours in advance, making it a convenient option for a holiday meal or a busy weeknight.

How to Serve

This Crockpot Turkey Breast is delicious with a variety of classic sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect pairing for turkey.
• Stuffing: Traditional stuffing or dressing complements the flavors of the turkey beautifully.
• Gravy: Make a delicious gravy using the cooking liquid from the slow cooker.
• Cranberry Sauce: A touch of sweetness and tartness from cranberry sauce balances the savory flavors of the turkey.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, add a healthy and colorful touch to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Turkey Breast is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze leftover turkey in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, wrap the turkey in aluminum foil with a splash of broth and reheat in a baking dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a frozen turkey breast?
Yes, you can! However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time significantly to ensure the turkey is cooked through. It’s best to thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking.

2. Can I use a different type of liquid for cooking the turkey?
Yes, you can! Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water can be used instead of white wine.

3. Can I add other seasonings to the turkey?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as dried herbs, spices, or garlic powder.

4. Can I cook the turkey on HIGH in the slow cooker?
It’s not recommended to cook the turkey on HIGH in the slow cooker, as this may dry it out. Cooking on LOW ensures that the turkey stays moist and tender.

This Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and convenient way to enjoy a delicious and tender turkey. With its easy preparation, versatile serving options, and crispy skin, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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