Description
This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe delivers a juicy and flavorful turkey breast cooked low and slow with aromatic vegetables and a seasoned butter rub. It’s an effortless way to prepare tender turkey with minimal hands-on time, perfect for a comforting family meal or holiday dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Turkey and Butter Rub
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Vegetables and Broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 stalks celery, halved
- 3 carrots, quartered
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into 1/2 inch wedges
- 1 boneless turkey breast with skin, about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter Rub: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly incorporated into the butter.
- Apply the Butter Rub to Turkey: Spread the seasoned butter mixture evenly all over the turkey breast, ensuring the entire surface, especially under the skin if possible, is covered to maximize flavor and moisture.
- Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the halved celery, quartered carrots, and sliced onion to create a flavorful bed for the turkey.
- Place Turkey in Slow Cooker: Set the turkey breast skin side up on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker, allowing it to cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the broth and vegetables.
- Cook the Turkey: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 5 to 6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which indicates the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Optional Broiling for Crispy Skin: For a browned and crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy serving.
Notes
- This method ensures the turkey breast remains juicy and tender, eliminating the dryness commonly experienced with oven roasting.
- You can vary the spices in the butter rub to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
- The cooked vegetables can be served alongside the turkey or pureed into a side dish or gravy base.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and make great sandwiches or salads.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 6 oz cooked turkey breast with vegetables)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg