Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast Recipe

Introduction

This Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy family meal. The slow cooker method ensures tender, juicy turkey infused with a tangy cranberry and orange sauce. It’s an easy recipe that will become a holiday favorite or a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 lbs) boneless turkey breast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 packet onion soup seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Unwrap the turkey breast, keeping the netting intact, and place it into a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the turkey and rub it in thoroughly. In a separate bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, onion soup seasoning mix, and orange juice, then pour this mixture over the turkey.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary; 6 hours is typical.
4. Step 4: Remove the turkey from the slow cooker and place it on a serving plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Skim any fat from the cooking liquid left in the slow cooker, then transfer that liquid to a medium saucepan.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Bring the sauce from the slow cooker to a boil over medium heat. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
6. Step 6: Pour some of the thickened gravy over the turkey before serving. Keep any extra sauce in a separate container for guests to add more if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker along with the cranberry sauce mixture.
• If you prefer a tangier sauce, substitute part of the orange juice with fresh lemon juice.
• Use fresh cranberries with added sugar if you’d like a less sweet, more natural cranberry sauce.

Storage

Store leftover turkey and gravy in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the turkey gently in the oven or microwave and warm the gravy on the stovetop before serving. For longer storage, freeze both turkey and gravy separately for up to 2 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in the crock pot?

It’s recommended to thaw the turkey breast fully before cooking in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and food safety.

How do I check if the turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the turkey breast. This guarantees it’s safely cooked and juicy.

Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 144 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

This Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast recipe offers a tender, flavorful turkey breast cooked slowly in a savory cranberry and onion-seasoned sauce. Perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion, it combines the sweetness of whole berry cranberry sauce with the zest of orange juice and a classic onion soup seasoning blend, all prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker for juicy, succulent results.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey and Seasonings

• 1 (5-7 lbs) boneless turkey breast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 packet onion soup seasoning mix (approximately 1 oz)
• 1/2 cup orange juice

Thickening Agent

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey: Unwrap the boneless turkey breast, leaving the netting intact to help maintain its shape during cooking. Place the turkey breast into a 6-quart slow cooker (crock pot).
2. Season and Add Sauce: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper evenly over the turkey, rubbing it in to coat the surface. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the 14 oz can of whole berry cranberry sauce, 1 packet of onion soup seasoning mix, and 1/2 cup orange juice. Pour this mixture over the turkey in the crock pot, ensuring it is well covered.
3. Slow Cook the Turkey: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on LOW heat for 5 to 7 hours. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. In this recipe, the turkey typically cooks in about 6 hours.
4. Remove and Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, carefully take the turkey breast out of the crock pot and place it onto a serving plate. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep warm. Use a spoon to skim any fat pieces from the cooking liquid left in the crock pot, then pour the remaining liquid into a medium saucepan for making the gravy.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry. Bring the liquid from the crock pot to a boil on the stovetop in the saucepan. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the boiling liquid while whisking continuously. Continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning or excessive boiling.
6. Serve: Pour some of the thickened cranberry gravy over the turkey breast before serving. Transfer any remaining sauce to a jar or gravy boat to allow guests to add extra sauce as desired.

Notes

• Keep the netting on the turkey during cooking to help it hold its shape and retain moisture.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the turkey breast and your slow cooker model.
• Leftover cranberry gravy can be stored in the refrigerator and used as a delicious sauce for other dishes.
• If desired, remove the netting before carving the turkey for easier slicing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: crock pot turkey breast, cranberry turkey, slow cooker turkey, holiday turkey recipe, boneless turkey breast, cranberry sauce turkey