Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Introduction
This slow cooker turkey breast recipe is perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that delivers tender, flavorful meat every time. With simple seasonings and minimal prep, you can enjoy juicy turkey without heating up the oven. It’s a comforting dish ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in turkey breast (6 to 7 pounds), completely thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock (or water)
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the turkey skin if desired and brush the turkey breast all over with olive oil.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, seasoned salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the turkey.
- Step 3: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth or water into a 6-quart slow cooker. If you want, you can add vegetables at this point (optional).
- Step 4: Place the seasoned turkey breast into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is very tender.
- Step 5: For a crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey to an oven-safe dish or baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully as it can brown quickly.
- Step 6: Slice the turkey and serve. For extra flavor, drizzle with the pan drippings or make gravy from the drippings (see notes).
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer, leave the skin on for more moisture and flavor during slow cooking.
- Add root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions in the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
- Use fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- If you want to make gravy, collect the drippings and whisk them with a bit of flour and broth on the stovetop until thickened.
Storage
Store leftover turkey breast tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, slice and warm gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out. You can also freeze the turkey for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I cook this turkey breast from frozen in the slow cooker?
It’s best to fully thaw the turkey breast before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey breast reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Print
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe offers a simple, hands-off way to prepare a tender, flavorful turkey breast. Seasoned with garlic, paprika, and Italian herbs, and slow-cooked to perfection, it yields juicy meat that’s perfect for any meal. The recipe includes instructions for optional crisping of the skin and tips for making a rich gravy from the drippings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bone-in turkey breast (6 to 7 pounds), completely thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock (or water)
Optional For Gravy
- Turkey drippings from slow cooker
- Flour or cornstarch to thicken (according to preference)
- Additional broth or water if needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey skin if desired. Brush the turkey breast all over with olive oil to help the seasonings stick and to enhance browning later.
- Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, combine the dried minced garlic (or garlic powder), seasoned salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Rub this seasoning blend evenly all over the turkey breast to infuse flavor.
- Add Liquid to Slow Cooker: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth, stock, or water into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. If you wish to include vegetables (such as carrots or onions), add them now to the liquid to cook alongside the turkey.
- Slow Cook the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast into the slow cooker, on top of any added vegetables if using. Cover with the lid and cook on the low setting for 5 to 7 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is tender.
- Crisp the Skin (Optional): For a crispy skin, carefully transfer the cooked turkey breast to an oven-safe dish or baking sheet. Broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, until the skin crisps up to your liking.
- Slice and Serve: Let the turkey rest briefly before slicing. Serve with your choice of sides, and enjoy the juicy, flavorful meat.
- Make Gravy (Optional): Use the turkey drippings left in the slow cooker to create gravy. Strain the drippings, then heat them in a saucepan and thicken with flour or cornstarch blended with water or broth until desired consistency is reached. Pour over sliced turkey for added flavor.
Notes
- Removing the skin before cooking reduces fat but leaving it on and crisping under the broiler adds great texture.
- You can add vegetables such as carrots, onions, and celery to the slow cooker for added flavor and a complete meal.
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure food safety.
- If you want more intense flavor, marinate the turkey breast with the seasoning rub for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Leftover turkey breast is excellent for sandwiches, salads, and soups.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 7 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker turkey breast, easy turkey recipe, crockpot turkey, tender turkey breast, holiday turkey, slow cooked turkey
