The Juiciest Slow Cooker Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving Recipe
Introduction
This slow cooker turkey breast recipe delivers tender, juicy meat perfect for your Thanksgiving table. With aromatic herbs and a simple broth base, it’s an easy way to enjoy flavorful turkey without the stress.
Ingredients
- 4–6 lb turkey breast, bone-in or boneless
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Line the bottom of the slow cooker with the sliced onion.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast.
- Step 3: Pour the chicken broth around the turkey in the slow cooker, being careful not to wash off the seasoning.
- Step 4: Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: Remove the turkey and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing against the grain to keep it juicy.
- Step 6 (Optional): To make gravy, strain the cooking liquid, whisk in a cornstarch slurry, and simmer until thickened.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding a splash of white wine to the broth for extra depth of flavor.
- Use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available—reduce the quantity by half.
- For a richer taste, brush the turkey with a mixture of butter and honey before cooking.
- Include sliced carrots and celery along with the onions for a more flavorful base.
Storage
Store cooked turkey breast tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, covered, to retain moisture. Leftover turkey can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, both bone-in and boneless turkey breasts work well. Bone-in may add extra flavor and moisture, but boneless will cook faster.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
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The Juiciest Slow Cooker Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This slow cooker turkey breast recipe delivers tender, juicy meat perfect for Thanksgiving. The turkey is rubbed with a flavorful butter herb mixture, cooked low and slow with onions and chicken broth to retain maximum moisture and enhance flavor. An easy gravy option uses the cooking liquid to elevate the dish.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasoning
- 4–6 lb turkey breast, bone-in or boneless
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- Optional for gravy: cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Line the bottom of the slow cooker with the sliced onion to create a flavorful base and prevent the turkey from sticking.
- Season the turkey: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly all over the turkey breast to infuse it with aromatic flavors.
- Add broth: Pour the chicken broth around the turkey inside the slow cooker. This will create steam during cooking without washing off the seasoning, ensuring the turkey remains moist.
- Cook the turkey: Cover and cook on the low setting for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is safely cooked through.
- Rest the turkey: Remove the turkey breast and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Slice against the grain before serving.
- Make optional gravy: Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Whisk in a cornstarch slurry and simmer over medium heat until the gravy thickens. Serve alongside the turkey.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check for the correct internal temperature of 165°F.
- Bone-in turkey breast tends to be juicier, but boneless is easier to slice.
- Resting the meat is crucial to retain moisture.
- Fresh herbs provide better flavor than dried in this recipe.
- Slow cooker settings vary; adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker turkey breast, juicy turkey recipe, Thanksgiving turkey, slow cooker holiday recipe, easy turkey breast
