Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe offers a simple, hands-off way to prepare a tender and flavorful turkey breast using your slow cooker. With a blend of savory spices and a medley of vegetables, this dish ensures juicy meat every time, perfect for a comforting family dinner or holiday meal. The optional broiling step crisps the skin to golden perfection, adding a delightful texture contrast.
- Author: Bella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Turkey and Seasoning
- 2 to 2 ½ pounds boneless turkey breast (with skin)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Broth and Vegetables
- 1 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- 2 ribs celery (halved)
- 2 carrots (cut in thirds)
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced into ½-inch wedges)
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove any netting from the turkey breast and pat it dry thoroughly with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick and promote even cooking.
- Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, poultry seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Brush this mixture evenly all over the turkey breast for maximum flavor penetration.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the halved celery ribs, carrot pieces, and sliced onion to create a flavorful base that will infuse the meat while it cooks.
- Place Turkey in Cooker: Position the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up on top of the bed of vegetables, ensuring it is stable and not submerged in liquid to maintain texture.
- Cook the Turkey: Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to low. Cook until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (about 4-6 hours depending on your slow cooker), being careful not to overcook to keep the meat moist and tender.
- Rest the Turkey: Transfer the cooked turkey breast to a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier slices.
- Crisp the Skin (Optional): For a crispy skin finish, place the turkey breast on a rimmed foil-lined baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is nicely browned and crisp.
- Serve: Slice the turkey breast and serve with the cooked vegetables and your favorite sides for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Check the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and dryness.
- The vegetable bed not only flavors the turkey, but can be served alongside it for added texture and taste.
- Using turkey broth instead of chicken broth adds richer, complementary flavor but chicken broth works well too.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for those who enjoy crispy skin on their slow-cooked turkey breast.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keywords: crockpot turkey breast, slow cooker turkey, easy turkey recipe, tender turkey breast, slow cooker dinner