Crockpot Turkey Breast: 4 Juicy & Easy Ways to Effortlessly Master Your Next Meal

Say goodbye to dry, flavorless turkey! This incredible guide to Crockpot turkey breast will revolutionize your holiday meals and weeknight dinners, ensuring a consistently juicy and tender result every time. We’ll explore four easy ways to prepare this succulent dish, proving that the slow cooker isn’t just for roasts, but also excels at creating perfectly moist poultry that can even be transformed into delicious Crockpot shredded turkey for sandwiches or tacos. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a stress-free meal. Most items are likely already in your pantry, making this a convenient and economical choice for a flavorful turkey.

1 (3-4 lb) boneless, skinless turkey breast
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 cup chicken broth
Optional for variation 1 (Classic Herb): 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 3 sprigs fresh sage
Optional for variation 2 (Savory Gravy): 1 onion (quartered), 1 carrot (chopped), 1 celery stalk (chopped), 1 packet (0.87 oz) dry gravy mix
Optional for variation 3 (Zesty Lemon-Garlic): 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 lemon (sliced), 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Optional for variation 4 (Smoky Spice Rub): 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp cumin

 

Preparation Instructions

Preparing a delicious Crockpot turkey breast is surprisingly straightforward. Once your turkey is cooked to perfection, you’ll find it incredibly versatile – whether you’re slicing it for a traditional meal or aiming for a super tender Crockpot shredded turkey for future recipes, the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting.

1. Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere and promotes a better texture.
2. Seasoning Rub: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Rub this mixture evenly over the entire turkey breast.
3. Add Base Liquid: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of your crockpot.
4. Choose Your Variation (Optional – see below for 4 ways):
Classic Herb: Place the turkey in the crockpot and tuck fresh rosemary and sage sprigs around it.
Savory Gravy: Place the quartered onion, chopped carrot, and celery in the crockpot. Sprinkle the dry gravy mix over the turkey before placing it on top of the vegetables.
Zesty Lemon-Garlic: Mix minced garlic and dried oregano into your initial seasoning rub. Place turkey in crockpot, then arrange lemon slices over and around the turkey.
Smoky Spice Rub: In a separate bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin. Rub this mixture over the turkey breast along with the initial seasonings.
5. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
6. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey breast from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

BBQ Turkey Sandwiches: Shred the cooked turkey breast, toss with your favorite BBQ sauce, and serve on toasted buns with coleslaw.
Turkey Tacos or Burrito Bowls: Dice or shred the turkey, season with taco seasoning, and use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or over rice with your favorite toppings.
Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup: Use leftover shredded turkey in a comforting soup with egg noodles, carrots, and celery.
Holiday Side Dish: Slice the herb-infused turkey breast and serve alongside mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
Mediterranean Salad: Cube the zesty lemon-garlic turkey and serve on a bed of mixed greens with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a frozen turkey breast?
A: It is generally not recommended to cook a frozen turkey breast directly in a slow cooker, as it can spend too long in the “danger zone” temperature. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator first.

Q: How do I know when the turkey is done?
A: The turkey is done when an internal meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I make gravy from the drippings?
A: Absolutely! After removing the turkey, you can strain the liquid from the crockpot, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) over medium heat on the stovetop until thickened to your desired consistency.

Q: What if my turkey breast has skin?
A: While boneless, skinless is specified for optimal seasoning penetration and less fat, you can use a bone-in, skin-on breast. The skin won’t crisp in the crockpot, but it will help keep the meat moist. Remove it before serving if desired.

Q: Can I add vegetables to cook with the turkey?
A: Yes! Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery are excellent additions. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process so they have time to soften.

Conclusion

From a simple weeknight meal to a show-stopping holiday centerpiece, mastering the Crockpot turkey breast opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Its ease and reliability make it an invaluable addition to any cook’s repertoire, guaranteeing juicy results without the oven hassle. And remember, any leftovers can effortlessly be turned into flavorful Crockpot shredded turkey, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal later in the week. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness!

Recipe Note

For an even richer flavor, consider searing the turkey breast in a hot pan with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side before placing it in the crockpot. This step helps to lock in juices and develop a deeper, more savory crust.