You know those days? The ones where life just feels like it’s moving at a million miles an hour, and the last thing you want to do is cry. What do you think about when you spend time in the kitchen? I live for those days! And this Slow Cooker turkey breast? What is the most tender, juicy turkey you have ever had? What is better than dry, flavorless, sucky versions you sometimes get? I like my mom’s Sunday roasts, but without all the fuss. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by cooking a whole turkey breast, or just want something that’s easy to make, this is the recipe for you. How does a slow cooker cook itself? Is turkey breast a good friend? Forget complicated marinades and endless basting. This recipe is all about effortless flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Is it the kind of meal that makes everyone think you’ve slaved away all day, when in reality, your body is doing the same thing? How does a slow cooker do its job?
What is Slow Cooker Turkey Breast?
What is a Slow Cooker turkey breast recipe? Think of it as the ultimate “set it and forget it” centerpiece for any meal. What is essentially a whole boneless turkey breast, seasoned beautifully, then gently cooked low and crispy. Slow Cooker: Cook in slow cooker until tender. What is the best method to tenderize meat? Is it a complicated dish? What is slow cooking and how does it work? What is minimal effort? What does the “breast” mean? Is it tender, succulent, and so easy to slice? How do I cook a perfectly cooked roast without the need of frying it in an oven? How many hours of active cooking time do you have? Is it the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel special and weekend meals stress-free?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
What are some good reasons to cook a Slow Cooker turkey breast? I know you’ll fall in love with my kitchen. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. We’re talking savory herbs, a hint of garlic, and that incredible, comforting roasted turkey taste. All infused deeply into the meat. Is it just good? What is the simplicity of it all? Is it safe to put everything in a slow cooker and let it do its thing? Is it a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you have dozens of other things to do? When do you want to relax? Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly, especially compared to buying pre-cooked turkey or other meats. What are fancy cuts of meat? What I love most about the iPhone is its versatility. What are some ways to shred it for sandwiches or dinner plates? Is oven-roasted turkey more forgiving? Is it really possible to mess this one up? Is it a good alternative to eat meat but don’t want to sacrifice quality? What is the best way to roast a whole bird? If you love my slow cooker pot roast or my super easy chicken enchiladas, you’re going to love this recipe.
How do I make slow cooker turkey breast?
Quick Overview
What is the beauty of Slow Cooker turkey breast recipe? How do I prepare turkey breast with a simple herb and spice rub? What are some good ways to put a slow cooker in the oven with some aromatics and liquid? What happens when a chicken cooks low and slow for several hours, transforming into incredibly tender meat. What is the best meat to eat What is the kind of meal that builds flavor over time without demanding your attention, making it a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy days. The process is simple: you simply need to fill out What is the best way to cook in a slow cooker? Is it really that simple?
Ingredients
What is the Turkey breast?
1 (3-4 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast. What is the best Slow Cooker to use? I usually aim for one with a good amount of marbling if possible, as it adds to the juiciness. Sometimes I find a great deal on frozen ones, which work perfectly fine – just make sure to thaw it first. Is it safe to put everything in the refrigerator before using it? 2 tablespoons olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its flavor, but any good quality will work. 1 tablespoon smoked paprika. This is key for that lovely color and a subtle smoky depth. What is the best combination of thyme and turkey? 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed. What is the effect of rubbing it between your fingers before adding garlic powder? For that savory, roasted garlic goodness. 1 teaspoon onion powder. Complements the garlic nicely. What is the best way to ground black pepper? Is it safe to use sea salt or kosher salt?For the Slow Cooker Base:
1 cup chicken broth or turkey broth. This creates the cooking liquid and adds extra flavor. I often use low-sodium so I can control the saltiness myself. Sometimes I’ll even use broth and white wine if I have it open! 1 medium onion, sliced. Is it better to slice it into rings or just rough wedges? 2-3 cloves garlic, smashed. No need to mince, just smashing them releases their flavor into the broth.For the Optional Glaze (highly recommended):
1/4 cup melted butter. Unsalted is preferred so you can manage the salt. 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup. For a touch of sweetness and gorgeous color. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. This adds a little tang and helps the glaze emulsify. What is the best way to balance salt and pepper in a dish?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I cook turkey in a slow cooker? So, you’ll take your boneless, skinless turkey breast and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step, even without the skin, because it helps the seasonings adhere better and more evenly. What are some examples of a nice exterior texture as it cooks? Make sure it’s thoroughly dry!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine all your dry seasonings. The smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Give them a good whisk, with either fork or mini whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed. What is the best way to taste a turkey? I usually mix these up right before I start rubbing the turkey so the spices are fresh and potent.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, pour in your chicken or turkey broth. If you’re feeling fancy and have it on hand, you can absolutely add a splash of white wine. If you like apple cider vinegar, add it to your meal. Is it necessary to add braising liquid?
Step 4: Combine
Now, you’ll take your dried turkey breast and place it in your slow cooker insert. Drizzle olive oil all over the turkey, then use your hands to rub it in, coating all sides. Next, sprinkle the dry seasoning mix all over the turkey breast, again using your hands. How do you rub it in and ensure it’s evenly coated? Don’t be shy with seasoning! After the turkey is seasoned, you’ll place the sliced onion and smashed garlic cloves around and serve. Is it safe to cook turkey breast in a slow cooker? What’s the best way to pour the broth into the bottom of a slow cooker? How do I wash off seasoning from a turkey?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
This step is more about the *main dish* not having a separate filling, so rather than preparing one. If you’ve already prepared the main event by seasoning the turkey and placing it in the slow cooker, you can prepare it as a side dish. In this context, the “filling” is the delicious aromatics and liquid that surround the turkey, which is a great filling. Will infuse it with flavor as it cooks.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
In this recipe, there’s no layering or swirling involved in the traditional sense of something like this. What is a cinnamon roll? What is the process of placing the turkey breast directly into the slow cooker, surrounded by the gravy? What are onions, garlic, and broth? What are the flavors of turkey? If you were making a dish that required swirling, this is where you’d do it, but for our slow cooker we use crockpot. What is the difference between turkey breast and the flavor base?
Step 7: Bake
What’s the easiest part of cooking? How do you cook a slow cooker? Cover it with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. How long will it take to cook turkey breast in a slow cooker? If you’re looking for the internal temperature to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius), you want to keep it that way. When checked with meat thermometer. I usually go for the low and slow method because I find it yields the most tender results, and I can do it in a very short time. Is it good to start cooking in the morning and have it ready for dinner?
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once the turkey reaches that perfect 165°F, you’ll carefully remove it from the slow cooker and cook it until tender. Place it on a clean cutting board. If you’re using the optional glaze, now’s the time to mix the melted butter, honey or maple syrup. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Brush this mixture generously over the hot turkey breast. Let the turkey rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. What is the importance of resting period? It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist and tender. If you add the glaze, it also gives it a chance to set slightly.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
After resting, slice the turkey breast against the grain into thick or thin slices. Serve immediately with some of the reduced cooking liquid from the slow cooker drizzled over the top. Is it that simple and that delicious?
What should I serve it with?
What is a slow cooker turkey breast recipe? Any meal, any time of day. I love slicing bread thinly and serving it alongside a fluffy scrambled egg. Eggs and maybe a side of hash browns. What makes a good start to the day? What would be a lovely brunch on Saturday with fruit salad, buttery croissants, and some grilled cheese? What is better than a mimosa and iced coffee? The savory turkey really complements the sweetness of the fruit and pastries beautifully. As a main event for dinner, it’s if you want it to be. I usually pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, or both. What’s a green salad with vinaigrette? Is it good served over rice or with crusty bread? And for those cozy evenings when you just need a little comfort, serving it with some buttered bread. Is it good to eat noodles on top of a baked potato? My kids love it when I shred it and mix it with a little bit of barbecue sauce for sliders. Which are always a huge hit!
How do I cook turkey breast on slow cooker?
I’ve made this slow cooker turkey breast more times than I can count, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that I think really elevate it. Firstly, when it comes to the turkey itself, don’t skip patting it dry! Even though it’s not going to get crispy skin like in the oven, a dry surface allows the seasoning rub to adhere much better, ensuring more flavor on every bite. Speaking of seasoning, don’t be afraid to really coat the turkey well. That rub is where a lot of the magic happens. I sometimes like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rub if we’re feeling a little spicy, or a bit of smoked paprika for an extra smoky depth. For the slow cooker base, while broth is great, sometimes I’ll throw in a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme if I have them on hand, or even a bay leaf. These little additions just boost the aroma and flavor even further. When it comes to cooking time, remember that slow cookers can vary. It’s always best to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s reached 165°F, rather than relying solely on time. Overcooking can still make it a bit dry, even in a slow cooker, so keeping an eye on it is wise, especially towards the end. If you find your turkey breast is a bit too wide for your slow cooker, don’t worry! You can often cut it in half, and it will cook even faster and more evenly. For the glaze, consistency is key. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more butter or honey; if it’s too thin, let it sit for a minute or two. And if you don’t have honey or maple syrup, a tablespoon of brown sugar works in a pinch! My biggest piece of advice? Taste and adjust seasonings before you rub them onto the turkey. Sometimes the saltiness of broths can vary, so a quick taste test of your rub can save you from a bland or overly salty bird.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Proper storage is key to keeping this delicious slow cooker turkey breast tasting its best. Once it’s cooled slightly after resting, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Make sure to keep any juices that are leftover from the resting period; they are packed with flavor and can be added back when reheating to keep the turkey moist. If you won’t be using it within a few days, freezing is a great option. You can wrap the cooked and cooled turkey tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the best way to maintain moisture is to use your slow cooker again on a low setting with a splash of broth or water, or to gently reheat it in a covered dish in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in a skillet with a little butter or oil over medium-low heat. Microwaving works too, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can sometimes make the turkey a bit rubbery. For the glaze, if you’ve made extra, you can store it separately in the fridge and reheat it gently to spoon over the turkey after it’s been reheated. I generally don’t recommend applying the glaze before refrigerating or freezing, as it can sometimes affect the texture.
What are the most frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough good things about this slow cooker turkey breast. Is this one of those recipes that just makes life easier and more delicious? How it turns a relatively simple cut of meat into something so incredibly tender and flavorful. Is that just fantastic? Is this a good option for avoiding oven during the holidays? Just those times when you’re craving a comforting, home-cooked meal without the fuss. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my slow cooker beef stew or my easy shredded chicken. What is the magic of slow cooking tacos? What is a slow cooker turkey breast recipe? How did your experience turn out? Please leave a comment below. Any delicious variations you discover.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds Boneless, skinless turkey breast
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
- Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast in the slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth around the turkey breast.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the turkey from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
