The Juiciest Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe Everyone Loves
Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker turkey breast brings pure comfort to your kitchen table.
Juicy meat practically falls apart with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Tender slices promise a stress-free meal that impresses without complicated techniques.
Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients create something extraordinary.
Seasonings infuse every fiber with rich, savory notes that make mouths water.
Weeknight dinners or special gatherings become memorable with this foolproof approach.
You’ll want to savor each delectable bite and share this delightful recipe with everyone you know.
FAQs
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when it reaches 170ºF in the thickest part of the breast. Always ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
Yes, you can substitute dried seasonings with fresh herbs. Use about 3 times more fresh herbs compared to dried. Chop them finely and distribute evenly over the turkey breast for the best flavor.
If your slow cooker only has high settings, cook the turkey for 3 to 4 hours instead. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 170ºF. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on your specific appliance.
Love Slow Cooker Turkey Breast’s Tender Flavor
Ingredients Needed To Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Main Protein:Seasonings:Cooking Enhancers:Step-By-Step Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Turkey
Grab your turkey breast and gently coat the entire surface with olive oil using a basting brush. This helps the seasonings stick perfectly and creates a beautiful golden exterior.
Step 2: Creating Flavor Explosion
Combine these seasonings in a mixing bowl:Mix the spices thoroughly and generously rub the blend all over the turkey breast, ensuring complete and even coverage.
Step 3: Setting Up the Slow Cooker
Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast into the slow cooker with the breast facing upward.
This positioning guarantees maximum juiciness during cooking. Cover with the slow cooker lid securely.
Step 4: Slow Cooking Magic
Set your slow cooker to LOW temperature and allow the turkey to cook for 5 to 6 hours. Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer – you’re aiming for 170°F in the thickest part of the breast.
Step 5: Crisping the Skin
Transfer the cooked turkey to a baking pan and slide it under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. This optional step creates a gorgeous golden and crispy exterior that adds incredible texture.
Step 6: Serving Your Masterpiece
Let the turkey rest for a few minutes after cooking. Slice and serve your perfectly tender and flavorful turkey breast to eager dinner guests.
Expert Tips To Perfect Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Creative Twists To Try With Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Serving Suggestions That Pair With Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Syrah to complement the turkey’s rich, savory flavors and cut through the meat’s richness.
Create a light green salad with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley to balance the turkey’s hearty profile and add a refreshing counterpoint.
Prepare a medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes to echo the turkey’s warm, earthy seasonings and provide a comforting side dish.
Whip up a tangy homemade cranberry sauce to bring a bright, acidic element that contrasts beautifully with the tender, savory turkey breast.
Best Practices To Store Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Succulent slow cooker turkey breast brings festive comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal effort. Tender, juicy meat infused with herbs promises a delightful meal you can easily enjoy without hours of traditional roasting.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 1 (6 to 7-pound / 2.7 to 3.2-kilogram) bone-in turkey breast, thawed
Seasoning Mix:
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
Cooking Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Gently massage olive oil across the entire surface of the turkey breast, ensuring complete and even coverage to enhance seasoning adherence and potential browning.
- Create a robust seasoning blend by thoroughly mixing garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, pepper, and onion powder in a small mixing bowl.
- Meticulously rub the seasoning mixture over every inch of the turkey breast, pressing the spices into the meat to maximize flavor penetration.
- Position the seasoned turkey breast facing upward inside the slow cooker, ensuring optimal moisture retention during the cooking process.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW temperature, allowing the turkey to cook slowly for 5 to 6 hours until the internal temperature reaches precisely 170ºF.
- Verify doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest portion of the breast, confirming the recommended temperature.
- For enhanced texture, carefully transfer the cooked turkey to a baking pan and place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Allow the turkey to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute internal juices and ensures maximum tenderness when slicing.
- Slice the turkey against the grain and serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and moisture.
Notes
- Seasoning Variation: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor profile and keep the dish exciting.
- Moisture Retention: Placing a layer of sliced onions or celery at the bottom of the slow cooker helps create a flavorful base and prevents the turkey from drying out during cooking.
- Dietary Adaptations: For a low-sodium version, use herbs and salt-free seasoning blends, and replace seasoned salt with fresh garlic and herbs to maintain robust flavor without extra sodium.
- Skin Crisping Technique: When broiling, watch the turkey closely to prevent burning, and rotate the pan for even browning, ensuring a golden and crispy exterior without charring.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (or 6 hours)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Mike Reynolds
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.
Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.