Cooking a turkey breast in a crock-pot is one of the easiest, most foolproof ways to enjoy juicy, tender turkey without heating up your oven or worrying about dry meat. Whether it’s for a small holiday meal or a comforting weeknight dinner, the slow cooker does all the hard work while you relax. Here’s everything you need to know to cook a delicious turkey breast in your crock-pot, with tips to get crispy skin and flavorful meat every time.
Why Cook Turkey Breast in a Crock-Pot?
Turkey breast is lean and can easily dry out when roasted in the oven, especially if you’re cooking a smaller portion. The slow cooker’s gentle, even heat locks in moisture, making the turkey incredibly tender and juicy. Plus, it frees up your oven for sides or desserts, and requires minimal prep time-just a few minutes of seasoning and then let the crock-pot do its magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Bone-in or boneless turkey breast (bone-in is preferred for flavor and moisture)
– Butter or olive oil
– Fresh or dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley)
– Garlic (minced or powder)
– Salt and pepper
– Paprika or other preferred seasonings
– Onion (optional, for placing under the turkey)
– Chicken or turkey broth (optional, to add moisture and flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey Breast
Start by patting the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes browning later. If your turkey breast has skin, gently separate it from the meat and place some herb butter underneath for extra flavor and moisture.
2. Make a Herb Butter Rub
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. This flavorful butter rub will keep the turkey moist and infuse it with delicious aromas.
3. Season the Turkey
Rub the herb butter all over the turkey breast, including under the skin if possible. This step is key to juicy, flavorful meat. You can also use a dry rub with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
4. Prepare the Crock-Pot
Grease the bottom of your slow cooker with a little butter or oil. Place sliced onions at the bottom to create a bed that will keep the turkey elevated and add flavor. Pour a bit of chicken broth or water over the onions to keep the environment moist.
5. Cook the Turkey Breast
Place the turkey breast on top of the onions, skin side up. Cover the crock-pot with the lid and cook on:
– Low for 5 to 7 hours, or
– High for 3 to 4 hours
The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches about 155-160°F (68-71°C) in the thickest part. It’s okay to take it out a little early because the temperature will rise while resting and during broiling.
6. Crisp the Skin (Optional but Recommended)
To get that coveted crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking dish and place it under the broiler for 4 to 8 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. This step adds a beautiful finishing touch.
7. Rest and Serve
Let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even juicier when sliced.
Tips for the Best Crock-Pot Turkey Breast
– Use bone-in, skin-on turkey breast for the best flavor and moisture retention.
– Pat the turkey dry before applying the rub to help the seasoning stick.
– Add fresh herbs and garlic for a fragrant, savory taste.
– Don’t skip the broil step if you want crispy skin.
– Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is perfectly cooked but not overdone.
– Save the cooking liquid after removing the turkey; it makes a flavorful broth or base for gravy.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
– Try a brown sugar and chili powder rub for a sweet and smoky flavor.
– Add vegetables like carrots and celery under the turkey for extra aroma.
– Mix fresh sage and rosemary into the butter rub for a classic holiday taste.
– Use boneless turkey breast if you prefer faster cooking and easier carving, but bone-in stays juicier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your crock-pot turkey breast with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, or cranberry sauce. Use the pan juices to make a simple gravy by thickening with cornstarch and seasoning to taste.
Cooking a turkey breast in the crock-pot is a stress-free way to enjoy tender, juicy turkey with minimal effort. With a flavorful herb butter rub and a quick broil to crisp the skin, you’ll have a delicious centerpiece perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!