Crock Pot Turkey Breast Recipe Juiciest Family Dinner

Succulent slow-cooked turkey breast can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine with minimal effort.

Juicy meat becomes incredibly tender when prepared in a crock pot.

Busy home cooks adore this hands-off approach to creating delectable poultry.

Herbs and spices infuse deep flavor throughout the entire cooking process.

Simple ingredients combine to produce an impressive main course that looks professionally prepared.

Everyone around the table will marvel at how effortlessly you’ve crafted such a mouthwatering meal.

You’ll want to make this recipe part of your regular cooking rotation.

Ingredients for a Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey

• Turkey Breast: Lean and tender main protein, perfect for a hearty meal. Best when fresh and skin-on for maximum flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice mix that enhances the turkey's natural flavor. Ensures a well-rounded and aromatic seasoning.

• Chicken or Turkey Broth: Provides moisture and additional flavor during slow cooking. Helps prevent dryness and adds depth to the dish.
• Onion, Celery, Carrots: Creates a flavorful base and aromatic bed for the turkey. Adds sweetness and helps keep the meat moist.

• Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Helps seasonings adhere and promotes golden, crispy skin. Adds richness and prevents the turkey from drying out.
• Paper Towels: Used for patting the turkey breast dry to ensure better seasoning adherence and browning.

Step-by-Step for Crock Pot Turkey Success

Step 1: Prep Turkey for Maximum Flavor

Grab your turkey breast and gently dry it with paper towels. Massage the surface with olive oil or melted butter to create a delicious base for seasoning.

Step 2: Create Magical Seasoning Blend

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Rub the spice mixture thoroughly over every inch of the turkey breast.

Step 3: Build Vegetable Foundation

• Onions
• Celery
• Carrots

Pour chicken or turkey broth over these vegetables to create a flavorful cooking liquid.

Step 4: Position Turkey Perfectly

Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetable layer, positioning the skin facing upward.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat. Wait patiently until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in its thickest section.

Step 6: Optional Golden Crisp Finish

Want extra crispy skin? Transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet and broil for 35 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Serve with Flair

Allow the turkey to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Slice and serve alongside the delectable slow-cooked vegetables.

Pro Tips for Moist, Flavorful Turkey Breast

• Moisture Mastery: Pat the turkey breast completely dry before seasoning to help the herbs and spices stick better and create a more flavorful crust.
• Seasoning Sensation: Mix dried herbs and spices thoroughly to ensure even distribution across the entire turkey breast for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Veggie Base Brilliance: Chopping vegetables into similar-sized pieces helps them cook evenly and creates a delicious flavor foundation for the turkey.
• Skin Crispiness Hack: Broiling for a few minutes after slow cooking transforms the skin from soft to wonderfully golden and crispy without drying out the meat.
• Temperature Precision: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the turkey reaches 165F (74C) in the thickest part, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat.

Store and Reheat Without Drying It Out

• Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 35 days.
• Wrap sliced turkey tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Store frozen turkey for up to 4 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place turkey slices in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 1015 minutes until heated through.
• Place turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate. Drizzle with broth or gravy. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

What to Serve with Turkey for Any Occasion

• Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the turkey's delicate flavor and cuts through its richness.
• Serve roasted rosemary potatoes or thyme-infused quinoa that echoes the turkey's seasoning profile and enhances the overall herbal notes.
• Add a fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the tender, savory turkey and provide a light, zesty counterpoint to the main dish.
• Prepare homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest to add a tangy, sweet element that brings vibrant flavor and traditional holiday charm to the meal.

Seasoning Swaps and Holiday Tweaks

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean: Replace smoked paprika with dried oregano, rosemary, and za'atar. Add lemon zest to the seasoning mix for a bright, zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Edition: Use salt-free herb blends, replace broth with water or unsalted vegetable stock. Incorporate more fresh herbs like parsley and dill for enhanced taste.
• Gluten-Free Protein Power: Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Substitute chicken broth with homemade turkey or vegetable broth. Add extra root vegetables like parsnips for more nutrients.
• Keto-Friendly Lean Cut: Remove onions to reduce carbohydrates. Add extra butter or olive oil for fat content. Sprinkle dried mushroom powder for umami depth. Increase herbs like thyme and sage for rich flavor.

Slow Cooker Turkey Questions Answered

• Can I use frozen turkey breast?

Yes, thaw completely before cooking. Pat dry and ensure it’s fully defrosted to prevent uneven cooking and potential food safety risks.

• Do I need to add liquid if the turkey releases moisture?

No, the vegetables and broth will create enough moisture. The slow cooker traps steam, keeping the turkey juicy and preventing it from drying out.

• How do I know the turkey is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) in the thickest part. This ensures the turkey is safe to eat and remains tender.

• Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs?

Absolutely! Use a 3:1 ratio of fresh to dried herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon dried thyme, use 3 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves.

Crock Pot Turkey That’s Tender and

• Slow cooker technique ensures juicy, tender meat every time, eliminating the stress of overcooking or drying out the turkey.
• Creates a mouthwatering main dish that pleases everyone from kids to adults, making it ideal for family dinners or weekend gatherings.
• Easily adaptable for various occasions, from casual weeknight meals to special holiday celebrations, with simple broiling step for crispy skin lovers.

Crock Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent Crock Pot Turkey Breast delivers tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth with minimal effort. Herb-infused seasonings and slow cooking guarantee a perfect dinner centerpiece you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 bone-in turkey breast (5–7 pounds or 2.3–3.2 kilograms)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Aromatic Vegetables and Liquid:

• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1 onion (quartered)
• 2 celery stalks (cut into large pieces)
• 2 carrots (cut into large pieces)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the turkey breast by thoroughly patting it dry with clean paper towels, ensuring no excess moisture remains. Gently massage the surface with olive oil or melted butter to enhance flavor and promote even browning.
2. Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Generously coat the entire turkey breast with this aromatic spice mixture, pressing gently to help the seasonings adhere.
3. Create a flavorful foundation in the slow cooker by arranging a bed of chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Pour chicken or turkey broth over the vegetable layer to infuse moisture and depth of flavor.
4. Carefully position the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetable base, positioning it skin side up to maximize browning potential.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature. Allow the turkey to cook slowly for 6-7 hours, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (74C) in the thickest portion of the meat.
6. For those desiring crispy skin, carefully transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning.
7. Once removed from heat, let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain and serve alongside the tender, flavor-infused vegetables from the slow cooker.

Notes

• Moisture Mastery: Pat the turkey breast completely dry to ensure a crispy exterior and help seasonings stick perfectly.
• Seasoning Hack: Create a robust spice blend by toasting whole spices briefly before grinding to enhance deeper, more complex flavors.
• Veggie Base Trick: Chopping vegetables into uniform sizes helps them cook evenly and creates a delicious flavor foundation for the turkey.
• Skin Crispness Strategy: Use a high-heat broil carefully to achieve golden-brown skin without drying out the meat, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Low and Slow Wisdom: Cooking at a low temperature prevents the turkey from becoming tough and keeps the meat incredibly juicy and tender.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap out traditional spices with herbs like rosemary or za’atar for different cultural flavor profiles or low-sodium alternatives.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Cooked turkey breast can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep and quick protein additions to salads or sandwiches.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg