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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully position the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetable base, positioning it skin side up to maximize browning potential.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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