Slow Cooker Turkey Breast – an effortless, flavorful way to prepare turkey. A butter-herb spread and a bed of aromatics keep the meat moist and tender, perfect as a holiday centerpiece or an easy weeknight main.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
This slow cooker turkey breast is one of the simplest, most reliable ways to cook turkey. It’s ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any night you want a hands-off roast that turns out incredibly tender. The method is straightforward: place the turkey on a bed of fresh herbs, onion, and garlic, then brush it with a seasoned melted butter mixture. As it stews slowly, the flavors penetrate the meat and the texture becomes fall-off-the-bone tender. It’s a go-to when I want excellent results without hours of active work.
Common Questions About Making a Turkey Breast in the Slow Cooker
How can I cook a turkey breast?
Popular methods to cook a turkey breast include:
- Smoking
- Baking in the oven
- Slow cooker
- Instant Pot
How many people does a turkey breast serve?
Plan about one pound per person. A 4-pound turkey breast serves roughly four, while a 6–8 pound breast will feed about six people.
What can I serve with a turkey breast?
Classic and complementary sides include roasted or mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, creamed corn, herb quick bread, and casseroles. These pair well with the rich, buttery flavor of slow-cooked turkey.
What can I do with leftover turkey?
Leftover turkey is versatile. Make soups (turkey noodle, turkey wild rice, or turkey dumpling soup), casseroles, pot pie, or use it in sandwiches and salads.
Can I cook a skin-on turkey breast in a crock pot?
Yes. If you prefer crispy skin, finish the cooked breast under a broiler for a few minutes to crisp the surface after slow cooking.
How do I defrost a turkey breast?
Defrost in the refrigerator on a tray for about 48 hours. Keep it on a tray to catch any liquid as it thaws to avoid mess and contamination.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast – an effortless, flavorful way to prepare turkey. A butter-herb spread and a bed of aromatics keep the meat moist and tender, perfect as a holiday centerpiece or an easy weeknight main.
10 minutes
5 hours
5 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 4-6 pound turkey breast (defrosted)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 sprigs thyme (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 sprigs sage (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 sprigs rosemary (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 yellow onion (sliced)
- 6 garlic cloves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; mix until fully blended.
- Set a 6–8 quart slow cooker to LOW. Arrange sliced onion, whole garlic cloves, and the herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) in the bottom. Place the turkey breast on top, pour the seasoned butter over the breast, and spread it evenly. Cover and cook for about 5 hours.
- When cooked through and tender, remove the turkey, carve as desired, and reserve the cooking liquid if you plan to make gravy.
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