If you’re craving a juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful poultry dish without the hassle of oven roasting, this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe ensures your turkey breast remains moist and packed with aromatic herbs and spices. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a festive occasion, this slow cooker method delivers hands-off cooking with delicious results that will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing an important role in enhancing the flavor, moisture, and aroma of the turkey breast. Together, they create a beautiful balance that elevates this humble dish into something extraordinary.
- 1 (6 to 7-lb) bone-in turkey breast: The star of the show, providing succulent and tender meat with rich flavor from the bone.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a subtle fruity richness to the skin.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the turkey with a warm, savory depth.
- 2 tsp seasoned salt: A perfect combo of herbs and salt to enhance overall flavor.
- 2 tsp paprika: Adds a smoky sweetness along with a gorgeous golden color.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings a medley of fragrant herbs like oregano and basil to brighten the dish.
- 2 tsp pepper: For a gentle hint of heat that balances the savory spices.
- 2 tsp onion powder: Compliments the garlic with its mellow, slightly sweet onion taste.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Turkey
Start by brushing the turkey breast evenly with olive oil. This simple step ensures the seasoning will adhere beautifully and helps keep the skin lustrous and moist throughout the slow cooking process.
Step 2: Season Generously
Next, mix together all your dry seasonings—garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, pepper, and onion powder—and rub this fragrant blend evenly all over the turkey. This aromatic coating is what transforms the turkey from simple to sensational.
Step 3: Arrange in the Slow Cooker
Place the turkey breast into your 6-quart slow cooker, positioning it breast side up. This orientation allows the heat to circulate evenly, slowly cooking the meat while maintaining its juicy texture.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. This slow cooking time is key for tender, melt-in-your-mouth turkey, allowing the flavors to develop fully and the meat to stay incredibly moist without drying out.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley work beautifully as garnishes, adding a pop of green that contrasts nicely with the golden turkey skin. A few lemon wedges on the side can also brighten up each bite with a hint of citrus freshness.
Side Dishes
This slow cooker turkey breast pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp green salad. The mild seasoning allows for versatile pairings, so feel free to get creative with your favorite comfort food sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, slice the turkey breast thinly and arrange it on a large platter surrounded by colorful roasted root vegetables or a vibrant cranberry sauce drizzle. You can also create hearty sandwiches using thick slices of this tender turkey with your favorite condiments and fresh bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe, wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, turkey breast will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep extra portions for longer, slice the turkey and freeze it in freezer-friendly bags or containers. This way, it can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or moisture, making meal prep a breeze when time is tight.
Reheating
Reheat leftover turkey gently either in the oven at a low temperature or in a microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Adding a splash of broth when reheating will help keep the slices tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead?
Yes, you can use boneless turkey breast, but cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly since boneless pieces tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure juicy results.
Is it necessary to use a 6-quart slow cooker?
While a 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for fitting a 6 to 7-pound turkey breast comfortably, smaller slow cookers might work if the turkey fits without crowding. Overcrowding could affect cooking times and evenness.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Adding root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the bottom of the slow cooker can create a flavorful bed that cooks alongside the turkey, soaking up juices and adding a delicious side all in one pot.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Cooking the turkey slowly on low will usually ensure even cooking without overcooking.
Can I prepare the turkey breast the night before?
Yes! You can season and oil the turkey breast the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to soak in even more deeply, making your Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe has truly won my heart with its simplicity, incredible flavor, and hands-off cooking method. It’s perfect for when you want something comforting and impressive without too much fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your kitchen, too!
Print
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10m
- Cook Time: 5h
- Total Time: 5h 10m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe offers a flavorful and tender turkey breast cooked low and slow in a slow cooker. It’s seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and other spices, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions with minimal hands-on cooking.
Ingredients
Turkey
- 1 (6 to 7-lb) bone-in turkey breast, thawed
Seasoning and Oil
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Brush the whole turkey breast with olive oil to ensure the seasonings will stick and to promote a flavorful, moist result.
- Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, pepper, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the turkey breast, coating it evenly on all sides.
- Place in Slow Cooker: Position the turkey breast breast side up inside a 6-quart slow cooker, making sure it fits comfortably.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and infused with the spices.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey breast is fully thawed before cooking to allow even cooking and safe internal temperatures.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For a crispier skin, you can briefly broil the cooked turkey breast in an oven after slow cooking.
- Leftover turkey breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
