There is something truly special about a tender, juicy turkey breast that practically melts in your mouth, and the Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe brings this joy right to your kitchen with effortless ease. Imagine a beautifully seasoned, perfectly cooked turkey breast that stays moist without constant attention, infused with fragrant herbs and a zesty touch of lemon. This recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves flavorful, succulent poultry but prefers a hands-off cooking method that frees up your time for other plans. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a celebratory meal, this dish promises satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role to enhance the flavor, moisture, and aroma, resulting in a perfectly balanced dish that doesn’t overwhelm your palate or your pantry.
- Boneless turkey breast (4 to 6 pounds): Choose a high-quality, fresh turkey breast for the best results and optimal tenderness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps create a golden-brown exterior while locking in juices for a moist texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the turkey.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, warming heat that complements herbs perfectly.
- Garlic powder (1 tablespoon): Provides a robust and savory flavor foundation.
- Onion powder (1 tablespoon): Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers a warm, earthy note that pairs beautifully with poultry.
- Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Brings a fragrant, pine-like aroma for complexity.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps the turkey moist throughout the slow cooking process without overpowering it.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the overall flavor and adds a refreshing citrus zing.
- Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme): For garnish, adding a fresh, vibrant touch to your serving plate.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Begin by rinsing your turkey breast under cold water to remove any residual packaging juices, then gently pat it dry with paper towels. Drying the turkey ensures that the olive oil and seasonings stick well, helping create the flavorsome crust we’re aiming for.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
Mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl. Rub the olive oil evenly over the turkey breast, then sprinkle your seasoning blend generously on all sides. This combination infuses the turkey with layers of flavor that perfectly complement its natural taste.
Step 3: Place in the Crockpot
Transfer the seasoned turkey breast carefully into your Crockpot, ensuring it’s positioned breast side up. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth around the turkey, which will gently steam and keep the meat juicy during the slow cooking process.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice
Drizzle lemon juice directly over the turkey. This bright acidic note cuts through the richness of the meat and herbs, creating a nuanced flavor profile that delights the palate.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the Crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking melts connective tissues and yields an incredibly tender turkey breast. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked poultry.
Step 6: Rest the Turkey
Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey breast and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the juices redistribute, so every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Slice the turkey against the grain for tender, easy-to-eat pieces. Serve with the cooking juices drizzled over, and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a beautiful finish to your Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe.
How to Serve Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme not only add a pop of vibrant green but also bring a pleasant herbal aroma to your dish. A light sprinkle over the sliced turkey provides an inviting look and an extra flavor boost that pairs wonderfully with the lemon and rosemary notes in the meat.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a cozy touch, try serving it alongside buttery dinner rolls or fluffy wild rice to soak up all those flavorful cooking juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Use sliced turkey breast in gourmet sandwiches with cranberry sauce and arugula, or cube leftovers for a hearty turkey salad tossed with nuts and fresh fruit. You can even layer slices on crostini topped with a dollop of herbed cream cheese for an elegant appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover turkey breast in airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and ready to enjoy for 3 to 4 days. This makes it easy to prepare meals ahead or enjoy quick, protein-packed lunches.
Freezing
If you want to keep your turkey breast even longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. Frozen properly, it can maintain quality for up to 3 months, perfect for batch cooking or saving treats for later.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your turkey gently in the oven at a low temperature or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist. Be careful not to overheat, as turkey breast can dry out easily. Leftover cooking juices saved from the Crockpot make an excellent reheating sauce.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in turkey breast can add extra flavor, but you may need to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure it cooks through to 165°F internally.
Is it necessary to use lemon juice?
Lemon juice brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the herbs, but if you prefer, you can substitute with a splash of white wine vinegar or leave it out entirely for a milder taste.
Can I cook the turkey breast on high instead of low?
You can cook on high for about 3 to 4 hours, but low and slow really helps develop tenderness and juiciness that makes this recipe special.
What can I do with the cooking juices?
The juices left in the Crockpot are packed with flavor and make an excellent natural gravy base or sauce. Just strain, reduce on the stove if needed, and serve alongside sliced turkey.
Do I need to baste during cooking?
No need! The slow cooker environment keeps the turkey moist without turning or basting, which makes this recipe so effortless and foolproof.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe is a beautiful example of how effortless cooking can produce extraordinary results. It transforms a simple turkey breast into a centerpiece of juicy, herb-infused goodness that everyone will love. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again when you crave comfort and flavor without the fuss.
Print
Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6.6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe offers a simple, hands-off way to prepare a moist and flavorful turkey breast using a slow cooker. Seasoned with garlic, onion, thyme, and rosemary, and cooked slowly in chicken broth and lemon juice, this dish ensures tender meat perfect for an easy family meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
Turkey Breast
- 1 boneless turkey breast (4 to 6 pounds)
Seasoning and Flavoring
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Cooking Liquids
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish
- Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme)
Instructions
- Prepare Turkey Breast: Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which helps seasoning adhere better.
- Season Turkey: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Rub olive oil evenly over the turkey breast, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously on all sides to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Place in Crockpot: Set the seasoned turkey breast in the Crockpot with the breast side facing up. Carefully pour the low-sodium chicken broth around the turkey to keep it moist during cooking.
- Add Lemon Juice: Drizzle the lemon juice directly over the turkey breast to add bright and fresh flavor notes.
- Cook Slow and Low: Cover the Crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F, ensuring the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest the Meat: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the Crockpot and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the turkey breast against the grain into even pieces. Serve with the cooking juices drizzled on top and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to guarantee the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Resting the turkey before slicing ensures that the juices stay inside, making the meat juicy and tender.
- You can add vegetables like carrots and potatoes to the bottom of the Crockpot for a complete meal.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to enhance the presentation and freshness of the dish.
