Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Introduction

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing a delicious meal, and enjoying moments of gratitude. One of the highlights of this special occasion is the turkey, and while roasting a whole bird in the oven is traditional, there’s a simpler and equally delicious way to prepare turkey breast: in the slow cooker. I recently tried this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe, and I must say it was a hit with the whole family. The turkey came out perfectly cooked, moist, and packed with flavor—without the hassle of monitoring the oven all day. The best part? It only takes a few minutes of prep, and then the slow cooker does the rest of the work.

The slow cooker method was ideal for my busy Thanksgiving day. It allowed me to focus on other dishes while the turkey cooked to perfection. The seasoning blend of garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and more gave the turkey an aromatic, savory flavor that was loved by everyone. I finished it off by placing it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin, and it was absolutely divine.

If you’re looking for a stress-free way to prepare a turkey breast for Thanksgiving or any occasion, this slow cooker method is a game-changer. It’s easy, flavorful, and yields a tender turkey that will impress your guests without requiring hours of attention. Let me walk you through the ingredients and steps to make this simple yet delicious dish.

Ingredients

For this easy and flavorful slow cooker turkey breast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 (6 to 7-lb) bone-in turkey breast, thawed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 2 teaspoons onion powder

These simple seasonings come together to create a perfect blend of flavors that will infuse the turkey breast as it cooks in the slow cooker. You can adjust the amounts according to your taste, but this combination provides the ideal balance of savory, aromatic flavors.

Instructions

Making this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Turkey:
   Start by brushing the turkey breast with olive oil. This will help the seasonings adhere to the surface of the turkey and also promote browning under the broiler later.
2. Season the Turkey:
   In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, pepper, and onion powder. Mix well, and then rub the seasoning blend all over the turkey breast, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides.
3. Place in Slow Cooker:
   Put the seasoned turkey breast into the slow cooker, breast side up. This is important to ensure the breast stays juicy as it cooks. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
4. Cook the Turkey:
   Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 5 to 6 hours. The turkey will be ready when the internal temperature reaches 170ºF. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast.
5. Crisp the Skin (Optional):
   After cooking, remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and transfer it to a baking pan. Pop it under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes to crisp up the skin. This step is optional, but it adds a nice golden, crispy texture to the skin.
6. Serve:
   Once the turkey is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The result will be a tender, flavorful turkey with perfectly crispy skin.

Nutrition Facts

Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a serving of this slow cooker turkey breast:

• Servings: 8 (based on a 6 to 7-lb turkey breast)
• Calories per serving: 250
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 28g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Total Time: 5 to 6 hours and 10 minutes

How to Serve

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is perfect for serving on its own, or as part of a Thanksgiving or holiday feast. Here are some ways to serve it:

• With Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic pairing.
• In a Sandwich: Use the turkey leftovers for sandwiches with cranberry sauce and stuffing.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
• As Part of a Buffet: This turkey is great for large gatherings, where it can be sliced and served alongside other dishes like stuffing and green beans.

Additional Tips

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it has reached 170ºF for optimal tenderness.
2. Crisp the Skin: If you prefer a crispy skin, broil the turkey for a few minutes after it’s done cooking in the slow cooker.
3. Remove the Skin: If you’re not a fan of the skin, you can remove it before cooking. The turkey will still be flavorful and tender.
4. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to mix up the seasonings. Cajun seasoning, BBQ seasoning, or even a packet of onion soup mix can create a deliciously different flavor.
5. Cook from Frozen: Yes, you can cook a turkey breast from frozen. Just remember that it will take longer to cook, so plan accordingly.

Recipe Variations

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to your preferences:

• Herb-Crusted Turkey: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to the seasoning mix for a more aromatic flavor.
• Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest or orange slices into the slow cooker with the turkey for a refreshing citrus note.
• Sweet and Savory: Mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup with the olive oil for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory spices.
• Spicy Kick: Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend for a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

To complement the turkey breast, consider pairing it with the following dishes:

• Cranberry Sauce: The tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with turkey.
• Stuffing: A classic stuffing made with bread, onions, and herbs is a great side dish.
• Green Beans: Freshly sautéed green beans with garlic and almonds add a crisp, savory element.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are ideal for sopping up gravy.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: This dish provides a sweet contrast to the savory turkey.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers, this turkey freezes and stores well. Here’s how to handle the leftovers:

• Storing in the Fridge: Place leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the turkey for up to 3 months. Slice the turkey breast before freezing to make it easier to reheat.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the slices in a covered baking dish and warm in a 350ºF oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I cook a turkey breast from frozen?
   Yes, you can cook a frozen turkey breast in the slow cooker, but it will take longer—around 7 to 8 hours on LOW.
2. Can I use a boneless turkey breast?
   Yes, you can use boneless turkey breast, though the cooking time may be shorter.
3. How do I know when the turkey is done?
   Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 170ºF.
4. Can I cook the turkey on HIGH in the slow cooker?
   Yes, cooking on HIGH will take about 3 to 4 hours. Always check the temperature to ensure it reaches 170ºF.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can cook the turkey the day before and reheat it when needed.
6. Do I need to brown the turkey before cooking?
   No, you don’t need to brown the turkey before placing it in the slow cooker. The slow cooker does the work for you.
7. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
   Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes around the turkey for a one-pot meal.
8. How do I get crispy skin on the turkey?
   Place the cooked turkey under the broiler for 3-5 minutes to crisp up the skin.
9. Can I use different seasonings?
   Absolutely! Cajun, BBQ, or Italian seasoning are all excellent alternatives.
10. What if I don’t have seasoned salt?
    You can substitute regular salt with additional seasoning like garlic or onion powder, or just use kosher salt.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is an easy and stress-free way to make a flavorful, juicy turkey for any occasion, especially Thanksgiving. With