If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make main dish that everyone will love, this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe is the answer. It transforms a simple turkey breast into a juicy, flavorful centerpiece with minimal effort, letting the slow cooker do all the work while you relax or prep sides. Perfect for a family dinner or holiday gathering, this recipe delivers moist meat infused with a savory blend of spices, leaving you with tender slices that practically melt in your mouth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and ensuring a perfectly moist result. These pantry staples also guarantee a balance of seasoning that enhances the natural turkey flavor without overpowering it.
- 6 to 7-lb bone-in turkey breast: Choosing a bone-in breast keeps the meat juicy and adds depth of flavor during slow cooking.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the turkey while adding a subtle richness.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: Brings a gentle pungency that complements the turkey’s mild taste.
- 2 tsp seasoned salt: A perfect blend of salt and spices to enhance flavor throughout the meat.
- 2 tsp paprika: Adds a smoky sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue to the turkey skin.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that gives the dish a fresh, aromatic touch.
- 2 tsp pepper: Brings just the right bite and warmth to the seasoning mix.
- 2 tsp onion powder: Adds depth and subtle sweetness, rounding out the spice blend beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Start by giving your turkey breast a light brush of olive oil. This step is key because it helps the seasoning adhere to the meat evenly, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Plus, the oil encourages the skin to crisp up nicely even in the slow cooker environment.
Step 2: Season It Generously
Mix together your garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, pepper, and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub this delicious spice blend all over the turkey breast, covering every nook and cranny. This is where the magic happens, as the herbs and spices deeply infuse into the meat during the long cooking time.
Step 3: Place in Slow Cooker
Set your turkey breast breast side up in the slow cooker insert. This orientation helps the juices baste the meat as it cooks, ensuring tenderness. No need to add liquid—the turkey will release enough moisture on its own, keeping the meat juicy without steaming it.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours. This slow and gentle cooking process is what makes this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe so special: it breaks down the meat’s fibers slowly, making each slice tender, flavorful, and juicy without any fuss.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme sprinkled on top add a lovely pop of color and fresh fragrance. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten up the flavors beautifully, balancing the smoky, savory notes of the seasoning.
Side Dishes
This turkey breast pairs fabulously with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For a festive touch, consider cranberry sauce or a homemade gravy to drizzle over the slices—both complement the turkey’s rich flavor perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the turkey thinly and serve it on a rustic wooden board surrounded by seasonal fruits and nuts for a stunning holiday centerpiece. Or, use leftovers in sandwiches or salads the next day for quick and delicious meals that keep on giving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your delightful meal, wrap any leftover turkey breast tightly in aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy without any waste.
Freezing
If you want to save some turkey for later, slice it and place the pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen turkey breast can last up to 3 months and is perfect for quick meals when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm slices in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel or in a small pan over low heat with a splash of broth to keep the meat moist. This keeps the turkey tender and prevents any dryness that can sometimes happen with reheated poultry.
FAQs
Can I use boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Though bone-in helps retain moisture, boneless turkey breast works well too. Just reduce the cooking time slightly and keep an eye on it to avoid drying out.
Do I need to add water or broth to the slow cooker?
Nope! The turkey breast will release enough juices during cooking to keep everything moist and delicious, so no extra liquid is necessary.
Can I double the recipe for a larger turkey breast?
Yes, you can adjust quantities and cooking times accordingly. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the turkey comfortably for even cooking.
Is it possible to cook this turkey breast on high instead of low?
While you can use the high setting, the texture might be less tender since the slow, low heat is essential for breaking down the fibers gently for juicy meat.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the turkey?
Definitely! Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes work wonderfully, absorbing those savory turkey juices. Add them at the start for a complete one-pot meal.
Final Thoughts
Give this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe a try—it’s a hassle-free way to achieve juicy, flavorful turkey with minimal hands-on time. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser that makes turkey the star of your table every time.
Print
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6.6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A succulent Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe that yields tender, flavorful turkey infused with a blend of garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, and other savory spices. Perfect for an easy, hands-off holiday meal or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Turkey and Oil
- 1 (6 to 7-lb) bone-in turkey breast, thawed
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Brush Turkey with Oil: Lightly brush the entire surface of the turkey breast with olive oil to help the seasonings adhere and keep the meat moist during slow cooking.
- Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, pepper, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly all over the turkey breast, ensuring every part is coated for maximum flavor.
- Place in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned turkey breast, breast side up, into the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker. Position it carefully so it cooks evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours, until the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature and is tender.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey breast is fully thawed before cooking to guarantee even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Let the turkey rest for about 10-15 minutes after cooking before slicing to retain juices.
- For extra flavor, add vegetables like onions or carrots around the turkey in the slow cooker.
