Unlock the secret to an incredibly tender and flavorful turkey breast cooked to perfection in your crock pot. This effortless slow cooker recipe delivers a succulent main course and a rich, savory gravy made from the pan juices, all with minimal hands-on time. Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to intimate holiday celebrations.
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe for Stress-Free Meals
Do you find yourself longing for the comforting flavors of a Thanksgiving meal long before the actual holiday arrives? Many of us do! Traditionally, turkey is reserved for that one special feast, often involving a large oven and considerable effort. However, this Crock Pot Turkey Breast recipe is about to change that perception, allowing you to savor those beloved flavors any day of the year with remarkable ease.
Preparing a turkey breast in a slow cooker yields exceptionally moist and flavorful results. The gentle, consistent heat of a crock pot is ideal for poultry, ensuring it never dries out. To elevate the taste profile even further, this recipe incorporates a packet of dry onion soup mix, a hint of dried sage, and a aromatic base of chopped onion, carrot, and celery. These ingredients infuse the turkey with layers of savory goodness, creating a truly memorable dish.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Your Turkey Breast?
Opting for a slow cooker for your turkey breast isn’t just about convenience; it’s a strategic choice for culinary success. The main advantage lies in its ability to maintain a low, even temperature throughout the cooking process. This method prevents the lean turkey meat from drying out, resulting in a consistently moist and tender breast every time. Unlike oven roasting, which can sometimes leave you with unevenly cooked or dry spots, the slow cooker ensures uniform tenderness.
Furthermore, using a slow cooker frees up valuable oven space, which is particularly beneficial during holiday preparations when your oven might be busy with casseroles, pies, and other side dishes. It also means less hands-on time – simply set it and forget it until it’s perfectly cooked. This makes slow cooker turkey breast an ideal choice for busy weeknights, effortless Sunday dinners, or even smaller, less formal holiday gatherings where a whole roasted turkey might be overkill.
Choosing the Perfect Turkey Breast for Your Crock Pot
For this recipe, we recommend selecting a full turkey breast that is 6 to 7 pounds and includes the bone. A bone-in turkey breast contributes significantly to the flavor and moisture of the finished dish, as the bone helps insulate the meat and releases beneficial compounds during cooking. While boneless turkey breasts can be used, they tend to cook faster and may require slight adjustments to cooking time to prevent dryness. Ensure your turkey breast is completely defrosted before cooking to guarantee even cooking and safe internal temperatures.
How Long to Cook Turkey Breast in a Slow Cooker for Optimal Tenderness
One of the greatest benefits of this slow cooker method is the minimal hands-on time required. After just a few minutes of initial preparation, your turkey breast will cook undisturbed for approximately 5 to 7 hours on the low setting (assuming the turkey is fully defrosted). The exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and the precise size and temperature of your turkey when it goes in. Always err on the side of caution and check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer. Turkey is safely cooked and ready to enjoy when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Crafting a Velvety, Flavorful Gravy from Pan Drippings
Don’t let those rich cooking juices go to waste! They are beautifully flavored from the onion soup mix, vegetables, and the turkey itself, making them the perfect base for an incredibly easy and delicious homemade gravy. With just a little all-purpose flour, you can transform these savory drippings into a thick, velvety gravy in a matter of minutes, adding the perfect finishing touch to your meal.
Serve this homemade gravy generously over slices of your tender slow cooker turkey breast, alongside creamy mashed potatoes, and your favorite dressing or stuffing for a truly satisfying and easy meal. This combination brings all the comforting elements of a classic holiday dinner to your table without the fuss.
If you’re hosting a smaller Thanksgiving gathering, this Crock Pot Turkey Breast is an absolutely delicious and impressive centerpiece. Its succulence and rich flavor make it a fantastic alternative to a whole roasted bird. The only slight difference is that you won’t achieve the super crisp skin typically associated with oven-roasted or deep-fried turkey. However, there’s an easy hack for that: simply transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until the skin crisps up to your liking. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can happen quickly!
Essential Side Dishes to Complement Your Slow Cooker Turkey
A delicious turkey breast deserves equally delicious companions. Here are some classic and comforting side dishes that pair wonderfully with your slow cooker turkey, making for a complete and festive meal:
- Southern Cornbread Dressing: A flavorful, hearty stuffing that’s a holiday staple.
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: A beloved classic with a creamy, cheesy twist.
- The BEST Yeast Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls perfect for soaking up gravy.
- Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole: A convenient way to prepare a sweet and savory side.
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows: A sweet and indulgent dish, often a favorite.
- Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and tangy, a perfect base for gravy.
- Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce: A vibrant, tart-sweet condiment that cuts through the richness.
Stay Connected: Never Miss a Recipe!
For more mouthwatering recipes and culinary inspiration, be sure to follow Spicy Southern Kitchen on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Join our community and discover new dishes to delight your family and friends!
If you’re adventurous and looking to add an exciting kick to your holiday spread, consider trying our Slow Cooker Cajun Turkey Breast for a flavorful twist.
Crock Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Rated 4.87 out of 5 stars by 15 users.
By Christin Mahrlig
This Crock Pot Turkey Breast cooks up tender and full of flavor with minimal effort. A tasty gravy from the cooking juices can be made in just minutes. Perfect for any occasion, especially Thanksgiving.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs 5 mins
Total Time: 6 hrs 5 mins
Servings: 8
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Instant-read thermometer
- Fine-mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 carrot, chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 1 stalk celery, chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 1 (6 to 7-pound) bone-in turkey breast, defrosted
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups liquid reserved from cooking turkey
Instructions
- Spray a 6-quart crock pot with cooking spray. Place the chopped carrot, celery, and onion evenly at the bottom of the crock pot to create an aromatic bed for the turkey.
- Carefully place the defrosted turkey breast on top of the vegetables. Evenly sprinkle the dry onion soup mix and dried sage over the turkey breast. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the turkey.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on the low setting for 5 to 7 hours. Cooking times can vary, so always use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The turkey is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board to rest. Strain the liquid from the crock pot into a bowl, discarding the cooked vegetables. Reserve 2 cups of this flavorful cooking liquid. If you have less than 2 cups, simply add chicken broth to make up the difference.
- To make the gravy, add the flour and pepper to a medium skillet. Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of reserved cooking liquid until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and continue to cook, whisking, for about 2 minutes, or until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. Serve hot with sliced turkey.
Notes
If you prefer a crispy skin, carefully transfer the cooked turkey breast from the slow cooker to a baking sheet. Place it under a preheated broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching it very closely to prevent burning. The skin will crisp up quickly.
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and will vary based on brands of products used.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 478 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 68g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 189mg | Sodium: 928mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1363IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see your creation! Leave a comment below and tag us @spicysouthernkitchen on social media!
This recipe was shared with the Weekend Potluck.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.