Unlock Ultimate Flavor: The Easiest Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe for Juicy, Tender Results Every Time
Discover the secret to making the most succulent, fall-apart tender turkey breast effortlessly with this foolproof crockpot recipe. Say goodbye to dry, bland turkey and hello to a moist, flavorful centerpiece perfect for any occasion. This guide ensures tender, juicy results every single time, making holiday meals or weeknight dinners a breeze!
Why This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe is a Game Changer
This crockpot turkey breast recipe stands out for its incredible simplicity and consistent results. Whether you’re hosting a smaller Thanksgiving gathering and don’t want the hassle of roasting an entire whole turkey, or you’re simply looking for a no-fuss, flavorful meal for an everyday dinner, this recipe is your ideal solution. The beauty lies in its hands-off approach: a simple rub with aromatic spices and seasonings, a comforting bed of fresh vegetables, and then the magic of slow cooking for approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. It’s nearly impossible to mess this one up, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.
The slow cooker method is truly the best way to achieve the juiciest turkey breast imaginable. Unlike oven roasting, the slow cooker locks in all the steam and moisture during the cooking process. This means the turkey bathes in its own flavorful juices, absorbing every bit of moisture and seasoning, resulting in meat that is incredibly tender and never dry. Plus, we take it a step further by showing you how to transform those rich crockpot drippings into a simple, savory pan gravy. This homemade gravy adds an extra layer of comfort and flavor, perfect for smothering over your sliced turkey and any accompanying side dishes. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor and tender texture this method delivers. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Crockpot Turkey Breast
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards a fantastic meal. This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh produce to build incredible flavor. You’ll find all precise measurements, ingredient details, and comprehensive instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post. For now, here’s an overview of what you’ll need to create this succulent slow cooker turkey breast and its accompanying rich gravy.
Ingredient Info and Helpful Substitution Suggestions
Understanding each ingredient’s role can help you master this recipe and even experiment with variations.
- TURKEY BREAST – The star of our show! It is absolutely crucial to use completely thawed turkey breast for this recipe to ensure even cooking and food safety. Always allow it to thaw slowly in the refrigerator over 1-2 days, depending on its size. For this recipe, we successfully used two 1.5-pound boneless turkey breasts, totaling 3 pounds. However, you can easily use a single 3-pound boneless turkey breast if that’s what’s available at your local grocery store. Keep in mind that a single, thicker 3-pound breast might require a longer cooking time, potentially up to 6 hours, compared to two smaller breasts. The actual cook time can also vary significantly based on your slow cooker’s model and age, as older models or different brands may heat differently. The gold standard for checking doneness is an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the breast. Your turkey is perfectly cooked and safe to eat when it registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- VEGETABLES (Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic) – These aromatic vegetables form a flavorful bed for the turkey, lifting it slightly from the bottom of the crockpot and infusing the drippings with delicious savory notes. For best results, use a yellow or white onion, peeled and cut in half. Carrots should be peeled (optional) and cut into thick chunks, as thinner pieces might become too soft during the long cooking process. Celery ribs, cut in half, add a subtle freshness. Fresh garlic cloves, smashed or roughly chopped, are essential for depth of flavor. You can add more or less garlic to your preference. If you don’t have these on hand, feel free to substitute with other hearty root vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or even some bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
- SEASONINGS (Dried Sage, Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper) – This classic poultry seasoning blend creates a fragrant and savory crust on the turkey. Dried sage is particularly well-suited for turkey, offering an earthy, slightly peppery aroma. Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are fundamental for enhancing all the other flavors. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried thyme, rosemary, or even a touch of paprika for color. If you prefer using fresh herbs, chop them finely and mix them into the melted butter before basting.
- UNSALTED BUTTER – Melted unsalted butter serves as the base for our seasoning rub, helping the spices adhere to the turkey breast and contributing to a rich, golden finish. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the overall sodium content of the dish. If you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of added sea salt slightly.
- GRAVY INGREDIENTS (Low Sodium Chicken Stock, Apple Cider, All-Purpose Flour) – These ingredients come together to create a luscious, flavorful gravy from the turkey drippings. Low-sodium chicken stock allows you to control the saltiness of your gravy. Apple cider adds a subtle sweetness and tang that beautifully complements the turkey and sage flavors. All-purpose flour is used as a thickening agent; for a gluten-free option, you can substitute cornstarch (mixed with a little cold water to form a slurry) at the end of the gravy-making process.
How to Make The Best Crockpot Turkey Breast: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delicious recipe from start to finish. For a quick reference or to print, you can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of the page.
- Prepare the Crockpot Base: Begin by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker to prevent sticking. Arrange the prepared vegetables (onion halves, thick-cut carrots, celery ribs, and garlic cloves) evenly across the bottom of the crockpot. This creates a natural rack, lifting the turkey and infusing the cooking liquid with rich flavors.
- Prep the Turkey Breast: Pat the thawed turkey breast (or breasts) thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the seasoning adhere better and can contribute to a slightly crisper skin later, if broiled. Set the turkey aside on a clean cutting board.
- Make the Seasoning Rub: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in all the dried sage, sea salt, and ground black pepper until well combined. The mixture should form a fragrant, slightly thick rub.
- Season and Place Turkey: Generously baste each turkey breast on both sides with the melted butter and seasoning mixture, ensuring an even coating. Once seasoned, carefully place the turkey breasts on top of the vegetable bed in the crockpot.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your crockpot and set it to the LOW setting. Cook for approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Begin checking for doneness around the 3 to 3.5-hour mark using an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, avoiding any bones or fatty pockets. The turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Turkey & Collect Juices: Once the turkey reaches 165°F, carefully remove it from the crockpot and place it on a clean baking sheet. Tent it loosely with foil and allow it to rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting period is vital for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor. While the turkey rests, make sure to reserve all the flavorful drippings and cooked vegetables from the crockpot – these are essential for our homemade gravy.
- Start the Gravy: While the turkey rests, pour the reserved crockpot drippings through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium pot, discarding the cooked vegetables (or saving them for another purpose). Add the chicken stock and apple cider to the pot with the drippings. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium to medium-high heat.
- Reduce the Liquid: Maintain a steady boil, whisking occasionally, until the liquid has reduced by about half. This concentration process, which typically takes around 10 minutes, intensifies the flavors of the gravy base.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a separate small bowl, create a slurry by whisking the all-purpose flour with a few tablespoons of the hot gravy liquid until smooth and lump-free. Slowly whisk this flour slurry into the boiling gravy mixture in the pot. Continue to boil and whisk periodically for about 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. It will thicken further as it cools.
- Season the Gravy: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper. Remember that the turkey drippings already contribute a lot of savory flavor.
- Crisp the Skin (Optional Broil): If you desire a crispy skin on your turkey breast (slow cooking typically results in soft skin), preheat your oven broiler and position the oven rack to the middle section. Place the rested turkey breast on the baking sheet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, carefully watching it to prevent burning. Broil until the skin reaches your preferred level of crispness and golden-brown color.
- Serve: Slice the tender turkey breast against the grain and serve immediately, generously smothered with your homemade savory gravy. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy crockpot turkey breast!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Crockpot Turkey
The most reliable way to determine if your turkey breast is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat is by checking its internal temperature. Turkey, like all poultry, needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Use an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate reading, inserting it into the deepest part of the meat, away from any bones. Do not rely solely on cooking time, as slow cooker models can vary.
To maintain freshness and flavor, store any leftover crockpot turkey breast in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze sliced turkey breast in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating turkey breast carefully is key to preventing it from drying out. The best methods are low and slow. You can reheat your turkey breast in the slow cooker set to low, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist, until warmed through. Alternatively, place it in a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered with foil, until heated through. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it tends to zap moisture and can quickly make turkey tough and dry.
Yes, you absolutely can! A bone-in turkey breast will also yield juicy results in the slow cooker. The bone can even add a little extra flavor. Just be aware that bone-in turkey breasts typically require a longer cooking time than boneless breasts. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check for the internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.
For this particular recipe, you don’t need to add extra liquid to the crockpot at the beginning. The combination of the turkey’s natural juices, the moisture from the vegetables, and the sealed environment of the slow cooker creates enough liquid to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. These drippings are then used to make the delicious gravy.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Crockpot Turkey Breast
Crockpot turkey breast is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic addition to various meals, from festive holiday spreads to simple weeknight dinners.
For Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations, this slow cooker turkey breast is a true game-changer. By cooking your turkey in the crockpot, you free up valuable oven space, allowing more room for all your beloved side dishes like creamy sweet potato casserole, fluffy homemade biscuits, classic green bean casserole, buttery mashed potatoes, or a hearty corn pudding. The possibilities are endless when your main dish is cooking away effortlessly!
Beyond holidays, this tender turkey breast is perfect for an everyday family dinner. Serve it alongside roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, a simple garden salad, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and nutritious meal. The rich, homemade gravy ties everything together beautifully, adding a burst of savory flavor to every bite.
And don’t forget the amazing potential for leftovers! Sliced turkey breast is excellent in sandwiches, wraps, or added to fresh salads for a protein boost. It can also be diced and incorporated into hearty soups, stews, or a classic turkey tetrazzini. You might even shred it for turkey tacos or quesadillas. With this crockpot turkey breast, delicious meals are just a slow cooker away, and your culinary creativity can truly shine.
More Delicious Turkey & Comfort Food Recipes to Try
If you loved this crockpot turkey breast recipe, you’ll surely enjoy exploring more of our comforting and flavorful turkey and family-friendly dishes. These recipes are perfect for using up leftover turkey or simply enjoying the savory taste of poultry in various creative ways:
- Turkey Carbonara
- Turkey Pot Pie
- Homemade Turkey Gravy
- Turkey Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
- Hearty Leftover Turkey Soup
I absolutely adore sharing my passion for baking and cooking, along with all my cherished kitchen experiences, with each and every one of you! It can be a challenge to remember to check back daily for new recipes, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter delivered right to your inbox every time a fresh recipe is posted. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes to inspire your next meal!
Crockpot Turkey Breast
IMPORTANT – Don’t forget to scroll up and read the Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips within the blog post for additional helpful information!
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Ingredients
- 1 onion skin on, cut in half
- 4 carrots peel on, cut thick
- 4 ribs celery cut in half
- 4-6 cloves garlic
- 3 pounds boneless turkey breast thawed
- 3.5 Tablespoons dried sage
- 1 ½ Tablespoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
Gravy
- 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
- ½ cup apple cider
- 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
Things You’ll Need
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6 qt Crockpot 6-7 quart is ideal
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Saucepan
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Instant read thermometer
Recipe Notes & Expert Tips
- It’s crucial to use completely thawed turkey breast for this recipe. For safety and even cooking, ensure it thaws fully in the refrigerator, typically 24-48 hours depending on size.
- We recommend using two 1.5-pound turkey breasts (totaling 3 pounds) for optimal cooking time and ease. If you opt for a single 3-pound breast, be prepared for a longer cooking duration, potentially up to 6 hours. Cooking times can vary significantly based on your slow cooker’s model and age. Always confirm doneness with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast, aiming for 165°F (74°C).
- For a truly exceptional gravy, be sure to skim any excess fat from the reserved crockpot drippings before reducing. This will result in a smoother, richer gravy.
- If you prefer a thicker turkey skin, don’t skip the quick broil step at the end. Keep a close eye on it under the broiler, as it can brown very quickly.
- For meal prep, consider cooking extra turkey breast. It slices beautifully for salads, sandwiches, or can be shredded for casseroles throughout the week.
Instructions
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Lightly grease your crock pot and arrange the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic cloves in a single layer at the bottom.
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Pat the thawed turkey breast(s) completely dry with paper towels and set aside.
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Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the dried sage, sea salt, and ground black pepper until fully combined.
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Generously baste each turkey breast on both sides with the butter mixture. Place the seasoned turkey on top of the vegetables in the crockpot.
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Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 3.5-4 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F (74°C). Begin checking for doneness after 3 hours.
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Once cooked, remove the turkey to a baking sheet, tent with foil, and let rest for 15-20 minutes. Reserve all drippings from the crockpot for the gravy.
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While the turkey rests, strain the crockpot drippings into a medium pot. Add chicken stock and apple cider. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Continue boiling, whisking occasionally, until the mixture reduces by about half (approximately 10 minutes), concentrating the flavors.
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In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a few tablespoons of the hot gravy liquid to create a smooth slurry. Gradually whisk this slurry into the boiling gravy in the pot. Continue to boil and whisk periodically for 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
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Taste the gravy and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
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Optional: To crisp the skin, position an oven rack to the middle and preheat your broiler. Broil the rested turkey on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully until the skin is golden and crispy to your preference.
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Slice the turkey breast and serve immediately, drizzled generously with the homemade gravy.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store any leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat your turkey breast in the slow cooker set to low or in a 300F oven until warmed through. You don’t want to zap turkey in the microwave as it tends to dry it out – low and slow is the way to go!
- Always pat your turkey breast dry before seasoning. This helps the rub adhere better and can lead to a more flavorful crust.
- When making the gravy, a fine-mesh sieve is your friend for removing any small vegetable bits and ensuring a smooth consistency.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.