Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of a perfectly cooked turkey breast, tender and juicy, with minimal effort on your part. That’s exactly what you get with this Crock Pot Turkey Breast recipe! It’s a game-changer for busy cooks who want to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work while you focus on other things.
Flavorful Results: The blend of herbs and spices infuses the turkey with incredible taste.
Versatile: Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
Moist and Tender: Slow cooking ensures your turkey stays juicy and delectable.

Ingredients

Turkey Breast: The star of the show, providing lean protein.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
Dried Thyme: Brings an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Black Pepper: Provides a touch of heat and depth.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the turkey with savory goodness.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and adds richness.
Fresh Garlic: Intensifies the flavor profile.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and aroma.
Rosemary: Imparts a wonderful herbal fragrance.
Chicken Stock: Creates a flavorful base for the gravy.
Butter: Adds richness to the gravy.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy to perfection.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Herb Lovers: Add fresh sage or tarragon for an extra herbal kick.
Citrus Twist: Include lemon zest in your seasoning mix for brightness.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the rub.
Wine Infusion: Replace half the chicken stock with white wine for depth.

How to Make Crock Pot Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Start by patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for helping the seasoning stick and promoting even cooking.

Step 2: Season to Perfection

Mix your paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil in a small bowl. This aromatic blend will be your flavor powerhouse. Rub it all over the turkey, making sure to get into every nook and cranny.

Step 3: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Scatter your chopped garlic, diced onions, and rosemary sprigs in the bottom of your slow cooker. This flavor base will infuse your turkey with deliciousness as it cooks.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Place your seasoned turkey breast on top of the aromatics in the slow cooker. Cover and let it cook on low for about 3 hours. The key is to cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 5: Rest and Make Gravy

Once cooked, let your turkey rest under foil while you whip up a quick gravy using the cooking juices. It’s the perfect finishing touch to your meal.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Cooking: If your turkey breast is uneven in thickness, consider butterflying it for more uniform cooking.
Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches the safe internal temperature without overcooking.
Crispy Skin Option: For those who love crispy skin, a quick broil in the oven after slow cooking can work wonders.

How to Serve

Slice your turkey breast against the grain and serve it with your homemade gravy. It pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. For a complete meal, consider adding:

Cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast
Green beans almondine for a fresh, crunchy element
Stuffing or dressing for a traditional touch

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your turkey completely before storing in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Slice the cooled turkey and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat slices in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep them moist, or warm in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in turkey breasts work wonderfully in the slow cooker. Just be aware that they may take a bit longer to cook, so adjust your cooking time accordingly and always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

What if my turkey breast is frozen?
For food safety reasons, it’s best to thaw your turkey breast completely before cooking in the slow cooker. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before you plan to cook it.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the turkey?
Yes! Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes can be added to the bottom of the slow cooker. They’ll cook along with the turkey and absorb all those delicious flavors.

How do I know when the turkey is done?
The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast – when it reads 160°F (71°C), your turkey is done. It will continue to rise to the safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) as it rests.

This Crock Pot Turkey Breast recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked turkey dinner without the fuss. It’s perfect for smaller gatherings or when you’re craving turkey but don’t want to cook a whole bird. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite way to prepare turkey!