Crock Pot Turkey Breast

Name: Crock Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 365 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 7 pound turkey breast; 2 large onions (cut in half); 5 cloves garlic (smashed); 3 sprigs Rosemary; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons seasoned salt; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons cornstarch (plus 2 tablespoons water. optional)

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Cooking a tender and flavorful turkey breast has never been easier than with this Crock Pot Turkey Breast recipe. Perfect for a hassle-free yet delicious meal, this recipe brings out the savory essence of turkey, creating a moist and delicious meal that’s ideal for any occasion.

Let the slow cooker work its magic as it infuses the turkey with aromatic flavors. Whether for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe promises a juicy, easy-to-make, and incredibly satisfying meal.

We are introducing the simplicity of opting for turkey breast over a whole turkey. By choosing a turkey breast, the need for long hours in the kitchen and prolonged cooking times is nonexistent. Plus, we are featuring how to make turkey breast in a crockpot, which further simplifies cooking turkey. You might also want to look at how to cook a boneless turkey breast roast in the crockpot. If you find yourself with leftovers, be sure to try our Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup, you won’t be disappointed.

Keep reading to learn what ingredient swaps are possible, how to successfully create a moist turkey, and have a few of the most frequently asked questions answered.

This turkey breast recipe is ideal for any family looking for a delicious lean protein without the hassle or time commitment!

For more recipes featuring turkey, check out Turkey Bacon in the Oven, Ground Turkey Nuggets (Air Fryer), Turkey Burgers in the Oven, Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes and Turkey Casserole with Rice.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Turkey – this recipe features a 7lb bone-in turkey breast. Any size, fresh or frozen, bone-in or boneless turkey breast can be used. If frozen, thaw completely before cooking. Skin-on turkey adds additional flavor and moisture; however, a skinless turkey breast can be used for those looking for a leaner option.
Onions – yellow or white onions are both options based on personal preference. Yellow onions have a strong flavor whereas white onions will have a milder, slightly sweeter taste. Steer away from sweet onions, like Vidalia, for slow cooker meals because the flavor can become too mild. These sweet varieties are excellent for eating raw in salads or sandwiches.
Garlic – fresh garlic cloves will offer a pungent flavor, but garlic powder is another alternative. Use approximately 1/8 teaspoon of garlic power per clove of garlic.
Rosemary – sprigs of Rosemary offer a fresh and refreshing flavor to the chicken. Thyme, sage, oregano and basil are other herbs that complement turkey.
Olive oil – swap with avocado or canola oil if desired.
Seasoning blend – the seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper all add depth to the flavor of the turkey. Adjust seasoning blend based on taste preferences.
Cornstarch slurry – mix together a cornstarch slurry by combining 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. This mixture will help to thicken the optional homemade gravy.

How To Cook a Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot

Start by placing the onions, garlic, and rosemary into the bottom of the crockpot. Place the turkey breast on top and pat dry with a paper towel. These aromatics will eventually be removed before making the optional gravy but set you up for successfully making a flavor-packed cooked turkey.

In a mixing bowl combine the olive oil, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Using a basting brush, spread it over the turkey breast, getting under the skin as well. This seasoning blend will create a flavorful crust on the outside of the turkey, especially if you choose to broil the exterior.

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The benefit of cooking turkey breast in the slow cooker is you can assemble then leave it alone while you tackle other side dishes. Keep in mind that if you opt for a larger turkey then the total cooking time may need to be adjusted. Always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for doneness.

If you want crispy golden-brown skin, place it under your broiler for 5-8 minutes or until it starts to brown after fully booked. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period will help the turkey to retain moisture.

How To Make Homemade Turkey Gravy

It is extremely easy to make a homemade turkey gravy that is gluten-free by following these directions.

First, remove the vegetables (onions, garlic and rosemary) from the bottom of the slow cooker, squeezing out as much liquid as you can. Run the broth through a fine mesh strainer to remove the rest of the chunks. This helps to create the desired consistency of the gravy.

Combine the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Whisk into the hot liquid. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook until it’s thickened. This can take up a minimum of 30-minutes.

To make the gravy quicker, pour it into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Whisk after each minute.

turkey sliced from bone on a cutting board

top down shot of turkey breast sliced from bone on a cutting board

Expert Tips

Choose the right size: select a turkey breast that fits comfortably in the slow cooker without being too large to promote even cooking.
Season: don’t skimp on the seasoning, but instead season liberally with the spice blend. Customize the blend to meet all dietary needs and taste preferences.
Use aromatics: the onion, garlic and fresh rosemary sprigs are considered aromatic ingredients or those that will infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks. You can also thank these ingredients for the delicious aroma that will fill your kitchen as the turkey cooks.
Use a meat thermometer: a thermometer helps to monitor the turkey breast internal temperature. Cook the turkey breast until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Avoid opening the lid: resist the temptation to open the slow cooker lid frequently. Each time the lid is removed, heat escapes and it can significantly increase the cooking time.
Take advantage of the broiler: for crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Let it rest: always allow the turkey breast to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.

cornstarch poured into slow cooker with broth

hand whisking together gluten free gravy in a slow cooker

Serving Suggestions

Turkey breast offers a variety of serving possibilities. For a classic approach, thinly slice the cooked turkey breast and arrange it on a platter drizzled with gravy. Serve alongside traditional sides such as cranberry sauce, stuffing and potatoes.

Other sides to consider:

Alternatively, the turkey slices can be added to salads, sandwiches or wraps for a quick lunch or dinner meal. Whether served hot or chilled, the tender turkey makes a versatile ingredient.

How to Carve a Turkey

Carving a turkey breast is a simpler task compared to a whole turkey. After allowing the turkey breast to rest for about 10-15 minutes, place the turkey on a cutting board. Start by making horizontal slices across the breast, perpendicular to the direction of the grain. Aim for slices of your desired thickness.

To create larger slices, angle your knife diagonally and make additional slices. If you notice visible muscle fibers in the meat, carve against the grain for a more tender bite. Once sliced, serve with your favorite gravy, sauce or accompanying side dishes.

gluten free gravy drizzled on sliced turkey

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook turkey breast in crock pot?

Cooking times can vary based on the size of the turkey and your individual slow cooker. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to keep your family and guests safe.

Can I cook a whole turkey in a slow cooker?

Slow cookers are generally not large enough to accommodate a whole turkey. It is recommended to use a turkey breast or turkey thighs for better results.

Can I use a frozen turkey breast in crock pot?

No, you will want to use a fresh or thawed turkey breast. This helps with even and safe cooking. Refrigerator thawing is the safest method. Allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. For example, a 8-10 pound turkey will take about 2-3 days to thaw in the fridge. Place the turkey breast on a tray or in a shallow pan to catch any potential drips. For a quicker method, submerge the wrapped turkey in cold water. Allow 30 minutes of thawing time per pound while changing the water every 30 minutes for safety.

What size slow cooker do I need for a turkey breast?

A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is usually sufficient for a turkey breast. It fits the turkey comfortably without being too cramped.

Should I baste the crock pot turkey breast?

Basting is not necessary in a slow cooker, which is another perk of crockpot cooking. The lid keeps the moisture in and the slow cooking process ensures the turkey remains juicy.

top down shot of sliced turkey drizzled with gravy on a platter

Storage and Reheating Instructions

After serving, allow the leftover turkey to cool to room temperature within 2 hours. If you haven’t done so already, carve the turkey into smaller pieces to help cool quicker.

Place the carved turkey pieces in shallow airtight containers or wrap them tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Refrigerate promptly. It is best to divide large amounts of turkey into smaller portions.

Clearly label the containers and add the date of storage. Consume within 3-4 days of refrigeration. If you don’t plan to consume the leftover turkey in this period, consider freezing it. Frozen turkey can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

When reheating, ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It can be reheating in the oven, microwave or stovetop.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Discard the original packaging including netting after unwrapping the turkey. Then, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water because you handled raw meat.
Ask your kitchen helper if you can add the onions, garlic and fresh rosemary to the slow cooker. These ingredients are known as “aromatics”, which means they have a strong smell and will add a lot of flavor to the turkey.
While your kitchen helper puts the turkey into the slow cooker, you can work on stirring the olive oil with the spices to create a delicious seasoning blend. This will coat the interior and exterior of the turkey to boost the overall flavor. Always use a measuring spoon to measure oil and spices.

More Easy Holiday Recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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