Description
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender turkey with minimal effort. The turkey cooks slowly with aromatic herbs, butter, and onions, resulting in a flavorful and moist dish perfect for a comforting family meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Aromatics
- 2 to 4 pound boneless turkey breast, skin on (2.5 pounds used)
- 2 yellow or white onions, sliced in half
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
Seasoning and Butter Mix
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon minced onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Nonstick cooking spray (for slow cooker)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the Crock Pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Arrange Onions and Herbs: Slice the onions in half and place them face down on the bottom of the slow cooker; they will form a bed to keep the turkey elevated and out of the liquid. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme on top of the onions for aroma.
- Make Herb Butter: In a small or medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, minced onion flakes, salt, black pepper, and fresh rosemary. Mix thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to help the butter adhere better. Place the turkey on top of the onion and thyme bed inside the slow cooker.
- Apply Herb Butter: Spread the prepared butter mixture evenly over the top of the turkey breast, ensuring good coverage for flavor.
- Add Broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth into the side of the slow cooker, avoiding pouring it directly onto the turkey to keep the butter coating intact.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 7 hours, allowing the turkey to cook gently and absorb flavors.
- Check Temperature: After cooking, use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature in the thickest part of the turkey reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and doneness.
- Crisp the Top: Remove the slow cooker lid and place the turkey under the oven broiler for 5 to 10 minutes to crisp the skin. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the turkey and slice into 10-12 pieces. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by saved drippings or gravy made from them.
Notes
- You can save the drippings from the slow cooker to make a flavorful turkey gravy.
- Ensure your slow cooker insert is oven-safe before placing it under the broiler; if not, transfer the turkey to an oven-safe pan for broiling.
- Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly, but dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- The onions cooked at the bottom are edible; simply peel off the outer layer before consuming.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
