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Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

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3.8 from 22 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe offers a flavorful and moist turkey breast cooked slowly to perfection in a 6-quart Crock-Pot. Infused with a blend of savory seasonings and fresh vegetables, the turkey is tender and juicy without the need for added liquid. The recipe includes an optional step to crisp the skin under the broiler and a simple homemade gravy made from the drippings, making it an ideal hands-off meal for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Turkey and Vegetables

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 (5 to 6 pounds) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast, completely thawed
  • 3 to 5 stalks celery
  • 2 small yellow onions, cut in half, unpeeled
  • 4 large carrots or 12 baby carrots
  • 1 head garlic, cut in half, unpeeled
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked if desired)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Gravy

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Chicken broth (if needed to reach 2 cups liquid)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Turkey: Ensure the turkey breast is completely thawed, which can take 1 to 3 days in the refrigerator. Avoid thawing in the Crock-Pot for food safety. Remove all packaging, discard gizzards, and thoroughly pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  2. Prepare the Crock-Pot: Generously spray a 6-quart Crock-Pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables: Place the cut celery stalks, halved unpeeled onions, unpeeled garlic halves, and carrots in an even layer at the bottom of the Crock-Pot. If they don’t fit in one layer, omit any excess.
  4. Mix the Seasoning: In a bowl, combine dried minced garlic, seasoned salt, smoked or regular paprika, pepper, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, sage, thyme, and olive oil. Mix well to form a seasoning paste.
  5. Season the Turkey: Loosen the skin of the turkey breast gently with a large spoon. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey, ensuring to get under the skin for maximum flavor.
  6. Stuff the Turkey Cavity: Place one halved unpeeled onion and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter inside the turkey cavity for added moisture and flavor.
  7. Cook the Turkey: Place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the Crock-Pot, skin-side up. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 to 7 hours until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). No additional liquid is necessary as the turkey will release its own juices. Avoid cooking on high to prevent drying out.
  8. Optional Crisping: For crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey to a baking pan or casserole dish, drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil, spray all over with cooking spray, and broil about 1 foot from the heat source for 4 to 8 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  9. Slice and Serve: Cut the large turkey breasts off-center bone and slice the meat thinly against the grain for the best texture.
  10. Optional Gravy: Strain the vegetables and cooking liquid from the Crock-Pot into a bowl, pressing the vegetables to extract all the flavorful liquid. Measure out 2 cups of this liquid, adding chicken broth if necessary to reach the volume. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, then whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the strained liquid while whisking constantly until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings to taste. Serve warm alongside the turkey.

Notes

  • Thaw the turkey breast thoroughly in the refrigerator for safety and even cooking; avoid thawing in the Crock-Pot.
  • Using bone-in, skin-on turkey breast ensures juiciness and flavor.
  • Low and slow cooking is key to tender turkey breast; avoid high heat to prevent drying out.
  • Broiling for skin crisping is optional but highly recommended for best texture.
  • The gravy can be adjusted for thickness by adding more broth if needed.
  • Fresh thyme garnish adds an aromatic touch for presentation.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/crockpot-turkey-breast-recipe/