Okay, let’s be real – holiday cooking can be SCARY. I used to spend the whole day chained to the oven, stressing about the turkey. One year, I even slightly burned the gravy! (Don’t tell my mom). But then I discovered the magic of the slow cooker, and specifically, this Crock Pot Turkey Breast recipe. Seriously, it’s a game-changer.
This recipe is all about ease and flavor. You get that amazing, juicy turkey taste without all the fuss. And trust me, even if you’re a complete beginner, you can totally nail this. I’ve been making this Crock Pot Turkey Breast for years now, and it’s become a total holiday staple. My family begs for it! It’s honestly the easiest way to ensure you’ve got a moist, flavorful turkey without spending all day hovering over the oven. So, ditch the stress and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Seriously, where do I even start? This isn’t just a recipe; it’s your new holiday BFF! Here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed:
- Easy prep – like, ridiculously easy.
- Minimal ingredients – no crazy grocery store runs needed!
- Flavor explosion! Think juicy, savory turkey, every single time.
- Perfect for holidays *or* a weeknight win. Yep, it’s that versatile.
Effortless Preparation
The slow cooker is basically magic, right? You just toss everything in, set it, and forget it! Seriously, this recipe cuts out all the stressful oven-watching. We’re talking maybe 15 minutes of actual hands-on time. Score!
Delicious and Moist Turkey
Okay, picture this: tender, juicy turkey that practically melts in your mouth. No dry, cardboard-y turkey here! The slow cooker keeps everything perfectly moist. Plus, all those herbs and spices infuse the turkey with SO much flavor. You just have to try it!
Ingredients for Your Crock Pot Turkey Breast
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! The best part? You probably have most of this stuff already. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (6-8 pound) boneless turkey breast – try to get a good quality one, it makes a difference!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for that lovely browning and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – don’t skimp!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly cracked is always my fave.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – gotta have that classic Thanksgiving flavor!
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – adds a little something special.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – because everything’s better with garlic, right?
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – keeps things nice and moist in the slow cooker.
How to Make Crock Pot Turkey Breast: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get this turkey party started? Don’t worry, it’s way easier than you think! Just follow these super simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, juicy turkey breast in no time.
Preparing the Turkey Breast
First, give that turkey breast a little spa treatment! Pat it dry with some paper towels. Then, in a small bowl, mix together your olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Now, rub that mixture ALL over the turkey. Get it nice and coated – this is where all the flavor comes from!
Slow Cooking the Turkey Breast
Next, plop that seasoned turkey breast right into your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over it – this will keep it nice and moist while it cooks. Now, here’s the important part: cook it on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. But seriously, use a meat thermometer! You want that internal temperature to reach 165°F. Trust me on this one!
Resting and Slicing
Alright, the turkey’s done! But don’t slice into it just yet! Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This is KEY! It lets the juices redistribute, so you don’t end up with dry turkey. Then, slice it up and get ready to dig in. Wow, you did it!
Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Turkey Breast
Want to take your Crock Pot Turkey Breast from “good” to “OMG AMAZING”? I’ve got you covered! First off, resist the urge to peek! Opening the lid lets heat escape, and nobody wants a longer cooking time. Also, seriously, get a meat thermometer. It’s the only way to know for *sure* when your turkey’s done. And finally, don’t skip the resting time – it’s crucial for juicy perfection!
Crock Pot Turkey Breast Variations
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy! My favorite part about this Crock Pot Turkey Breast is how easy it is to customize. Swap out the thyme and rosemary for sage and oregano for a more Italian vibe. Or, how about a little paprika and onion powder? Boom! And for extra flavor (and veggies!), toss some sliced onions, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker. You really can’t mess this up!
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Turkey Breast
Okay, so you’ve got this beautiful, juicy Crock Pot Turkey Breast… now what? Well, you gotta have sides, right? My go-to’s are mashed potatoes (duh!), stuffing (it’s not Thanksgiving without it!), cranberry sauce (the sweet and tart is *chef’s kiss*), and some simple green beans. But hey, do *you*!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Turkey Breast
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this Crock Pot Turkey Breast recipe:
Can I use a frozen turkey breast? Okay, so technically, you *can*, but I really don’t recommend it. It’ll take a LOT longer to cook, and it might not cook evenly. Plus, the texture might be a little…weird. If you absolutely *have* to use a frozen one, make sure it’s completely thawed before you put it in the slow cooker. Like, *completely* thawed. Trust me, it’s worth the extra planning!
How do I prevent the turkey from drying out? Ah, the million-dollar question! The good news is, the slow cooker is pretty great at keeping things moist. But to be extra safe, make sure you add that chicken broth! And, as I mentioned before, don’t peek! Letting all that steam out will dry it out faster than you can say “gobble gobble.”
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker? Absolutely! I love tossing some sliced onions, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker. They add tons of flavor to the turkey – and they’re delicious to eat, too! Just make sure you cut them into fairly large pieces, so they don’t get too mushy during the long cooking time.
Nutritional Information
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and all those numbers can vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. So, this is just a rough estimate, okay?
Enjoy Your Delicious Crock Pot Turkey Breast!
Alright, you did it! Now go enjoy that amazing Crock Pot Turkey Breast! And hey, if you loved it, leave a comment or give it a rating. I’d love to hear what you think!
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Foolproof Crock Pot Turkey Breast: Just 6 Ingredients
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy and flavorful turkey breast recipe made in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 (6-8 pound) boneless turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Rub turkey breast with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
- Place turkey breast in a slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth over the turkey breast.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sliced onions, carrots, and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked.
- The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (4 oz)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
