Are turkey breasts that are dry getting old for you? Luckily, you can avoid that, and we’ll show you how.
Turkey breast meat is thick yet super lean (minimal fat). Due to the thickness, turkey breasts typically need about two hours to cook all the way through. If you cooked meat with a lot of fat for that long, the fat would melt, leaving the muscle fibers smooth and juicy. Since the typical turkey breast contains little fat, it can dry out during long cooks.
Turkey breasts can be served less dry if they are brined before they are cooked, but you won’t be able to do that if you don’t have time or room in the fridge to brine a turkey breast. If brining is not an option, consider cooking your turkey breasts in a slow cooker.
NOTE: We highly recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure doneness as every slow cooker cooks differently. For safety and to make sure the meat is done, the thickest part of the breast (without touching the bone) and the thighs need to be 165°F on the inside.
Cooking a juicy flavorful turkey breast in a crock pot is a great hands-off way to prepare this lean and tasty meat. With just a few simple steps, you can have a perfectly cooked crock pot turkey breast ready in 5-8 hours depending on the size.
Why Cook a Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot?
There are several advantages to using a crock pot or slow cooker to prepare turkey breast
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Convenience – Simply season the turkey breast, set it in the crock pot with a little liquid, and let it cook unattended for hours. No need to tend to it like in the oven.
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Moist meat – The moist, enclosed environment of the crock pot keeps the turkey breast very juicy and tender. No drying out like can happen in the oven.
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Enhanced flavor – The turkey breast soaks up all the flavors from the seasoning and cooking liquid over the long cook time. Very aromatic and delicious!
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Space savings – You don’t have to tie up your oven for hours to cook a turkey breast. The crock pot does the work on the counter.
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Portability – Crock pots are so handy to transport cooked turkey to parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. The meat stays hot and moist for hours.
How Long to Cook a Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot
The cook time for a turkey breast in a slow cooker will depend on a few factors:
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Weight of the turkey breast – A smaller 3-4 lb breast may only need 4-5 hours on low. A larger 6-7 lb breast could take 7-8 hours.
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Bone-in or boneless – Boneless breasts cook faster than bone-in. Plan for 30-60 minutes less time for boneless.
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High or low setting – Crock pots run hotter on high, so turkey will cook faster. Use low for more gradual cooking.
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Size of crock pot – Larger capacity crock pots heat slightly slower. A smaller 3-4 quart size may shave off 30-60 minutes.
As a general guideline, plan for 5-8 hours of cook time on the low setting for a bone-in turkey breast between 3-7 pounds. Check for doneness at the 5 hour mark.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for foolproof crock pot turkey breast every time:
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Remove skin and pat dry – This allows the seasonings and liquid to better penetrate and flavor the meat. Discard the skin or save it for making turkey stock.
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Season generously – For maximum flavor, coat all sides with dried herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. A homemade turkey rub is even better.
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Brown first (optional) – For deeper flavor, quickly brown the seasoned breast in a skillet on the stovetop before slow cooking.
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Add to crock pot and liquid – Place turkey breast in crock pot and add 1⁄2 – 1 cup liquid like broth, wine, or water.
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Cook on low 5-8 hours – Cover and cook until fork tender and 165°F internally. Resist opening lid to prevent heat loss.
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Rest 10 minutes – Once cooked, let turkey breast rest 10 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
Helpful Tips and Variations
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For a brined turkey breast, soak in a saltwater brine for 6-12 hours before cooking in the crock pot. Enhances moisture and flavor.
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Use chicken or turkey stock or broth instead of water for enhanced richness. Or try apple cider, white wine, or beer.
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Vegetable trimmings like onion skins, celery leaves, and carrot ends add great flavor.
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Fresh herbs – Rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley all pair well with turkey. Add a few sprigs to the pot.
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Aromatics – Sliced onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and peppercorns amp up the flavor.
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Rub with butter or oil before seasoning to help herbs and spices adhere.
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Cook two smaller turkey breasts together to feed a crowd. They stack nicely in the crock pot.
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Let cooked turkey breast rest in broth after cooking to keep extra moist.
The Verdict on Crock Pot Turkey Breast
Cooking a turkey breast in the slow cooker makes for a fuss-free, foolproof meal with juicy meat and awesome flavor. In just 5-8 hours, you can enjoy delicious homemade turkey without spending time in the kitchen. With minimal hands-on time, the crock pot does all the work for a nourishing protein-packed meal everyone will love. Give it a try today!
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Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Cooking turkey breasts in an oven or grill may be popular, but it can be tedious and unforgiving. You have to keep checking the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. If you accidentally cook it for a few extra minutes, the turkey could burn or get dry.
On the other hand, cooking a turkey breast in a slow cooker is very forgiving. The low cooking temperature will help make sure the turkey doesn’t burn or get dry, even if it stays in the crockpot for an extra hour. Here are more benefits of opting for slow cooker turkey breast:
- Flavorful, tender, and juicy turkey breasts every time
- Minimal prep time – no need to brine
- Easy to cook; you don’t have to keep an eye on it for hours.
- Easy to clean up afterward
Lastly, using a slow cooker makes turkey broth that is very concentrated. You can use this broth to make a great gravy.
Before we talk about how to cook bone-in turkey breasts in a crockpot, let’s settle the debate about which is better: slow cookers.
Instant Pot® or Electric Pressure Cooker
Unlike a slow cooker, instant pots and electric pressure cookers, cook food quickly. You can use these fast cookers to make tasty and moist turkey breasts because they keep the steam in and cook food quickly. An Instant Pot® also has a slow cooker setting for cooking turkey breasts with low heat.
Learn more about how to cook turkey breast in an Instant Pot® or electric pressure cooker here.
Moist and Tender Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot
FAQ
How long does a crock pot take to cook?
Is it safe to cook a turkey in a slow cooker on low?
How many hours per pound to cook a turkey breast?
How long does it take to cook Jennie O’ turkey breast in a crock pot?
How do you cook a turkey breast in a slow cooker?
In a small bowl, mash together the butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Prep the slow cooker. I have this one. Grease the bottom, place the onions inside, and pour in the chicken broth. Rub the turkey breast with herb butter. Use a paper towel to pat the turkey until very dry, then rub.
How long do you cook a turkey breast on a crock pot?
Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until tender. Lemon-Garlic Turkey Breast: Combine 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley, 8 minced garlic cloves, 4 teaspoons grated lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt-free lemon-pepper seasoning and 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; rub over turkey breast. Add water and cook as directed.
How long does a 2 kg turkey breast take to cook?
A 2 kg / 4 l2b turkey breast will take 5 to 6 hours on LOW in a slow cooker. Check the internal temperature at 5 hours. See recipe notes for cook times for other sizes. I promised you easy – and easy it is! Here’s how it goes down: Use slow cooker juices to make a killer gravy.
How to cook a Turkey in a slow cooker?
First, put the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Then place the turkey breast on top and pour the chicken broth around the turkey. Now, put the lid on the slow cooker and cook the turkey on low for 5 to 6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can you cook a Turkey in a crockpot?
With a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on the side dishes and cranberry sauce. Perfect Turkey! The combination of butter, fresh herbs, and garlic infuses the crockpot turkey breast with lots of flavor, while slow cooking ensures that the meat becomes tender and juicy. Versatile Dish! Not just for Thanksgiving.
How long do you cook a 4 pound turkey in a slow cooker?
For a 4 to 5 pound turkey breast in the slow cooker, cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours. Remember to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked. Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Stainless Steel Choose the right size.