Are you tired of serving dry turkey breasts? Fortunately, it can be avoided and we are here to 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 fatty meat for that long, the fat would melt during the cooking process, lubricate the muscle fibers, and keep the meat juicy. Since the typical turkey breast contains little fat, it can dry out during long cooks.
You can avoid serving dry turkey breasts by wet or dry brining before cooking, but that won’t be feasible if you don’t have the time or fridge space 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. Internal temperature needs to be 165°F in both the thickest part of the breast (without touching the bone) and in the thighs to ensure doneness and food safety.
Cooking a frozen turkey breast in a crockpot is a convenient and tasty way to prepare a delicious home-cooked meal. With minimal prep time, you can have a juicy, flavorful turkey breast ready when you want it. But how long should you cook a frozen turkey breast in a crockpot to ensure it turns out perfectly cooked and tender? Read on for tips and timing guidelines.
Benefits of Cooking Frozen Turkey Breast in a Crockpot
Using a crockpot to cook a frozen turkey breast offers several advantages
-
Convenience: Simply add the turkey breast and seasonings to the crockpot in the morning or evening and let it slow cook throughout the day. No need to continuously monitor it.
-
Moist and Tender Meat: The low, slow cooking helps break down connective tissues, resulting in very moist and tender turkey meat.
-
Infuses Flavor: Seasonings and liquids have hours to permeate the turkey, infusing it with delicious flavor.
-
** Food Safety:** The prolonged cooking ensures the turkey breast is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Thawing First vs Cooking Frozen
You have two options when it comes to preparing a frozen turkey breast in the crockpot:
- Thaw it first in the refrigerator before cooking
- Cook it completely frozen
Thawing first allows the turkey to cook more evenly throughout. However, cooking from frozen is absolutely doable. Just be sure to allot extra cooking time.
Timing Guidelines for Cooking Frozen Turkey Breast
The timing will vary somewhat based on the size and shape of your turkey breast, but these general guidelines will ensure it turns out perfectly:
-
Small Breast (2-3 lbs): Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
-
Medium Breast (3-4 lbs): Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.
-
Large Breast (4-6 lbs): Cook on LOW for 10-12 hours.
-
Extra Large Breast (6+ lbs): Cook on LOW for 12-14 hours.
-
If cooking a thawed turkey breast, reduce cook times by about 1-2 hours.
Checking for Doneness
The best way to ensure your frozen turkey breast is fully cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, taking care not to touch any bones.
The safe minimum internal temperature for turkey is 165°F. When it reaches this temp, your turkey is perfectly cooked and safe to eat. If it hasn’t yet reached 165°F, re-cover the crockpot and cook it for another 30-60 minutes until the desired internal temp is achieved.
Seasoning and Flavoring Ideas
One of the joys of crockpot cooking is that you can really add any flavors you enjoy to permeate the turkey as it cooks. Here are some tasty seasoning ideas:
- Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage
- Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
- Citrus – lemon, lime, orange
- Savory liquids like chicken broth, wine, soy sauce
Get creative and use any marinades, dry rubs or herb blends you enjoy!
Tips for Moist, Tender Turkey
Follow these tips for the most moist, tender frozen turkey breast possible:
- Cook on LOW heat and avoid opening the lid unnecessarily
- Use a cooking bag or liner for even cooking and easy cleanup
- Add some liquid like broth or water
- Baste the turkey with pan juices every few hours
- Let it rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain juices
Sample Turkey Breast Recipes
Here are a few delicious sample recipes to try:
Crockpot Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
Coat turkey breast with olive oil and season with dried thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, pepper, and garlic. Add 1 cup chicken broth to crockpot. Cook 8-10 hours on LOW.
Crockpot BBQ Turkey Breast
Coat turkey in BBQ sauce and sprinkle with chili powder. Add 1 chopped onion and 1 cup broth. Cook 10-12 hours on LOW. Shred with forks when done.
Crockpot Citrus & Herb Turkey Breast
Season turkey with lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and salt & pepper. Add slices of lime & orange to crockpot. Cook on LOW 8-10 hours.
Crockpot Turkey Breast with Gravy
Season turkey with poultry seasoning. Cook in broth 10-12 hours on LOW. Remove turkey when done and use broth to make gravy.
Crockpot Cranberry Turkey Breast
Coat turkey in cranberry sauce. Add celery, onions, broth to crockpot. Cook 10-12 hours on LOW. Serve with extra cranberry sauce.
FAQs
Is it safe to cook a frozen turkey breast in a crockpot?
Yes, it is completely safe provided you cook it long enough to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Be sure to allot extra time if cooking a large frozen breast.
Should I add liquid to the crockpot?
Yes, adding some liquid like broth, water, or wine will help keep the turkey moist and tender as it cooks.
What setting should I use to cook a frozen turkey breast?
LOW heat is best, as it cooks the turkey breast slowly and gently for the most tender meat. HIGH heat can cause the outer edges of the turkey to overcook.
Can I stuff a turkey breast and cook it in a crockpot?
This isn’t recommended, as the stuffing may not reach a safe internal temperature fast enough. Cook stuffing on the side instead.
Can I cook a frozen turkey breast from another bird like a duck or goose?
Yes, the same method and timing guidelines apply. Just be sure to cook it until it reaches the safe minimum internal temperature for that particular bird.
The Bottom Line
Cooking a delicious frozen turkey breast in the crockpot is easy and convenient. Allow 6-14 hours on LOW depending on the size, use a thermometer to check doneness, and add your favorite seasonings. In no time, you’ll have a perfectly cooked turkey breast ready for amazing meals!
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. Even if the turkey spends an extra hour in the crockpot, the low cooking temperature will help ensure that it doesn’t burn or get dry. 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
- Hassle-free cooking process – no need to check on it for hours
- Easy to clean up afterward
Lastly, using a slow cooker gives you highly concentrated turkey broth, which you can use to create an excellent gravy.
Before delving into how to cook bone-in turkey breasts in a crockpot, let’s settle the argument of crockpots vs. slow cookers.
Instant Pot® or Electric Pressure Cooker
Unlike a slow cooker, instant pots and electric pressure cookers, cook food quickly. Since these fast cookers lock in steam and cook food quickly, you can use them to make flavorful and moist turkey breasts. 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.