Cooking wild turkey breast can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy if you use a crockpot. The slow cooker allows the turkey to become fall-off-the-bone tender while infusing it with delicious flavor. In this article, I’ll explain the step-by-step process for cooking wild turkey breast in a crockpot, from start to finish.
Selecting and Preparing the Turkey Breast
The first step is choosing the right turkey breast. Look for one that is about 2 to 5 pounds to fit nicely in your crockpot. It should have a pinkish hue without any discoloration or freezer burn. Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry. Then, trim off any excess fat or connective tissue. This helps the spices and seasoning penetrate the meat better.
Seasoning the Turkey Breast
Now it’s time to add flavor. Use a simple combination of olive oil salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and dried herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary. Coat the turkey breast evenly on all sides with the oil and spices. Let it sit for about 30 minutes so the seasoning really soaks in. The oil will also help the turkey brown better later.
Browning the Turkey Breast
Before placing the turkey in the crockpot, it’s a good idea to brown it first. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned turkey breast and brown it for 2-3 minutes on each side. This caramelization adds deeper flavor and color to the final dish.
Preparing the Crockpot
While the turkey browns, get the crockpot ready. Pour in 1-2 cups of chicken or turkey broth. You can also add coarsely chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the crockpot. The veggies add nice flavor and prevent the turkey from drying out.
Cooking the Turkey
Once browned transfer the turkey breast to the crockpot. Make sure it’s fully submerged in the broth and veggies. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours until the meat is very tender. For a 3 to 5 pound breast extend the time to 8-10 hours. The meat should shred easily when poked with a fork.
Finishing Touches
When the turkey is done, transfer it to a cutting board to rest for 10-15 minutes This allows the juices to redistribute evenly. Slice or shred the turkey, then serve it topped with the broth, veggies, and juices from the crockpot You can thicken the broth to make a nice gravy.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for wildly delicious crockpot turkey breast:
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Use fresh, high-quality turkey breasts within 2 days of purchase.
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Refrain from peeking! Lifting the lid frequently lets heat escape.
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Make sure the breast is submerged in liquid at all times.
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Allow the cooked turkey to rest before slicing for a juicier texture.
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Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these missteps when cooking turkey breast in the crockpot:
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Skipping the browning step – this seals in flavor.
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Not using enough broth or liquid.
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Forgetting to season under the skin for added flavor.
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Overcooking resulting in dry, stringy meat.
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Cutting into the breast immediately rather than letting it rest.
Serving Suggestions
Wild turkey breast pairs nicely with these flavorful sides:
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Roasted fall vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes
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Earthy wild rice or quinoa
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Mashed cauliflower “potatoes” for lower carbs
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Fresh green salad with pomegranate seeds
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Cranberry sauce for tartness
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Savory gravy made from the crockpot drippings
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Fluffy dinner rolls to soak up the juices
For special occasions, carve the turkey breast and arrange it on a decorative platter surrounded by the sides family-style. Drizzle the sliced meat with gravy for added elegance.
Cooking wild turkey breast in the crockpot results in a savory, ultra-tender main dish with minimal hands-on time. The key is choosing a quality turkey breast, seasoning it well, maintaining moisture in the crock, and cooking it low and slow. Follow these tips and soon you’ll be impressing your family with your crockpot wild turkey skills. Set it and forget it!
Slow-Cooker Herbed Turkey Breast Rolls
- Wild Turkey Breasts
- peppered bacon
- rosemary
- oregano
- parsley
- kitchen twine
- 2/3 c. chicken stock
- 1/3 c. apple juice
- 1/3 c. rice vinegar
- mushrooms
- cornstarch (for gravy)
Slit a pocket in the turkey breasts, fill them with peppered bacon, rosemary, oregano, and parsley, and roll them shut, securing them with kitchen twine.
Place in the crockpot on low heat, cover them with 2/3 cup of chicken broth, 1/3 cup of apple juice and 1/3 cup of rice vinegar, mushrooms and more herbs. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Make gravy by mixing a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch with chicken stock and adding it to the liquid in the crockpot turning it on high while finishing the rest of the meal. (recipe and courtesy of
Smoked Hawaiian Wild Turkey
- 4 Wild Turkey breast fillets
- 14 ounces Crushed pineapple, canned
- 2 slices Bacon
- 1 1/4 cup Honey mustard sauce
- 3 tbsp Liquid smoke flavoring juice from 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp Garlic salt or powder pepper to taste
Mix together olive oil, mustard sauce, liquid smoke flavoring, lemon juice, pepper and garlic spice into a shallow baking pan. Add Wild Turkey breasts and marinate 18-36 hours.
Pre-heat oven to 325F.
Cook in same pan for 45 minutes with a 3 inch slice of bacon on top of each breast. Add pineapple and cook for another 40 minutes.
Crockpot Wild Turkey Recipe
FAQ
Do you need to soak wild turkey breast before cooking?
Place either the whole turkey or the breast meat in cold water that is lightly salted for about 8 hours or overnight. If you are just using the breast meat, soak it in the water in the refrigerator. If using the whole bird, a clean cooler with ice water works well.
How long can you cook turkey in a slow cooker?
- 1 kg / 2 lb: 4 – 5 hours on low.
- 2 – 3 kg / 4 – 6 lb: 5 – 6 hours on low.
- 4 kg / 8 lb: 6 – 7 hours on low (see 8 June ’17 report from reader Tony)
- 5 kg / 10 lb: 8 – 9 hours on low.
Should turkey breast be up or down in the crockpot?
For an even more moist and tender turkey, cook with the breast side down. Just be prepared that you won’t really be able to slice the turkey this way; it will just fall off the bone. The presentation isn’t great with this method, but the meat is super moist.
Do you put water in a slow cooker for turkey?
step 1. Season the turkey all over and put in the slow cooker with all the remaining ingredients, along with 1 litre of water.
Can you cook wild turkey breast in a crockpot?
If you’re looking to cook a delicious and tender wild turkey breast, using a crockpot is a great option. Slow cooking the turkey breast allows the flavors to meld together and results in a moist and flavorful dish. Here’s a simple and easy recipe to cook wild turkey breast in a crockpot. Do you like this article?
Can you cook a Turkey breast in a crock pot?
You can cook a Turkey breast in a Crock Pot. Cook on high for about 2 – 3 hours, then turn the Crock Pot to low. Using a ladle, ladle the juices from the Turkey over the breast. Let cook for another 2 hours. Slice the Oranges in 1/3 inch slices and place in the Crock Pot. Rinse the Cranberries and place in the Crock Pot.
What do you put in a crock pot turkey breast?
For Crock Pot Turkey BreastRecipes, you need crock pot, worchestershire sauce, herb mix, kosher salt, celery seed, sugar, and other ingredients. For Basilmomma’s Crock Pot Turkey Breast, you need unsalted butter, dried minced onion, italian seasoning, black pepper, and other ingredients.
How long do you cook a turkey breast in a crockpot?
Set the crockpot to low heat and cook the turkey breast for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked. Once the turkey breast is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the turkey breast with the cooking juices and enjoy a delicious and moist dish.
Can you cook a turkey breast in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a turkey breast in a slow cooker. This slow cooker turkey breast is rubbed with a blend of herbs, seasoning, and garlic. The turkey comes out tender, flavorful, and juicier than baking it in the oven.
What temperature do you cook a turkey breast in a crock pot?
Cook the turkey breast in the Crock Pot. You’ll want it to reach an internal temperature of 155-160 degrees F. We’re NOT cooking to 165 degrees F, which is the typical safe temperature for poultry, because the temperature will rise more while broiling and resting. (More details below!) Broil to brown the skin.