Today, we’re diving into the easiest, most stress-free way to prepare a Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot – the quintessential “set and forget” method. This recipe is your answer to a perfectly tender, juicy boneless turkey breast without any fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights, holiday leftovers, or simply when you crave a delicious, lean protein. Get ready to transform dinnertime with minimal effort and maximum flavor! This crock pot boneless turkey breast is undeniably the best way to enjoy a perfectly cooked turkey.
Key Ingredients for Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this incredibly tender and flavorful Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot:
- 2-3 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast: (also known as a turkey breast roast or tenderloin). Ensure it’s fully thawed if frozen.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that pairs wonderfully with turkey.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Another essential herb for aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic essence.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Contributes to the savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste, but this is a good starting point.
- 1 cup chicken broth or turkey broth: Provides moisture and helps create a delicious cooking liquid. (Low sodium is preferred to control saltiness)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): For thickening the gravy later.
- 2 tablespoons cold water (optional): To mix with cornstarch for a slurry.
How to Make Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot
This Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot is a culinary dream – effortlessly easy, delightfully delicious, and deeply satisfying. The beauty lies in its simplicity: a quick sear, then let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, resulting in incredibly tender, moist meat permeated with savory herbs. With a minimal prep time of just 15 minutes, you’ll be on your way to a hassle-free, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Turkey Breast: Pat the boneless turkey breast thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere and promotes better searing.
- Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this seasoning mixture generously all over the turkey breast, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Sear for Flavor (Optional but Recommended): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned turkey breast in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a light golden-brown crust forms. This step adds significant depth of flavor and helps seal in juices, though it can be skipped if you’re truly short on time.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Carefully transfer the seared boneless turkey breast to your slow cooker.
- Add Liquid: Pour the chicken or turkey broth around the turkey breast in the slow cooker.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer at its thickest part. Cooking time can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the size of your turkey breast.
- Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, carefully remove the boneless turkey breast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist turkey.
- Make Optional Gravy (Optional): If you’d like to make a gravy, strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Bring the strained cooking liquid to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry, a little at a time, until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Slice the rested turkey breast against the grain into thick or thin slices, depending on your preference. Serve hot with the optional gravy.
Why You’ll Love This Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot
You are absolutely going to adore this Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot for so many reasons! The main highlight is undeniably the incredible tenderness and juiciness that only slow cooking can achieve – no dry turkey here, ever. This method locks in moisture and infuses every bite with delicious savory flavors, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Beyond its fantastic taste, preparing turkey breast in your crock pot is a brilliant way to save money compared to buying pre-cooked meats or takeout, giving you a healthy, homemade option that’s kind to your wallet.
The rich, aromatic blend of thyme, rosemary, garlic, and onion powder creates a robust flavor profile that’s simply irresistible, and if you whip up the optional gravy from the pan drippings, it elevates the entire dish to a new level of comfort food excellence. If you enjoyed the simplicity of our Slow Cooker Pot Roast, you’ll find this turkey breast even more straightforward and just as rewarding. Give this recipe a try tonight; your taste buds and schedule will thank you! We promise you won’t regret adding this incredibly easy yet deeply satisfying meal to your regular rotation.
What to Serve Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot With
This versatile Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot pairs beautifully with a wide array of sides, making it perfect for any meal, from a casual dinner to a holiday feast.
- Classic Comforts: Mashed potatoes (sweet or regular), roasted sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing/dressing, or a simple side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
- Hearty Grains: Wild rice pilaf, quinoa salad, or even a simple side of buttered noodles.
- Fresh and Light: A crisp garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing, cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought), or roasted root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips.
- Beverage Pairings: A light-bodied white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or for non-alcoholic options, sparkling cider or iced tea.
Top Tips for Perfecting Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot
Achieving a perfectly tender and juicy Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot is easier than you think, especially with these expert tips:
- Don’t Skip the Sear (if time allows): While technically optional, searing the turkey breast for a few minutes per side before slow cooking creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and locks in extra flavor. It truly makes a difference.
- Pat Dry for Best Results: Always pat your turkey breast very dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing. Excess moisture can hinder browning and dilute the seasoning.
- Season Generously: Turkey breast on its own can be a bit bland, so don’t be shy with your seasonings. A good rub of herbs, salt, and pepper is key to a flavorful result.
- Avoid Overcooking: The biggest mistake with turkey is overcooking, which leads to dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part, then remove it promptly. Even in a slow cooker, it can dry out if left too long.
- The Importance of Resting: Once cooked, always let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes, loosely tented with foil. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing a moist and tender slice every time. Skipping this step means all those delicious juices will run out onto your cutting board.
- Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs! Sage, dried oregano, or a poultry seasoning blend can be excellent additions. A sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme tossed into the broth also adds incredible aroma.
- Low and Slow is Best: While you can cook on high, cooking on the LOW setting typically yields a more tender and evenly cooked turkey breast.
- For Extra Moisture: If you’re concerned about dryness, you can place a few pats of butter on top of the turkey breast before cooking or even drape a few slices of bacon over it for added flavor and fat.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To ensure your delicious Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot leftovers stay fresh and tasty, follow these straightforward storage and reheating guidelines:
- Storage in the Refrigerator: Once the turkey has cooled completely, slice it into manageable portions or shred it. Place the turkey in an airtight container. If you have any leftover cooking liquid or gravy, pour a little over the turkey slices to keep them moist. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Storage in the Freezer: For longer storage, slice or shred the cooled turkey and place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Again, adding a bit of the cooking liquid can help maintain moisture when reheating. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating for Optimal Taste:
- Microwave: For individual portions, place turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate with a tablespoon or two of broth or water. Cover and microwave on medium power in 30-60 second intervals until heated through.
- Oven: For larger quantities or to prevent drying out, place turkey slices in an oven-safe dish with a splash of broth or water, cover tightly with foil, and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Skillet: For crispier edges or smaller portions, heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat. Add turkey slices with a little broth and gently warm, flipping occasionally, until heated through.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – the ultimate “set and forget” method for a perfectly cooked Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot. This recipe truly embodies comfort and convenience, delivering a tender, flavorful, and incredibly versatile protein with minimal effort on your part. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal, a healthy meal prep solution, or a hassle-free addition to your holiday spread, this crock pot turkey breast is a guaranteed winner. So go ahead, dust off your slow cooker, and treat yourself to this wonderfully easy and delicious dish. Happy cooking!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot FAQs
Q1: Do I need to thaw the boneless turkey breast before putting it in the crock pot?
A1: Yes, it is highly recommended to fully thaw a frozen boneless turkey breast before cooking it in the slow cooker. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and potentially unsafe temperatures.
Q2: Can I use a bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?
A2: While you can technically cook bone-in turkey breast in a slow cooker, the cooking time will be significantly longer, and the “boneless” aspect of this recipe focuses on speed and ease of carving. For best results with this recipe, stick to boneless.
Q3: My turkey breast turned out dry. What went wrong?
A3: The most common reason for dry turkey is overcooking. Even in a slow cooker, turkey can dry out if cooked too long or at too high a temperature. Always use a meat thermometer and aim for 165°F (74°C). Also, ensuring sufficient liquid in the pot helps.
Q4: How can I make gravy from the drippings?
A4: After removing the turkey, strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Bring the strained liquid to a simmer, then gradually whisk in the slurry until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to the crock pot with the turkey?
A5: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to the bottom of the slow cooker can add flavor to the broth and give you a built-in side dish. Be aware that root vegetables might take longer to cook than the turkey, so add them with enough time to soften.
Q6: What if I don’t have fresh herbs, can I use dried?
A6: Yes, the recipe already calls for dried herbs (thyme and rosemary). Dried herbs are often more concentrated, so if substituting with fresh, you’d typically use about three times the amount (e.g., 3 teaspoons fresh for 1 teaspoon dried).
Q7: Is it necessary to sear the turkey breast first?
A7: Searing is optional but highly recommended. It creates a flavorful crust and adds depth to the overall taste of the turkey. If you’re truly short on time, you can skip it, but the flavor will be slightly less complex.
Boneless Turkey Breast in Crock Pot – Set and Forget Method
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the boneless turkey breast thoroughly dry with paper towels.2-3 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast
- In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this seasoning mixture generously all over the turkey breast.1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned turkey breast for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden-brown. (Optional step)1 tablespoon olive oil, 2-3 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast
- Transfer the seared turkey breast to your slow cooker.2-3 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast
- Pour the chicken or turkey broth around the turkey breast in the slow cooker.1 cup chicken broth or turkey broth
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker, place it on a cutting board, tent with foil, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Optional Gravy: Strain cooking liquid into a saucepan. Whisk cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Bring strained liquid to a simmer, then whisk in slurry until desired thickness. Season to taste.1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons cold water
- Slice the rested turkey breast against the grain and serve hot, with gravy if desired.