If you are looking to create a truly comforting and foolproof main dish, this Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender, juicy, and infused with fresh herbs, citrus, and a lovely hint of apple sweetness, this slow-cooked turkey breast delivers beautiful flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect recipe to set and forget, giving you more time to relax or focus on your other dishes while the slow cooker does all the magic. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleaser that’s moist and bursting with savory goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet carefully chosen ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and a beautifully textured turkey breast. Each component plays a specific role, from seasoning to moisture, ensuring every bite feels thoughtfully prepared.
- Turkey breast (4-5 pounds boneless or 6 pounds bone-in): The star of the dish that will become tender and juicy when slow-cooked to perfection.
- Kosher salt (1 tablespoon): Essential for seasoning and drawing out the turkey’s natural flavors.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick of warmth without overpowering the taste.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the turkey with its aromatic, savory depth.
- Medium lemon (zested and cut into 8 wedges): Provides bright citrus notes that lighten the richness and enhance moisture.
- Carrots (2, cut into 2-inch pieces): Adds natural sweetness and acts as a flavorful bed for the turkey.
- Celery stalks (2, cut into 2-inch pieces): Contributes a mild earthiness and moisture to the slow cooker.
- Red apple (1, cut into 8 wedges): Offers a touch of fruity sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.
- Fresh thyme sprigs (8): Fresh herbs bring that unmistakable garden-fresh aroma and depth.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth (1 cup): Creates a flavorful steaming environment and keeps the meat tender.
- Unsalted butter, melted (3 tablespoons): Brings richness and helps brown and flavor the turkey’s skin.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Season and Marinate the Turkey
Start by patting your turkey breast dry—this step helps the seasoning stick and ensures better browning later. In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and lemon zest, then massage this mixture all over the turkey. Don’t be shy, get every nook covered to maximize flavor penetration. Toss the lemon wedges into the slow cooker and place your prepared turkey inside. For the best flavor and juiciness, refrigerate your marinated turkey for at least two hours; overnight is even better if you have time!
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker Bed
This part is all about layering flavor from the bottom up. Lay the carrot pieces, celery, apple wedges, fresh thyme sprigs, and lemon wedges in the bottom of the slow cooker. These veggies and fruit will infuse the turkey with incredible fragrance and moisture as it cooks.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Turkey Breast
Place your marinated turkey breast on top of the veggie and fruit bed. Now pour your choice of dry white wine or chicken broth gently around the edges—this prevents washing off your seasoning while still moistening the slow cooker environment. Finally, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the turkey for a rich finish. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; you’re aiming for 155°F (68°C) for tender, juicy turkey you can slice easily.
Step 4: Rest and Crisp the Skin (Optional but Recommended)
Once the turkey is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest uncovered for at least 15 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice remains moist. If you love crispy skin, pop the turkey under a preheated broiler for about 4 minutes, keeping an eagle eye on it so it doesn’t burn. This step transforms the skin into a perfect golden, slightly crispy layer that adds excellent texture contrast.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
After resting and optionally crisping, slice your turkey breast against the grain to maximize tenderness. Serve it with your favorite sides and consider using the slow cooker juices as a base for a rich, flavorful gravy. This final touch ties all the elements together into a harmonious, satisfying meal.
How to Serve Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a twist of lemon zest right before serving adds a touch of brightness and freshness. Some freshly cracked black pepper over the top also enhances the earthy flavor of the turkey, inviting everyone to dive right in.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a vibrant cranberry sauce to complement the subtle sweetness from the apple and lemon. Don’t forget a crisp green salad or some buttery dinner rolls to round out the plate with textures and colors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the turkey breast slices over a bed of the cooked vegetables from the slow cooker, spooning some of the pan juices on top for extra moisture and flavor. Alternatively, shred the turkey slightly and use it for warm sandwiches or turkey tacos with fresh slaws for a casual twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover turkey breast slices into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the turkey will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy quick and flavorful meals throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe later, slice the meat and freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers with some of the cooking juices to prevent drying out. Frozen turkey breast can last up to 3 months when sealed properly.
Reheating
Reheat the turkey gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) with a splash of turkey juices or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, warm slices on the stovetop over low heat with a lid, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating for longer storage as it can dry out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use a frozen turkey breast in this Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe?
While it’s best to start with a fully thawed turkey breast for even cooking, you can use frozen turkey breast if you increase the slow cooking time substantially. However, thawing overnight beforehand helps ensure your turkey cooks through evenly and safely.
How do I know when the turkey breast is done?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature has reached 155°F (68°C). This temperature guarantees safe consumption while maintaining moistness.
Can I substitute the white wine with something else?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is an excellent alternative that adds flavor and moisture without alcohol. Both options work well in this Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe.
Is it necessary to broil the turkey after slow cooking?
Broiling isn’t necessary but highly recommended if you enjoy crispy skin. It provides a lovely texture contrast and makes the turkey look extra appetizing on the plate.
Can I add other herbs or spices to customize this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with rosemary, sage, or paprika to match your personal taste. Just keep in mind that the slow cooker intensifies flavors over time, so add herbs sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it takes the stress out of cooking a delicious turkey breast without sacrificing flavor or juiciness. It’s comforting, versatile, and impressively easy, making it ideal for both family dinners and special occasions. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy that wonderful slow-cooked tenderness that only a crockpot can deliver.
Print
Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 2 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A tender and flavorful Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe that features slow-cooked turkey infused with aromatic herbs, apples, and lemon for a juicy and delicious meal. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a comforting family dinner and includes an optional step to crisp the skin under the broiler for added texture.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasoning
- 1 (4-5 pound) boneless turkey breast OR 1 (6-pound) bone-in turkey breast
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium lemon, zested and cut into 8 wedges
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 carrots, scrubbed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 red apple, cut into 8 wedges
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme
Liquids and Fats
- 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Season and Marinate Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, ground black pepper, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Rub this seasoning mixture thoroughly all over the turkey. Place lemon wedges inside and around the turkey. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Arrange the carrots, celery, apple wedges, fresh thyme sprigs, and lemon wedges at the bottom of the slow cooker. These aromatic vegetables and fruits provide a flavorful base and keep the turkey elevated.
- Slow Cook the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour 1 cup of dry white wine or chicken broth around the turkey carefully, avoiding pouring over the top to keep the seasoning intact. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter evenly over the turkey breast. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours until the internal temperature reads 155°F (68°C) for perfect doneness.
- Rest and Optional Skin Crisping: Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey from the slow cooker and let it rest uncovered on a cutting board for at least 15 minutes to redistributes juices and enhance tenderness. For crispy skin, place the rested turkey under the oven broiler for approximately 4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Slice the turkey breast and serve warm with your favorite side dishes. Optionally, make a gravy using the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to complement the meal.
Notes
- Marinating the turkey overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Using bone-in turkey breast adds extra moisture and flavor but requires the same cooking time as boneless.
- Broiling after slow cooking is optional but highly recommended for crispy skin.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
- Leftover turkey and cooking liquids can be used for soups or sandwiches.
