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
Scale
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.
