Juicy Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Resting time
20 mins
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Total Time
4 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
231 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Juicy Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast
Description
This recipe begins by softening butter and mixing it with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, and optional turmeric to create a seasoned rub. The butter paste is spread over the surface of a fully thawed boneless turkey breast. The turkey is then placed in a slow cooker lined with sliced onions, which contribute flavor and moisture during the long cooking time.
The slow cooker operates on low heat, cooking the turkey thoroughly over several hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This method produces meat that is juicy and tender, with herbs and spices infused throughout. The color from turmeric is noticeable but optional, affecting the gravy color if using drippings to make sauce.
The cooked turkey can be sliced or shredded and served as a main course. The recipe includes recommendations for adjusting salt levels based on pre-brined turkey products and guidelines for cooking times based on weight or different types of turkey breasts, including bone-in options. Preparation can be done in advance by assembling in the crock the night before and refrigerating until cooking.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. turkey breast boneless
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 yellow onion cut into roughly 1/2 inch slices, large
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (see notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh, dried
- 1 teaspoon thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh, dried
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric optional
- herbs optional, fresh, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, soften the butter in the microwave for a few seconds if it's not already soft (don't completely melt it). Spread a little bit of the butter in the bottom of your slow cooker, then place the sliced onions in the slow cooker.
- Remove the turkey breast from the packaging and discard any twine used for trussing, gravy inserts, etc. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. I like to place paper towels on a rimmed baking sheet, place the turkey breast on top, and pat the top dry.
- To make the rub, add the kosher salt (2 teaspoons- see notes if using butterball or pre-brined turkey!), black pepper (1/2 teaspoon), garlic powder (1 teaspoon), dried oregano (1 teaspoon), dried thyme (1 teaspoon), paprika (1 teaspoon), and turmeric, if using (1/2 teaspoon) to the softened butter and stir together to form a paste.
- Spread a little of the rub on the bottom of the turkey, then place it in the slow cooker. If the turkey comes with skin, lift it up gently and spread some of the rub under the skin. Place the skin back on top and spread the majority of the rub all over the top of the turkey breast evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Optional: If you want crispy skin, place the turkey skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet and broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the skin is crisped to your liking.
- Allow to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use 1 teaspoon kosher salt if using pre-brined turkey such as Butterball to avoid over-salting.
- Bone-in turkey breasts require longer cooking times; adjust accordingly and double rub quantities as needed.
- Thoroughly thaw turkey breast in the refrigerator for approximately 24 hours per 5 pounds to ensure even cooking.
- You can prepare the slow cooker assembly ahead by placing ingredients in the crock and refrigerating overnight, then cooking next day.
- To make gravy, use turkey drippings combined with butter and flour cooked into a roux; add chicken stock to adjust consistency.
- Turmeric adds golden color to turkey and gravy but can be omitted if a traditional color is preferred.
- Overcooking by an hour or two may result in stringy meat but will still remain moist.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 231 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 231kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 107mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 983mg | 41% |
| Potassium | 442mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 332IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 35mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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