Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
6 hrs
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Total Time
6 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
388 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Description
The Slow Cooker Turkey Breast begins by mixing softened butter with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Half of this seasoning butter is carefully spread under the turkey breast's loosened skin and the rest spread on top, ensuring deep flavor penetration. The turkey is placed on a bed of thick-sliced onions inside a greased slow cooker and cooked on low for about six hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the meat is safely cooked yet moist. After slow cooking, the breast is transferred to a baking sheet and broiled for 4-5 minutes to crisp and brown the skin, adding a contrasting texture. Gravy is prepared by straining the slow cooker drippings, then making a classic roux with butter and flour on the stovetop, incorporating the drippings to finish a smooth gravy. This method yields a flavorful, tender turkey breast with a browned skin important for presentation and texture.
This recipe is ideal when a large, flavorful roasted turkey breast is desired without the effort of an oven roast. It pairs well with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roasted vegetables, suitable for a holiday or special family meal.
Using a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast is recommended to prevent dryness. The broiling step is key to getting crisp skin after slow cooking. A large oval slow cooker is needed to accommodate the size. The recipe notes to discard solids strained from the drippings before making gravy.
Ingredients
For the turkey
- 6 lb turkey breast bone-in, skin-on
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large onion peeled and cut into 1 inch thick slices
- herbs optional, fresh, for garnish
- cooking spray
For the gravy
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth or turkey broth
Instructions
- Place the 4 tablespoons of butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir until combined.
- Loosen the skin of the turkey. Spread half of the butter mixture under the skin of the turkey and spread half all over the top of the turkey.
- Coat a large oval slow cooker with cooking spray and line the bottom of the slow cooker with the onion slices.
- Place the turkey breast on top of the onion slices. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165 degrees F.
- Transfer the turkey breast to a baking sheet. Preheat the broiler.
- Broil the turkey for 4-5 minutes or until skin is browned and crispy.
- Pour the liquid from the slow cooker through a strainer; discard the solids.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine.
- Cook the flour and butter mixture for 1 minute.
- Pour 1 cup of strained drippings and 1 cup of chicken broth in the pan.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes or until just thickened, stirring constantly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Slice the turkey and serve with the gravy. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use a large oval slow cooker; standard round ones may be too small for the turkey breast.
- Broil the turkey after slow cooking to crisp the skin and achieve a golden color.
- Choose bone-in, skin-on turkey breast to help the meat stay moist through the slow cooking process.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 388 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 388kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 90g | 180% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 260mg | 87% |
| Sodium | 776mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 1091mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 875IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 73mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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