Emilie Meyer
Cooking a turkey breast in a crock pot is an easy and convenient way to prepare a delicious, tender, and juicy holiday meal. The slow cooker method is forgiving, reducing the risk of overcooking and drying out the meat. It also frees up oven space, making it ideal for small gatherings and weeknight meals. The crock pot's ability to lock in moisture and flavour results in a tasty dish that can be paired with various side dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crock Pot Size | 6-8 quart |
| Turkey Breast Weight | 3-9 pounds |
| Turkey Breast Type | Boneless or bone-in |
| Cook Time | 2-7 hours |
| Cook Temperature | 155-165°F |
| Cook Time Variation by Weight | Higher weight = longer cook time |
| Cook Time Variation by Type | Boneless = shorter cook time |
| Cook Time Variation by Temperature | Low heat = longer cook time |
| Broth | Chicken or bone broth |
| Vegetables | Onion, carrots, celery |
| Herbs | Rosemary, thyme, parsley |
| Spices | Paprika, pepper |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, garlic, salt |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Crock Pot Turkey Breast recipes
Cooking a turkey breast in a Crock Pot is a great way to prepare a no-fuss, tasty, and juicy holiday meal without the hassle of cooking a whole bird. It is a convenient, hands-off cooking process that is forgiving and reduces the risk of overcooking. Here are some recipes and tips for preparing a delicious Crock Pot turkey breast.
Ingredients:
- Turkey Breast: You can use a bone-in or boneless turkey breast, weighing around 3-4 pounds to ensure it fits in your Crock Pot. If using a frozen turkey breast, it is recommended to thaw it completely first.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter, or butter-flavored coconut oil or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and parsley are great choices, but you can also use other fresh herbs of your preference.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds flavor, but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
- Onion: Yellow or white onion creates a rack at the bottom of the Crock Pot, helping the turkey cook more evenly.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and creates a steaming effect. You can use reduced-sodium store-bought or homemade broth, or even bone broth.
Optional Ingredients:
- Carrots, potatoes, and other vegetables can be added to the Crock Pot and served with the turkey.
- Wine or water can be used as an alternative liquid base.
Instructions:
- Prep the Crock Pot: Grease the bottom, place the onions inside, and pour in the chicken broth.
- Make the Herb Butter: Mash together the butter, minced garlic, herbs, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Prepare the Turkey: Use a paper towel to pat the turkey dry. Rub the herb butter all over the turkey breast.
- Cook the Turkey: Place the turkey in the Crock Pot, cover, and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 155-165°F. This can take around 5-7 hours on Low or 3-4 hours on High, depending on the weight of your turkey breast.
- Broil the Skin (Optional): Transfer the cooked turkey to a baking dish and place it under the broiler for a few minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for about 10 minutes before carving it to allow the juices to settle.
Tips:
- Cooking a frozen turkey breast is possible but not recommended, as it may lead to uneven cooking.
- Slow cooking at a low temperature reduces the risk of drying out the meat.
- Bone-in turkey breasts tend to take longer to cook than boneless ones.
- The Crock Pot locks in moisture, making the turkey breast tender and juicy.
- You can use the juices from the Crock Pot to make a delicious gravy.
Installing Floor Pans: A Step-by-Step Guide for Your Cab
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Turkey breast size
Turkey breast is a notoriously lean cut of meat, so the only way to guarantee it will be cooked juicily if you roast it in the oven is to brine it first. However, cooking a turkey breast in a crock pot is a great way to ensure the meat is tender and moist without having to brine it.
The size of the turkey breast you use will depend on the size of your crock pot. It's recommended that you use a 6-8 quart crock pot, and that you don't use anything smaller, or the turkey breast won't fit. A 3-4 pound turkey breast will fit in a 6-8 quart crock pot and will take 4-5 hours to cook on low heat. A 4 kg/8-pound turkey breast will take 6-7 hours to cook on low heat. A 10-pound turkey breast will take about 8 and a half hours on low heat.
If you're using a bone-in turkey breast, it will take longer to cook than a boneless one. A 7-pound bone-in turkey breast will take 6-7 hours on low heat or 3.5-4.5 hours on high heat. For a boneless turkey breast, you're looking at 5-6 hours on low heat or 3-3.5 hours on high.
You can cook a frozen turkey breast in a crock pot, but it's not recommended, as the exterior of the turkey will cook long before the frozen interior, and the outside could become overcooked. It's best to thaw the turkey breast before cooking.
The Ultimate Guide to Removing Burnt Grease from Pans
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Crock Pot cooking times
Cooking a turkey breast in a Crock Pot is a great option for smaller gatherings or weekly meal prep. It is also a convenient way to save oven space for other dishes.
The cooking time for a turkey breast in a Crock Pot will depend on the weight of the meat and whether it is boneless or bone-in. A 3-4 pound boneless turkey breast will take around 3 to 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low. For a bone-in turkey breast, a good rule of thumb is to add an extra hour to the cooking time. So, a 6-pound bone-in turkey breast will take approximately 6 hours on low heat.
It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F at its thickest part. This can be checked using a meat thermometer. If the internal temperature is not yet 165°F, the turkey may need additional time in the Crock Pot, but the low cooking temperature will help prevent it from burning or drying out.
Additionally, it is recommended to let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat juicy.
For a larger turkey, such as a 10-pound bone-in breast, the cooking time will be significantly longer. It can take up to 8-9 hours on low heat to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cast Iron Alternatives: Best Pans for Your Kitchen
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Crock Pot prep
Cooking a turkey breast in a Crock Pot is an easy and convenient way to prepare a delicious, tender, and juicy holiday meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare and cook a tasty turkey breast in your Crock Pot:
- Choose the Right Crock Pot: Ensure you have a Crock Pot or slow cooker that is the right size for your turkey breast. A 6-8 quart oval crock pot is recommended for a 3-4 pound turkey breast.
- Thaw the Turkey: If your turkey breast is frozen, it is best to thaw it completely before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the exterior from overcooking while waiting for the interior to cook.
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove any giblets and rinse the turkey breast under cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. You can cut off any excess skin, but leave enough to cover the breast.
- Season the Turkey: Brush the turkey breast with oil or melted butter, and then season it generously. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, and seasoned salt. Rub the seasonings all over the turkey breast, making sure to get under the skin as well.
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Grease the bottom of the Crock Pot and place a layer of sliced onions, carrots, or potatoes, which will act as a rack and help the turkey cook more evenly. You can also add garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley for extra flavour. Pour in some chicken broth or water to create a steaming effect and keep the turkey moist.
- Place the Turkey in the Crock Pot: Put the seasoned turkey breast in the prepared Crock Pot, with the breast side up. This positioning will help the skin develop a nice colour and reduce the risk of tearing when removing the cooked turkey.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and set the temperature and timer according to the size of your turkey breast. For a 3-4 pound turkey breast, cook on low heat for about 6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. Adjust the timing accordingly for larger or smaller turkey breasts.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast. It should reach 165°F at its thickest part. For a slightly crispier skin, aim for an internal temperature of 155-160°F, as the temperature will rise while broiling and resting.
Follow these steps to prep and cook a delicious and juicy turkey breast in your Crock Pot, and enjoy a hassle-free holiday meal or a tasty weeknight dinner!
Creating Flavored Paneer: A Creative Culinary Adventure
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.37 $21.99
Crock Pot serving suggestions
A crock pot turkey breast is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, making it perfect for holidays or a simple weeknight meal. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your crock pot turkey breast:
Sauces
A delicious gravy can be made using the juices from the crock pot. Simply strain the juices and whisk in chicken or turkey broth and cornstarch. Cook this mixture until it thickens, and season to taste. For a healthier option, you can also serve the turkey with cranberry sauce.
Potatoes
Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, and sweet potato casserole are all excellent choices to serve with the turkey. For a quick option, you can make air fryer potatoes or roasted potatoes with garlic butter.
Vegetables
Green beans, either cooked with bacon or made into a green bean casserole, are a great choice. You can also serve the turkey with roasted root vegetables, fried Brussels sprouts, or whole roasted cauliflower. Carrots are another popular option, and they can be prepared in various ways, such as honey-glazed carrots or carrot casseroles.
Salads
A colourful, seasonal salad is a perfect side dish for the crock pot turkey breast. Options include a pomegranate salad, Thanksgiving salad, or sweet potato salad.
Breads
Some bread suggestions to serve with the turkey include rolls, garlic bread, or toasted French bread.
Other Suggestions
Other ideas for serving the crock pot turkey breast include cornbread dressing, broccoli casserole, pecan pie, and couscous. Leftover turkey can also be used in soups, casseroles, or sandwiches.
Sweet Breads: Why Do They Always Stick?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook a turkey breast in a crock pot.
Cooking time depends on the weight of the turkey breast. A 3-5 pound turkey breast will take 4-5 hours to cook, a 5-7 pound breast will take 5-6 hours, and a 7-9 pound breast will take 6-7 hours. If cooking on high heat, subtract one hour from the cooking time.
The crock pot should be set to low heat. The final internal temperature of the turkey breast should reach 165°F.
Before placing the turkey breast in the crock pot, it should be rinsed, dried, and seasoned. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic, herbs, butter, salt, and pepper.
To ensure a juicy and tender turkey breast, it is recommended to cook it low and slow. Adding liquid to the crock pot, such as water, broth, or wine, can also help to keep the meat moist.
