Crock Pot Bone-In Turkey Breast: A Simple Guide

can you cook bone in turkey breast in crock pot

Cooking a bone-in turkey breast in a crock pot is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this meat. It is a forgiving method that does not require constant monitoring of the internal temperature, and it frees up oven space. The slow cooker locks in moisture, ensuring the meat is juicy and tender. The cooking time depends on the weight of the turkey breast, but it typically takes between 3.5 to 9 hours. This method is also keto-friendly and gluten-free.

Characteristics Values
Cooking Time 3-7 hours on high heat, 5-10 hours on low heat
Turkey Weight 3-10 lbs
Temperature 155-165°F
Ingredients Unsalted butter, garlic, fresh herbs, onion, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, onion powder
Advantages Juicy, tender, low-carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, easy to prepare, frees up oven space

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Prep time: 10 minutes, then leave it to cook

Cooking a bone-in turkey breast in a crock pot is an easy and convenient way to prepare a delicious and tender meal. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a juicy and flavourful turkey dish that will impress your family and friends.

To start, you'll need a bone-in turkey breast, which can range from 4 to 10 pounds depending on your crock pot size and the number of servings you need. It's important to note that a larger turkey breast doesn't necessarily require a longer cook time, so slight weight changes won't impact your cooking duration. If your turkey is frozen, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

For seasoning, you can use a variety of herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley are great options, and you can also add garlic for extra flavour. You'll also need some unsalted butter, which can be substituted with butter-flavoured coconut oil or olive oil if you prefer.

Now, let's get into the prep work, which will only take about 10 minutes. First, prepare the crock pot by greasing the bottom. You can use cooking oil or butter for this step. Then, create a bed of sliced onions at the bottom of the pot. The onions will act as a rack, lifting the turkey breast slightly and helping it cook more evenly. You can also add some carrots and potatoes to this mixture if you'd like.

Next, it's time to season the turkey breast. Brush the skin with cooking oil, then rub in your chosen seasonings. You can use a combination of garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and onion powder. Don't be shy with the seasonings, as this will enhance the flavour of your dish.

Once the turkey breast is seasoned, place it skin-side up in the crock pot. This positioning will help prevent the skin from tearing when you remove the turkey after cooking. Now, simply set your crock pot to the desired temperature and duration, and let it work its magic!

For a bone-in turkey breast, the cooking time can vary depending on the weight and the crock pot's heat setting. A good rule of thumb is to cook it for about 6-7 hours on Low or 3.5-4.5 hours on High. However, it's important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 155-165°F when it's done.

And that's it! With minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking process, you can enjoy a delicious and juicy bone-in turkey breast cooked to perfection in your crock pot.

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Cooking time: 5-7 hours, depending on weight

Cooking a bone-in turkey breast in a crock pot is a great way to get juicy, tender results without the hassle of cooking a whole bird. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the turkey breast, but it typically falls within the 5-7 hours range.

For a smaller gathering, a 6-7 lb. bone-in turkey breast is a great option and will serve 6-8 people. This size will take around 5-6 hours to cook on low heat. If you're cooking for a larger group, a 8-9 lb. bone-in turkey breast is perfect, serving 8-10 people. This larger size will take a bit longer to cook, typically around 6-7 hours on low heat.

It's worth noting that slight weight changes won't significantly impact the cooking time, so you don't have to worry about precise measurements. Additionally, if you're using a frozen turkey breast, make sure to completely thaw it before cooking to ensure even cooking and perfect results.

To prepare the crock pot, you can place onion slices at the bottom to create a rack that lifts the turkey breast and helps it cook more evenly. You can also add chicken broth to create a steaming effect and make your turkey even moister.

Once the crock pot is prepared, simply season the turkey breast with your desired herbs and spices, brush the skin with oil, and place it in the crock pot. Set the cooker for 5-7 hours, depending on the weight, and let it work its magic. With this method, you'll get tender, juicy turkey meat packed with flavor.

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Internal temperature: 155-165°F

Cooking a bone-in turkey breast in a crock pot is a great way to achieve juicy, tender, and flavourful meat. The low and slow cooking method helps the turkey breast retain moisture and cook evenly.

When cooking a bone-in turkey breast in a crock pot, it is important to monitor the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness and is safe to eat. While the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F, some sources suggest that taking the turkey out of the crock pot at an internal temperature of 155-160°F will result in a juicier bird, as the temperature will continue to rise by about 10°F while broiling and resting.

To achieve this, it is recommended to use a probe thermometer, which can be set to beep once the desired temperature is reached. A regular meat thermometer can also be used, but the temperature will need to be monitored more closely. The thickest part of the breast should be measured, without touching the bone.

Once the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 155-160°F, it can be removed from the crock pot and broiled for 4-8 minutes to achieve crispy skin. The meat should then be allowed to rest for 10-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

It is important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the weight of the turkey breast and the desired level of doneness. A bone-in turkey breast typically requires a longer cooking time than a boneless one. For a 6-pound bone-in turkey breast, cooking times of 5-6 hours on low heat are recommended. For a 10-pound bone-in turkey breast, cooking times of 8-9 hours on low heat are suggested.

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Seasoning: Olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper

Cooking a bone-in 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 ensures the meat is cooked evenly and retains moisture, resulting in a flavourful dish.

Seasoning: Olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper

To season your bone-in turkey breast with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper, you can follow these steps:

  • Prepare the turkey: Thaw the frozen turkey breast. Remove any giblets and rinse the turkey under cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  • Make the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, fresh or dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices like paprika or onion powder.
  • Apply the seasoning: Brush the outside of the turkey with the seasoning mixture, ensuring it is well coated. You can also carefully separate the skin from the meat and apply some seasoning underneath for added flavour.
  • Cook the turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast, breast side up, into the crock pot. You can add some water or chicken broth to the bottom of the pot for added moisture. Cover and cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours.
  • Check for doneness: After 4 hours, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast. It should reach 165-175°F, and the juices should run clear.
  • Brown the skin (optional): If you prefer crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Broil on high for about 7 to 10 minutes, until the skin is golden brown.
  • Rest and serve: Allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Feel free to adjust the amounts of each seasoning to your taste preferences and the size of your turkey breast. You can also add other ingredients like onions, carrots, or celery to the crock pot for extra flavour and moisture.

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Sides: Carrots, potatoes, onions, green beans

Cooking a bone-in turkey breast in a crock pot is a great way to prepare a delicious, juicy, and tender turkey without the hassle of brining or roasting. This method is perfect for small gatherings or when you don't want a large number of leftovers. The slow cooker function locks in moisture, ensuring your turkey breast turns out moist and flavourful every time.

Now, let's talk about those sides! Here are some ideas for preparing carrots, potatoes, onions, and green beans as side dishes to accompany your crock pot bone-in turkey breast:

Carrots

  • Glazed Carrots: Combine the sweetness of brown sugar with fresh rosemary to create a simple yet elegant side dish.
  • Honey-Glazed Carrots: Drizzle honey over your carrots for a sweet and sticky side dish.
  • Roasted Carrots: Simply toss carrots in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven for a classic side dish.

Potatoes

  • Mashed Potatoes: This classic side dish is a must-have with turkey. Make them ahead of time and keep them warm in a crock pot.
  • Twice-Baked Potatoes: Bake potatoes twice for a delicious, crispy skin and fluffy interior.
  • Sweet Potato Casserole: Combine sweet potatoes with a blend of spices and toppings for a sweet and savoury dish.

Onions

  • Sautéed Onions: Slice onions and sauté them in butter or olive oil until softened and lightly browned.
  • Caramelised Onions: Slow-cook sliced onions over low heat until they are deeply browned and sweet.
  • Roasted Whole Onions: Wrap whole onions in foil with herbs and olive oil, then roast them in the oven for a soft and flavourful side.

Green Beans

  • Green Bean Casserole: Combine cooked green beans with a creamy sauce and bake until bubbly.
  • Sautéed Green Beans: Sauté green beans with garlic and shallots for a simple yet tasty side dish.
  • Roasted Green Beans: Toss green beans in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in a hot oven for a crispy texture.

These side dishes will perfectly complement your crock pot bone-in turkey breast, providing a variety of flavours and textures to enhance your meal. Enjoy the convenience of preparing the turkey in the crock pot while whipping up these delicious sides!

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Frequently asked questions

A bone-in turkey breast weighing between 3 and 5 pounds will need to be cooked in a crock pot for 4 to 5 hours. A 5 to 7-pound turkey breast may need 5 to 6 hours, while a 7 to 9-pound bird will need 6 to 7 hours.

The crock pot should be set to low heat. The turkey is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 155-165°F.

It is recommended that you thaw a frozen turkey breast before cooking it in a crock pot. This is because the exterior of the turkey will cook long before the frozen interior, and the outside may become overcooked.

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