Tiffany Haney
Cooking a turkey breast in a crock pot is a great way to prepare a delicious, juicy, and tender holiday meal without the hassle of cooking a whole bird. The slow cooker function helps lock in moisture and flavour, making the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender, with less risk of drying out compared to roasting. You can cook a turkey breast in a crock pot on high for 2-3 hours, but cooking it on low for a longer duration is recommended for more tender meat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crockpot and slow cooker | Crockpot and slow cooker can mean the same thing. Crock-Pot® is the brand name of the first-ever slow cooker. |
| Temperature | The internal temperature should reach 155-160°F to 165°F. |
| Time | Cooking time depends on the weight of the turkey breast. A 3-5 lb turkey breast can take 4-5 hours, a 5-7 lb turkey breast may need 5-6 hours, and a 7-9 lb turkey breast will need 6-7 hours. On high heat, cooking time is reduced by 1 hour. |
| Tender | Slow cooking at a low temperature reduces the risk of overcooking the turkey and drying it out, making the meat tender. |
| Moist | Slow cookers lock in moisture, making the turkey breast moist. |
| Juicy | The slow cooker keeps the turkey breast tender and juicy. |
| Flavorful | The slow cooking process helps to pack the turkey breast with flavor. |
| Easy | The slow cooking process is effortless and convenient. |
| Safe | The slow cooker is a safe cooking method for turkey breast. |
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What You'll Learn
How long to cook a turkey breast in a crock pot on high
Cooking a turkey breast in a crock pot is an easy and convenient way to prepare a delicious, tender, and juicy holiday meal. The time it takes to cook a turkey breast in a crock pot on high settings depends on the weight of the turkey breast and whether it is boneless or bone-in.
For a boneless turkey breast, it is recommended to cook it on high for 3-3.5 hours. A bone-in turkey breast, on the other hand, may take slightly longer, with an estimated cooking time of 3.5-4.5 hours on high. These cooking times are for a 3-4 pound turkey breast, which is a commonly recommended size for ensuring the turkey fits comfortably in the crock pot and cooks evenly.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific crock pot or slow cooker being used, as different models may have varying temperature settings for the "high" option. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines for your specific crock pot model.
Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches a safe level before consumption. The recommended internal temperature for poultry is typically 165°F, but some sources suggest that taking the turkey out of the crock pot at an internal temperature of 155-160°F is sufficient, as the temperature will continue to rise while broiling and resting.
To achieve a crispy skin, you can transfer the cooked turkey breast to an oven and place it under the broiler for a few minutes until the skin turns golden brown. This step is optional but adds a nice texture and color to the dish.
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Cooking a frozen turkey breast in a crock pot
Preparing the Turkey Breast
Start by thawing the turkey breast if it is frozen. You can do this by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight to defrost. If you are short on time, you can also place the frozen turkey breast under cold running water to speed up the thawing process. Once the turkey breast is thawed, remove any giblets and rinse the turkey under cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the butter or oil adhere to the surface of the turkey.
Seasoning and Flavouring
To enhance the flavour of your turkey breast, create a seasoning mixture. In a small bowl, combine softened butter or olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and your choice of dried herbs and spices. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs if desired. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the outside of the turkey breast and, for extra flavour, carefully loosen the skin and spread some of the mixture underneath. You can also place halved garlic cloves, onion wedges, or other aromatic ingredients at the bottom of the crock pot to infuse additional flavour into the turkey as it cooks.
Cooking the Turkey Breast
Place the seasoned turkey breast into your crock pot, ensuring that the breast side is facing upwards. This positioning helps to prevent the skin from tearing when you remove the cooked turkey from the crock pot. Cover the crock pot with its lid and set the heat setting. For a frozen turkey breast, it is recommended to cook it on "Low" heat for the best results. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 30 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey when cooking on low heat. For example, a 6-pound turkey breast will likely take around 3 hours on high heat or 5-6 hours on low heat. However, it is always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast, which should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the meat.
Resting and Serving
Once the turkey breast has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a carving board or serving platter. Allow the turkey to rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring that your turkey breast is moist and juicy. After resting, carve the turkey breast and serve it with your favourite holiday sides or everyday dishes. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- It is recommended to cook a frozen turkey breast on low heat to ensure even cooking and prevent the exterior from overcooking before the interior is done.
- Consider using a probe thermometer that will alert you when the desired internal temperature is reached.
- For a crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking dish and place it under the broiler for a few minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Always refer to the owner's manual of your crock pot or slow cooker for specific instructions and guidelines.
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How to get crispy skin on a crock pot turkey breast
Cooking a turkey breast in a crock pot is a great way to make a delicious, tender, and juicy holiday meal without the fuss of cooking a whole bird. You can cook a crock pot turkey breast on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 5-7 hours, depending on the weight of the turkey breast and whether it is boneless or bone-in.
Now, let's talk about how to get that crispy skin. Here are the steps:
Preparation:
Before cooking, you can bring the turkey breast to room temperature by letting it sit out for 30-60 minutes. This step is optional but makes it easier to spread butter on the skin.
Butter the Skin:
Place some softened butter underneath the skin. First, run your hand under the skin to separate it from the meat. Then, place a couple of dollops of butter underneath and press on the skin to spread it. You can also rub additional butter over the skin. About an hour into the cooking process, use a pastry brush to spread the melted butter evenly.
Broil the Skin:
After cooking the turkey breast in the crock pot, transfer it to a baking dish and place it under the broiler in the oven for a few minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
Rest the Turkey:
Let the turkey breast rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing it. This step is important as it allows the juices to settle, keeping the meat nice and juicy.
Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice the turkey breast and serve it with your favourite sides. Enjoy!
By following these steps, you can achieve crispy skin on your crock pot turkey breast while still enjoying the convenience and flavour of slow cooking.
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What to serve with crock pot turkey breast
Crock Pot turkey breast is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, making it perfect for holidays, special occasions, or everyday meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your Crock Pot turkey breast to create a delicious and memorable meal:
Sauces
Gravy is a classic choice to accompany turkey, and you can make a delicious gravy using the juices from the Crock Pot. For a healthier option, try serving it with cranberry sauce.
Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes or mashed cauliflower are comforting options that pair well with the turkey. For a heartier dish, try a sweet potato casserole. If you're short on time, simple roasted potatoes or air fryer potatoes are always a great choice.
Vegetables
Garlic green beans are a tasty and healthy side dish. For a more indulgent option, try a green bean casserole. Whole roasted cauliflower, fried Brussels sprouts, or roasted root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes will also complement the turkey breast nicely.
Salads
Add a fresh and seasonal touch to your meal with a colourful salad. Options like pomegranate salad, Thanksgiving salad, or sweet potato salad will brighten up your plate and provide a contrast to the richer dishes.
Stuffing
Although not mentioned in the sources, stuffing is a classic side dish to serve with turkey. You can either cook it in the Crock Pot along with the turkey or prepare it separately in the oven for a crispier texture.
Rolls
Serve your Crock Pot turkey breast with some freshly baked rolls to soak up all the delicious juices.
Remember, the beauty of Crock Pot turkey breast is its versatility, so feel free to get creative and serve it with your favourite sides. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or enjoying a weeknight meal, these suggestions will help you create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Crock pot turkey breast cooking times and temperatures
Cooking a turkey breast in a Crock Pot is a great option for a fuss-free holiday meal or a weeknight dinner. It is also a good alternative to cooking a whole turkey, which can be more challenging.
The cooking time for a Crock Pot turkey breast 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 5-6 hours on Low or 2-3.5 hours on High. A bone-in turkey breast of the same weight will take 6-7 hours on Low or 3.5-4.5 hours on High. For an 8-pound bone-in turkey breast, you can expect a cooking time of around 6-7 hours on Low.
It is important to note that the internal temperature of the turkey breast should reach 155-165°F at its thickest part. The temperature will continue to rise while broiling and resting, so it is recommended to stop slow cooking when the temperature reaches 155-160°F. To achieve crispy skin, transfer the turkey to a baking dish and place it under the broiler for a few minutes until golden.
Preparing a Crock Pot turkey breast involves creating an herb butter with garlic and spices, rubbing it onto the turkey, and placing it on a bed of vegetables in the Crock Pot. It is a forgiving method of cooking, and you don't need to be precise with the cooking time.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking a turkey breast on high in the crock pot takes 2-3.5 hours. However, it is recommended to cook it on low for 5-7 hours for more tender meat.
Before cooking, you should thaw the turkey breast and remove any giblets. Then, rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry. You can then season the turkey breast with butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and herbs.
The turkey breast should reach an internal temperature of 165°F at its thickest part. However, some sources suggest cooking it to 155-160°F as the temperature will rise while broiling and resting.
Some side dishes that go well with crock pot turkey breast include mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, green beans, carrots, and rolls.
