Crockpot Turkey Breast: The Easiest Thanksgiving Recipe

Crockpot turkey breast: the answer to perfectly moist and flavorful turkey, without the fuss of roasting a whole bird! Are you dreaming of a Thanksgiving feast, a hearty holiday dinner, or simply craving a delicious, protein-packed meal any day of the week? Then look no further. This recipe is a game-changer, especially if you’re cooking for a smaller crowd or want to free up your oven for other culinary creations.

Turkey has a rich history, deeply intertwined with American traditions, particularly Thanksgiving. While the image of a golden-brown, oven-roasted turkey is iconic, the truth is, achieving that perfect balance of juicy meat and crispy skin can be a challenge. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in. This method, while perhaps less traditional, guarantees a tender and succulent result every single time.

People adore crockpot turkey breast because it’s incredibly easy, convenient, and delivers exceptional flavor. The slow cooking process allows the turkey to baste in its own juices, resulting in a moistness that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods. Plus, the hands-off approach means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. The savory aroma that fills your home as it cooks is simply irresistible, promising a delectable meal that’s sure to impress. Get ready to experience the easiest and most delicious turkey you’ve ever had!

Ingredients:

• 1 (6-8 pound) boneless turkey breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon paprika

Preparing the Turkey Breast:

Alright, let’s get started with prepping our star, the turkey breast! This is a super easy recipe, but a little prep work goes a long way in ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. Trust me, it’s worth the few extra minutes.

1. Pat the turkey breast dry: This is crucial! Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the turkey breast dry on all sides. Removing excess moisture will help it brown better and allow the seasonings to adhere properly.
2. Season generously: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Mix well. Now, rub this herb mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to get into every nook and cranny. Don’t be shy! We want that flavor to penetrate deep.

Sautéing the Vegetables:

Next up, we’re going to build a flavorful base for our turkey. Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the crockpot adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t achieve otherwise. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it!

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil until it shimmers.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the flavor of your dish.
4. Transfer to the crockpot: Pour the sautéed vegetables into the bottom of your crockpot. This will create a delicious bed for the turkey breast to rest on.

Crockpot Cooking Process:

Now for the main event! This is where the magic happens. The slow cooker will work its wonders, transforming the turkey breast into a tender and succulent masterpiece.

1. Place the turkey breast in the crockpot: Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the sautéed vegetables in the crockpot.
2. Add the liquids: Pour the chicken broth and white wine over the turkey breast. The liquid should come about halfway up the side of the turkey. If needed, add a little more chicken broth to reach that level.
3. Cover and cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The turkey breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the breast.
4. Important Note: Cooking times can vary depending on your crockpot and the size of the turkey breast. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and cook until the turkey is fully cooked.

Creating a Beautiful Glaze:

While the turkey is cooking, let’s prepare a simple glaze to give it a beautiful color and extra flavor. This step is optional, but it really elevates the final dish.

1. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and paprika. Mix well.
2. Glaze the turkey (optional): During the last 30 minutes of cooking, carefully remove the lid from the crockpot and brush the glaze all over the turkey breast. This will help it brown and create a beautiful, glossy finish.

Resting and Carving:

Patience is key! Allowing the turkey to rest before carving is essential for retaining its juices and ensuring a tender and flavorful result.

1. Remove the turkey breast: Once the turkey breast is cooked through, carefully remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board.
2. Let it rest: Tent the turkey breast loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
3. Carve the turkey: Using a sharp carving knife, carve the turkey breast against the grain into thin slices.

Making a Simple Gravy (Optional):

No turkey dinner is complete without gravy! You can easily make a simple gravy using the pan drippings from the crockpot. This is a great way to use up all that delicious flavor.

1. Strain the pan drippings: After removing the turkey breast from the crockpot, strain the pan drippings through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan. Discard the solids.
2. Thicken the gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water to create a slurry.
3. Simmer the gravy: Bring the pan drippings to a simmer over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to simmer, stirring constantly, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Season to taste: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a splash of cream or a pat of butter for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions:

Now that your turkey breast is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up! Here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:

• Classic sides: Serve the sliced turkey breast with classic Thanksgiving sides such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and sweet potato casserole.
• Vegetables: Add some roasted vegetables to the mix, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing addition to the meal.
• Bread: Don’t forget the rolls or bread! They’re perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy.

Enjoy your delicious and easy crockpot turkey breast! I hope this recipe becomes a new family favorite.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe is truly a game-changer, and I genuinely believe it’s a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, hassle-free, and incredibly moist turkey experience. Forget dry, flavorless turkey – this method guarantees succulent perfection every single time. The ease of preparation alone makes it worth its weight in gold, especially during busy holidays or when you simply don’t want to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen.

But beyond the convenience, the flavor is what truly sets this recipe apart. The slow cooking process allows the herbs and spices to deeply penetrate the turkey breast, creating a symphony of savory goodness that will have your taste buds singing. Plus, the natural juices are retained, resulting in a tenderness that’s simply unmatched. Trust me, once you try turkey cooked this way, you might never go back to roasting it in the oven again!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations because the possibilities are endless! Of course, you can serve this Crockpot Turkey Breast as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, alongside all the classic trimmings like mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. But don’t limit yourself to just holidays! This turkey is also fantastic for everyday meals.

Think about slicing it up for sandwiches, adding it to salads, or using it in wraps. You can even shred it and use it in tacos or enchiladas for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Here are a few other ideas to spark your creativity:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the spice rub for a little extra heat.
* Go Mediterranean: Use Mediterranean herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme, and add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright and flavorful twist.
* Sweet and savory: Brush the turkey breast with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard during the last hour of cooking for a sweet and savory glaze.
* Smoked paprika: Substitute regular paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
* Gravy galore: Don’t forget to use the flavorful juices from the crockpot to make a delicious gravy! Simply strain the juices, skim off any excess fat, and thicken with a cornstarch slurry.

Your Turn to Cook!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Crockpot Turkey Breast for yourself. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable meal.

And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Let me know in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious turkey adventures. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!

---