How Long to Cook a 3lb Turkey Breast in a Crockpot

Cooking a turkey breast in a crockpot is a great way to enjoy moist tender turkey without having to cook a whole turkey. A 3lb turkey breast is the perfect size for feeding 4-6 people without lots of leftovers. But how long does it take to cook a 3lb turkey breast in a crockpot? Here’s what you need to know.

Factors That Affect Crockpot Turkey Breast Cook Times

There are a few factors that impact how long it takes to cook a turkey breast in a crockpot:

• Size of the turkey breast – A smaller 3lb breast will cook faster than a larger one.

• Bone-in or boneless – A bone-in breast will take longer since the bone insulates the meat, Boneless cooks faster

• High or low setting – The lower the temp, the longer it takes. High cooks faster than low.

• Crockpot model – Different crockpots heat at various temps which impacts time,

• Frozen or thawed – Frozen breasts take quite a bit longer. Defrost first for a quicker cook.

So the cooking time can vary quite a bit. The best way to know when it’s done is to use a meat thermometer.

Recommended Internal Temp for Crockpot Turkey Breast

For food safety, turkey needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F as measured in the thickest part of the breast.

However, carryover cooking will make the temperature rise about 5-10°F after removing from the crockpot.

So you want to cook the turkey breast until it reaches about 155-160°F internally while still in the slow cooker. Then it will coast up to a safe 165°F as it rests.

How Long to Cook a 3lb Turkey Breast on Low

For a 3lb turkey breast on the LOW setting, the approximate cook times are:

• Bone-in turkey breast: 7-9 hours

• Boneless turkey breast: 6-8 hours

On low, expect it to take about 2.5 hours per pound. Give a buffer of an extra hour or two since crockpots vary.

Cook until it hits 155-160°F on a meat thermometer, then allow it to rest and coast up to 165°F after removing from the crockpot.

How Long to Cook a 3lb Turkey Breast on High

On the HIGH setting, a 3lb turkey breast will cook faster:

• Bone-in: 4-6 hours
• Boneless: 3-4 hours

On high, plan on around 1.5 hours per pound. Add some extra time to be safe.

Cook to 155-160°F internally, then let it rest off heat for the temperature to rise to 165°F for food safety.

Tips for Crockpot Turkey Breast Success

Follow these tips for moist, flavorful crockpot turkey breast:

• Choose the right size – For 3lb, a 4-6 quart crock works well.

• Prep the night before – Rub with herbs, salt, pepper, butter. Refrigerate.

• Use broth – Chicken or turkey broth adds moisture and flavor.

• Make a foil tent – Cover breast loosely with foil to prevent drying out.

• Check temp – Use a thermometer to test doneness, not time.

• Let it rest – Allow 10-15 minutes resting time before slicing.

With the proper prep and cook time, your crockpot turkey breast will turn out perfect every time. Use a meat thermometer and the guidelines above to ensure your 3lb turkey breast cooks thoroughly without drying out. Enjoy incredibly moist, flavorful turkey breast easily made in the crockpot!