How to Cook a Perfect 3 lb Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot

Cooking a juicy, flavorful turkey breast in a crock pot or slow cooker couldn’t be easier! With just a few ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious home-cooked turkey breast ready for dinner with minimal effort

Benefits of Cooking Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot

There are several advantages to using a crock pot or slow cooker for cooking turkey breast

• Requires minimal prep and cook time. After rubbing the turkey breast with seasoning, simply place it in the slow cooker and let it cook for 4-5 hours on low.

• Produces extremely moist, tender meat. The slow cooking process keeps turkey breast from drying out.

• Infuses turkey with lots of flavor. Seasonings have plenty of time to permeate the meat.

• Doesn’t heat up the kitchen. Great for hot summer months when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

• Allows you to multi-task. You can focus on side dishes or other tasks while it cooks unattended.

• Leftovers can be used in a variety of ways. Try turkey sandwiches, salads, soups, casseroles and more.

Tips for Cooking a 3 lb Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot

• Choose the right size crock pot. A 3-4 quart slow cooker is perfect for accommodating a 3 pound boneless turkey breast. If cooking a bone-in breast, go with a 5-6 quart size.

• Defrost if frozen. Be sure turkey breast is completely thawed before cooking. Place frozen breast in refrigerator 1-2 days ahead to defrost.

• Pat turkey dry. Use paper towels to pat surface of turkey breast dry before seasoning This helps the rub adhere better

• Make a flavorful rub. A simple blend of olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs does the trick. Get creative with spices!

• Coat all sides. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the top, bottom and sides of the turkey breast.

• Add flavor boosters. Try adding garlic, onions, carrots or celery to crock pot before placing turkey inside.

• Don’t overcook. Cook 3 lb boneless breast for 4 hours on low. Check temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F internally.

• Let turkey rest. Allow turkey breast to rest 15-20 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

• Make gravy from drippings. Using the tasty pan drippings and broth left in crock pot after cooking.

Simple Herb Rubbed Crock Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

This easy rubbed turkey breast recipe only requires a handful of ingredients.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours on low

Ingredients:

• 3 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 1⁄2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over breast.
2. In small bowl, combine thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
3. Rub herb mixture evenly over entire turkey breast.
4. Place seasoned turkey breast in crock pot. Add 1⁄2 cup water.
5. Cook on low heat for 4 hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove turkey from crock pot and let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
7. Make gravy from pan drippings, if desired.

This simple crock pot turkey breast is so flavorful, moist and delicious. The herb rub infuses the lean turkey meat with lots of flavor as it slowly cooks to perfection.

Alternate Turkey Breast Rub & Seasoning Ideas

The possibilities are endless when it comes to seasoning a turkey breast for the slow cooker. Consider these flavor ideas:

• Lemon herb rub with dried oregano, basil, lemon zest, garlic powder

• Italian rub with rosemary, sage, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes

• Southwest rub with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder

• Jerk spice rub with allspice, thyme, brown sugar, cayenne pepper

• Asian rub with ginger, sesame oil, garlic, five spice powder

• BBQ spice rub with chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, garlic

• Moroccan rub with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne

• Greek rub with oregano, thyme, lemon zest, garlic, parsley

Use your favorite dried herbs and spices to make a signature turkey breast rub. Combining flavors like citrus, garlic, pepper and aromatic herbs works well.

FAQs About Cooking Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot

Should I sear turkey breast before slow cooking?

Searing isn’t necessary, but it does help develop flavor. Quickly brown all sides in a skillet with oil if desired.

Can I stuff a whole turkey breast for the crock pot?

Yes, stuffing can be cooked inside a bone-in turkey breast. Use reduced low-sodium chicken broth.

Do I need to adjust timing for a larger breast?

For a 5-6 lb bone-in breast, increase cook time to 6-7 hours on low. Check temperature.

What temperature should crock pot turkey breast reach?

Cook until internal temperature is 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to accurately measure.

Can I cook 2 turkey breasts in a crock pot?

Yes, place them side by side in a 6+ quart slow cooker. Add 1 hour cook time.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover crock pot turkey?

Slice and reheat turkey covered in broth or gravy in a skillet, stirring occasionally.

Make an Easy Gravy from the Drippings

One benefit of cooking turkey in the crock pot is being able to make gravy right in the same pot using the flavorful pan drippings.

After removing cooked turkey breast, use a spoon to skim off excess fat from drippings if needed.

For an easy gravy, whisk together:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 cup turkey broth/drippings
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook and whisk over medium heat until thickened. Pour gravy over sliced turkey breast or use for leftovers.

More Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

Leftover crock pot turkey breast is versatile for all kinds of easy meals:

• Turkey sandwiches – Layer sliced turkey with cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo on bread.

• Turkey salad – Chop turkey and mix with mayo, celery, cranberries, walnuts, pepper.

• Turkey pizza – Top pizza crust with turkey, mozzarella, spinach, red onion, mushrooms.

• Turkey nachos – Pile chips with shredded turkey, peppers, beans, cheese, avocado.

• Turkey soup – Simmer turkey with veggies and broth for a hearty soup.

• Turkey casserole – Combine turkey with rice or pasta, cheese, veggies, cream soup.

• Turkey tetrazzini – Toss spaghetti with turkey, mushrooms, peas, Parmesan, cream sauce.

• Turkey breakfast hash – Fry turkey with potatoes, peppers, onions, spinach and eggs.

Get creative with leftovers! Turkey breast cooked in the crock pot makes it easy to have delicious meals ready to go.