Cooking a turkey breast in a crockpot is a great hands-off way to prepare moist, tender turkey for your family. A 3 pound turkey breast is the perfect size for feeding 4-6 people and fits nicely in most standard 6 quart crockpots. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have delicious homemade turkey breast ready with minimal effort
Benefits of Crockpot Turkey Breast
There are several advantages to cooking turkey breast in the slow cooker rather than oven roasting
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Requires very little active cooking time – just throw in the ingredients and let the crockpot do the work.
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Turkey stays incredibly moist and tender thanks to the slow, low heat.
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Adds lots of flavor as the turkey cooks in its own juices and seasonings.
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Much less chance of drying out like oven roasted turkey.
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No need to baste or tend to it while cooking.
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Frees up the oven for other side dishes.
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Makes for an easy, fuss-free holiday or anytime meal.
Tips for Crockpot Turkey Success
Follow these tips to ensure your crockpot turkey breast turns out perfect:
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Use the right size crockpot and turkey. A 3 pound turkey breast fits best in a 6 quart or larger slow cooker. Make sure the crockpot is big enough that the lid can close securely.
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Prop up the turkey breast. Place chopped onions or a rack in the bottom of the crockpot so the turkey doesn’t sit directly on the bottom. This promotes more even cooking.
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Brown the turkey first for extra flavor. Quickly browning the turkey skin on the stovetop before slow cooking really boosts the flavor.
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Use broth for added moisture. Turkey broth or chicken broth in the crockpot helps keep the turkey breast extra juicy.
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Flip the turkey breast halfway. For the most even cooking, carefully flip the turkey breast about halfway through.
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Let it rest before slicing. Once cooked, let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this simple step-by-step guide for cooking a perfect 3 pound turkey breast in the crockpot.
Ingredients:
- 3 lb bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1⁄2 tsp each salt and pepper
- 1⁄2 tsp dried thyme, rosemary or sage
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
Instructions:
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Prep the turkey breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey skin. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
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Brown the turkey: Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add the turkey breast skin-side down. Brown for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
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Prepare the crockpot: Place sliced onion in the bottom of a 6 quart or larger slow cooker. Pour the broth over the onions.
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Cook the turkey: Place the browned turkey breast on top of the onions. Cover and cook on Low for 7-8 hours or High for 4-5 hours.
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Flip turkey breast halfway: Carefully flip the turkey breast so the opposite side can cook evenly. Re-cover and continue cooking.
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Check temperature: Turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If needed, transfer to a sheet pan and broil for 5 minutes.
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Let turkey rest: Once cooked, transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
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Slice and serve: Carve the turkey into slices. Serve drizzled with pan juices if desired. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Your juicy crockpot turkey breast pairs perfectly with these side dishes:
- Stuffing or dressing
- Mashed potatoes
- Gravy
- Green bean casserole
- Cranberry sauce
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Rolls or biscuits
Simple sides like roasted veggies or a green salad also complement the turkey nicely. Baste slices with the pan juices for extra moisture and flavor.
Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe Variations
Once you master the basic crockpot turkey recipe, try these tasty variations:
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Use chicken broth or turkey broth for extra moisture and flavor in the crockpot.
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Rub the turkey with herbs or spices: Try sage, rosemary, thyme, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder or Cajun seasoning.
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Stuff herbs under the skin: Slip rosemary, sage or thyme under the turkey skin for amazing flavor.
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Make it BBQ turkey: Rub the turkey with your favorite BBQ seasoning or sauce before cooking.
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Go Mediterranean: Rub turkey with lemon pepper and oregano. Add lemon slices, olives and artichokes to the crockpot.
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Get cheesy: Mix shredded cheese into the stuffing. Top turkey with melted cheese at end.
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Pump up the protein: Swap turkey broth for bone broth in the crockpot.
The possibilities are endless for customizing crockpot turkey breasts to suit your tastes!
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking turkey breast in the slow cooker:
How long should I cook a 3 pound turkey breast on low?
Cook for 7-8 hours on low until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I cook a turkey breast from frozen?
It’s best to thaw the turkey breast completely before cooking in the crockpot for food safety.
Should I flip the turkey breast while cooking?
Yes, flip it halfway through cooking so it cooks evenly on both sides.
Is it safe to cook turkey breast overnight?
It’s not recommended to cook poultry for more than 12 hours to prevent bacteria growth.
Can I stuff a turkey breast in the crockpot?
For safety, it’s best to cook stuffing separately. You can add it to the crockpot near the end to heat through.
Enjoy Homemade Crockpot Turkey
With this easy method, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful turkey breast any time. The crockpot does the work for you, while you relax and enjoy time with family. Follow the simple steps above for cooking 3 pound turkey breast in the slow cooker. Once you master the basics, get creative with fresh herbs, spices and seasonings. Happy crockpot turkey cooking!
