How to Cook Boneless Turkey Breast in a Crockpot for Juicy, Tender Meat

Cooking boneless turkey breast in a crockpot is a foolproof way to get deliciously moist and tender meat for your Thanksgiving dinner or any time you are craving turkey. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time the crockpot does all the work for you infusing the turkey with flavor as it slowly cooks to perfection.

I love using my crockpot to make turkey breast It frees up oven space, reduces the hassle of constantly basting, and guarantees a juicy, flavorful result every time Keep reading to learn my tips for easily cooking boneless turkey breast in the crockpot, including prep steps, cook times, seasoning ideas, side dish pairings, gravy recipes, and how to get crispy skin.

Benefits of Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Cooking turkey breast in a crockpot has many advantages:

• Requires minimal prep time – no need to brine or dry the turkey. Just coat it in a spice rub!

• Guarantees tender, moist turkey without fail. The slow, gentle heat prevents it from drying out.

• Infuses the turkey with lots of flavor as it cooks in its seasoned juices.

• Frees up oven space for sides dishes and other holiday cooking.

• Allows you to skip constantly basting the turkey to prevent drying.

• Lets you make gravy easily from the flavorful pan drippings.

• Provides leftovers for sandwiches, soups, and other turkey recipes.

Picking the Right Turkey Breast

When shopping for turkey breast to cook in the crockpot, you have a few options:

• Boneless or Bone-in: Both work! Boneless cooks faster. Allow 6+ hours for bone-in.

• Skin-on or Skinless: Skin-on is more flavorful. Crisp it up at the end.

• Single or Double: Double breasts take longer. Adjust time accordingly.

• Brined or Unbrined: Brined imparts flavor and moisture. Use less salt in the rub.

For best results, choose an unbrined, boneless, skin-on turkey breast. Figure about 1 pound of turkey per person. Size impacts cook time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for crockpot success:

1. Prep the Crockpot

Add aromatics like onions, carrots, celery and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. They add flavor and prevent sticking.

2. Pat Turkey Dry and Coat in Rub

Make a quick spice rub by mixing softened butter, herbs, salt, pepper and spices like paprika or curry powder. Pat the turkey breast dry so the rub adheres and evenly coat all over.

3. Cook on Low Heat

Place turkey in crockpot on top of the aromatics. Cook covered on LOW for 3-4 hours until 165°F. Cook time varies by size.

4. Rest, Carve and Crisp the Skin

Once cooked, let turkey rest 15 minutes before slicing. For crispy skin, broil skin-side up for 2-4 minutes.

5. Make Gravy

Use the flavorful pan drippings to easily make gravy.

That’s it! Delicious crockpot turkey breast with minimal fuss.

Cooking Times for Crockpot Turkey Breast

Turkey breast size determines cook time. For food safety, use an instant read thermometer to check doneness. Cook to 165°F.

• 2 pounds: 2.5 – 3 hours
• 3 pounds: 3 – 4 hours
• 4 pounds: 4 – 5 hours
• 5 pounds: 5 – 6 hours
• 6+ pounds: 6+ hours

Remember bone-in takes longer. Remove around 160°F for moist, juicy meat since the temp will rise as it rests.

Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe and Flavor Variations

This basic recipe works wonderfully. Get creative with spices and aromatics to vary the flavor.

Basic Crockpot Turkey Breast

• Boneless, skin-on turkey breast
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Flavor Variations

• Use chicken or turkey broth for added moisture.
• Add halved lemons or garlic cloves for brightness.
• Swap dried herbs for fresh rosemary, sage, etc.
• Spice it up with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika.
• Coat with pesto or herb-infused olive oil for Italian flair.
• Rub with jerk or Cajun seasoning for heat.

Perfect Turkey Sides and Gravy

What are the best side dishes to serve with crockpot turkey breast? Here are some classic pairings:

• Starch: Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables
• Veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, grilled asparagus
• Bread: Cornbread, rolls, biscuits, stuffing
• Sauce: Turkey gravy, cranberry sauce

Making gravy from the flavorful pan drippings takes your meal to the next level. Simply thicken drippings with a roux or cornstarch slurry for rich, hearty gravy.

Troubleshooting Crockpot Turkey Issues

Follow these tips if you have problems getting perfect results:

Dry turkey? Don’t overcook. Follow recommended times and use a meat thermometer. Add extra broth to the crockpot.

Uneven cooking? Arrange turkey evenly and rotate during cooking. Flip halfway through.

Bland flavor? Generously season the turkey and enhance broth with herbs, garlic, citrus, etc.

Mushy texture? Avoid too much liquid. Remove lid at end to reduce moisture.

Sticking to crockpot? Lightly grease crockpot first. Add veggies/herbs at bottom to prevent sticking.

Turkey Leftover Ideas

Leftover crockpot turkey breast is ideal for easy meals all week long.

• Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce
• Turkey noodle soup
• Turkey tetrazzini casserole
• Turkey salad with grapes and pecans
• Turkey enchiladas or quesadillas
• Turkey breakfast hash with sweet potatoes

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Store turkey for 3-4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Get answers to common questions about cooking turkey breast in the slow cooker:

Can you cook frozen turkey breast in a crockpot?

Always thaw turkey completely first for food safety and even cooking.

Can I cook the turkey breast ahead of time?

Yes, but avoid overcooking. Cook to 150-155°F then reheat gently to 165°F before serving.

How do you prevent dry turkey breast in the crockpot?

Follow cook times precisely, use a meat thermometer, and add extra broth to the crockpot.

Can you put stuffing in a crockpot turkey breast?

No, stuffing won’t cook properly. Make it on the stovetop and serve on the side.

How long does a 10 lb turkey breast take in a crockpot?

Very large 10+ lb turkey breasts may need up to 8 hours on low to reach 165°F.

Conclusion

Cooking boneless turkey breast in the crockpot makes holiday feasting easy. With minimal active time, you are guaranteed tender, juicy meat with crispy skin and rich pan drippings for gravy. Follow my tips on prep, cook time, seasoning, and doneness for delicious results. Enjoy your succulent crockpot turkey!