How to Cook Frozen Boneless Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot for Juicy, Tender Meat

Cooking a frozen boneless turkey breast in a crock pot is an easy and convenient way to prepare a delicious home-cooked meal. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have moist, tender turkey breast ready for dinner in about 8 hours.

Benefits of Using a Crock Pot

Using a crock pot to cook frozen turkey breast has several advantages:

• Convenience: Simply place the frozen turkey breast in the crock pot in the morning and let it slow cook all day while you’re at work. No need to defrost beforehand.

• Moist and Tender Meat The low steady heat of the crock pot gradually defrosts the turkey while cooking it, resulting in very moist and tender meat.

• More Flavor: Slow cooking over several hours allows the flavors to develop fully.

• Safe: Cooks the turkey thoroughly and evenly throughout to a safe internal temperature.

Ingredients

To make delicious crock pot turkey breast, you will need:

• 3-4 lb frozen boneless turkey breast
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄2 cup chicken or turkey broth
• Herbs and spices like thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for foolproof crock pot frozen turkey breast:

1. Prepare the turkey breast Take the frozen turkey breast and remove any netting or packaging. Rinse if needed and pat dry with paper towels

2. Rub with oil and season: Rub the turkey breast all over with olive or vegetable oil. This helps keep the meat moist. Generously season with salt and pepper.

3. Add aromatics: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the crock pot.

4. Place turkey breast: Nestle the seasoned turkey breast on top of the aromatics in the crock pot.

5. Add broth: Pour the chicken or turkey broth over the turkey.

6. Sprinkle on herbs: Sprinkle dried herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary over the turkey.

7. Cook on low: Cover and cook on the low setting for 7-8 hours.

8. Check temperature: After 7-8 hours, check temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part. It should register 165°F.

9. Let rest and slice: Once fully cooked, remove turkey from crock pot and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Best Results

• For optimal flavor and moisture, cook on low. Do not use the high setting.

• Use boneless turkey breast to ensure even cooking. Bone-in takes longer.

• An oval 6-qt crock pot fits a 4 lb turkey breast best. Size appropriately.

• Turkey breast may release liquid as it cooks. This is normal. Ladle over breast occasionally.

• Check temperature after 7 hours. Cook longer if needed until 165°F.

• Letting the cooked turkey rest allows juices to redistribute for moister meat.

• Slice turkey across the grain for tenderest texture.

• Save broth for making gravy or soup.

Flavor Variations

• Use chicken broth or white wine for added flavor

• Add chopped carrots, celery, potatoes for more veggies

• Use poultry seasoning, rosemary, oregano, paprika, cumin

• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro

• Make gravy from pan drippings

Serving Suggestions

Crock pot turkey breast pairs wonderfully with:

• Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower

• Stuffing or dressing

• Cranberry sauce or chutney

• Green beans, Brussels sprouts, or roasted veggies

• Fresh bread rolls

• Fruit salad

With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, you can come home to a hearty, home-cooked turkey dinner from your crock pot. The moist, flavorful turkey breast makes wonderful leftovers too. Enjoy sliced turkey for sandwiches, salads, and more.