Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

Tender slow cooker turkey breast recipe that take little time to prep and come out perfect when you’re ready to eat. Use simple seasonings and slices of lemon, like with our Instant Pot turkey, or use our homemade recipe that people RAVE over, with our dry rub. Best Crockpot dinner.

Turkey Breast Recipes

Do you look forward to cooking a moist turkey during the holidays? I do too. Actually, I think I like leftover turkey recipes even more. Sometimes you don’t want to cook the whole thing though because that would just be too much, even for the next day.

SO whether you’ve bought just the white meat from the store, or have cut up a raw turkey yourself you might want to know how to cook just a few pieces. We are here to help here. If you’re ready to let your pot do the cooking, this one is for you.

FIRST – You should sign up for my free newsletter so you get new posts emailed to you twice a week and never miss out on anything! Let’s talk a little bit about slow cooking shall we?? First off I have a few different varieties and I love them all. Each one has an occasion to be used like….

1. This is my favorite 6 quart programmable one with a locking lid so it’s great for bringing to a potluck too.
2. If you just want to serve a few appetizers you should get this one that sit side by side one another.
3. I prefer not to use liners, but rather just spray olive oil inside before adding my food for easier cleanups.

Let me give you a peek of my pretty thang I bought recently. It goes with my kitchen so I can just leave it out on the countertop all the time. 😉

Crock pot Turkey Breast

This is really all you need. Of course you should use the seasonings you love best. Even if you aren’t making a smoked turkey you can use the same dry rub on this one too. Just cut the amount in half since you just have the breast and use that.

OR use what’s suggested below which is simple and flavorful. Want really bold flavors? Use a lemon pepper marinade the night before.

1. 4.5 lb Skin on turkey breast was used – thawed, if you forgot then follow our Instant Pot frozen turkey breast recipe instead
2. Butter
3. Lemons
4. Water or chicken broth
5. Seasonings you love on top of your meat, what we used in printable recipe card below

This was a bone in turkey breast, I have only made an air fryer boneless turkey breast before this way.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

What’s another plus to making it this way? Eliminating a dish from your oven gives you more room for holiday side dishes! Here are a few questions you might have before you get started:

As long as your Crock is 6 quarts or larger you shouldn’t need to measure it. Most are fairly similar in size (4-5 lbs.) and fit nicely with the lid on tight.

Turkey Breast Seasonings

When seasoning a turkey breast, you have a variety of options to enhance its flavor. Here are some common seasonings and herbs you can use:

1. Start with a foundation of salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the turkey breast.
2. Add depth of flavor with garlic powder and onion powder. These can be sprinkled directly on the turkey breast or mixed into a seasoning blend.
3. Use a combination of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano to infuse the turkey breast with aromatic flavors. You can use them individually or in combination.
4. Add a touch of smokiness and color with sweet or smoked paprika. It complements the flavors of turkey well.
5. This pre-made blend typically includes a mix of herbs and spices specifically designed for poultry. It often contains sage, thyme, marjoram, and other seasonings that pair well with turkey.
6. Grate the zest of a lemon and sprinkle it over the turkey breast to add a bright, citrusy flavor.
7. If available, use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, and parsley. Finely chop the herbs and rub them onto the turkey breast or tuck whole sprigs under the skin.
8. Before seasoning, brush the turkey breast with olive oil or melted butter. This helps to keep the meat moist and adds richness.

Remember to adjust the seasoning amounts based on the size of the turkey breast and your personal taste preferences. Additionally, if you have a specific recipe or flavor profile in mind, you can tailor the seasonings accordingly.

Turkey Breast in Slow Cooker

This works great if you have a small family. We had just 4 of us this year and still had leftovers to make 2 dinners on the days after. Here are quick step by step directions to make Crockpot turkey breast. There is a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post as well.

1. Spray inside of pot with non stick spray. Pour liquid into bottom of pot.
2. Combine seasonings into a bowl and mix. Use half of the softened butter and rub this under the skin of the breast. Rub half of the seasoning rub underneath too.
3. Sprinkle and rub remaining seasonings on the top of the 1 lb turkey breast. Put into middle of pot.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours or until middle of thickest part of the meat reaches 165 degrees F.
5. If you want crispy skin after you slow cook, preheat broiler. Put on sheet pan and crisp for 5-10 minutes.
6. If you have a larger air fryer or Ninja Foodi you could spray top with olive oil spray and crisp in that at 400 for a few minutes.
7. To make turkey gravy, melt butter that is remaining in a saucepan. Add drippings from slow cooker into pan. You can add more broth at this time depending on how much you want.
8. In a small bowl whisk together 3 tbsp cornstarch with some of your hot liquid until smooth. Pour this into pan and stir as it thickens. Add more this way until it is the consistency you want.

If you have a Foodi and want to get really crispy skin, follow the last steps in our pressure cooker turkey breast.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipes

You can vary this in many ways. Adding a variety of seasonings to the outside will change it up a bit, and a marinade can be used beforehand. Use the same amount of liquid inside the pot so it stays moist and “steams” during the cook time. That can be altered too by using any sort of broth you want. Here are a few ways to add flavor:

• Overnight turkey brine with a citrus touch is nice.
• We go simple or use a dry rub with our baked Butterball turkey breast
• Here is turkey seasonings already made in a bottle.

Once it’s crisped you’re ready to serve! Timing below is for a bone in skin on breast. If yours is boneless it will likely take less time so check at least an hour beforehand by taking the internal meat temperature. Nutritional information is also included but will vary according to weight and saturated fat content.

How to Make Turkey Gravy from Drippings

Making turkey gravy with drippings is a great way to enhance the flavor of your gravy using the juices released during roasting. Here’s a basic recipe for turkey gravy using drippings: Ingredients:

• Turkey drippings from the roasting pan or pot as we used here
• 4 tablespoons of fat (from the drippings or additional butter/oil)
• 4 tablespoons of all purpose flour
• 4 cups of turkey or chicken broth (preferably homemade)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Collect the Drippings: After roasting the turkey, remove it from the roasting pan and set it aside to rest. Place the roasting pan over medium heat on the stovetop.
2. Skim the Fat: Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the turkey drippings, leaving behind approximately 4 tablespoons of fat. If there isn’t enough fat, you can supplement it with additional butter or oil.
3. Prepare the Roux: Add the 4 tablespoons of fat to the roasting pan and heat it over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste called a roux. Continue cooking and whisking the roux for about 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Slowly pour in the turkey or chicken broth while whisking continuously. The liquid will mix with the roux, thickening the gravy. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, which add flavor to the gravy.
5. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer while whisking constantly. Continue simmering for about 5-10 minutes or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add more broth to thin it out.
6. Season: Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Remember, the turkey drippings may already contain salt, so adjust accordingly.
7. Strain (Optional): If desired, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or solids, resulting in a smoother texture.
8. Serve: Transfer the gravy to a serving bowl or gravy boat and serve it alongside the roasted turkey.

Remember, the flavors of the gravy will depend on the drippings and seasonings from your particular turkey, so adjust the seasonings and consistency to suit your taste. Enjoy your homemade turkey gravy with all the delicious flavors from the roast!

How to Store Leftover Turkey Breast

Storing leftover turkey breast properly is essential to maintain its freshness and prevent foodborne illnesses. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to store leftover turkey breast:

1. Allow the cooked turkey breast to cool down at room temperature for no more than two hours after it has been cooked. This helps to prevent the growth of bacteria.
2. Separate the turkey breast meat from the bones. Slice or chop the meat into smaller portions if desired. This will make it easier to store and reheat later.
3. Choose suitable airtight containers or freezer bags for storing the turkey. Make sure they are clean and food-safe. You can also use plastic wrap or aluminum foil as an alternative.
4. Divide the turkey into smaller portions based on your intended use. If you plan to use it within a couple of days, separate it into meal-sized portions. If you’re storing it for longer, consider smaller portions for easier thawing and reheating.
5. If you plan to consume the leftover turkey within 3-4 days, store it in the refrigerator. Place the turkey breast meat in the airtight containers or bags, seal them tightly, and then place them in the refrigerator.
   • Freezing: If you want to store the turkey breast for a longer period, freezing is the best option. Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap or place it in airtight freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification later.
     • Place the wrapped or bagged turkey breast in the coldest part of the freezer, such as the back or bottom shelf.
       • Avoid storing it near the freezer door to prevent temperature fluctuations. Ideally, use the frozen turkey within 2-6 months for the best quality.
6. When you’re ready to use the frozen turkey breast, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave or thaw it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

Remember to always use safe food handling practices when storing, thawing, and reheating leftover turkey. If the turkey shows signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, strange texture, or discoloration, it’s best to discard it to avoid any health risks. And then we will talk about the best leftover turkey recipe here.

What to Make with Leftover Turkey Breast Meat

You really can make anything with it that you would normally use chicken for. It works the same way inside leftover turkey soup, tossed in gravy and served as sliders, or instead of tuna inside a creamy casserole with noodles and veggies.

1. Make a classic turkey sandwich with sliced turkey, bread or rolls, and your favorite condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, or cranberry sauce. Add lettuce, tomato, and other toppings for extra flavor.
2. Chop or shred the leftover turkey and use it as the protein base for a salad. Combine it with fresh greens, vegetables, and your choice of dressing. You can also add dried fruits, nuts, or cheese to enhance the flavors.
3. Use the turkey carcass and any leftover meat to make a flavorful turkey soup. Simmer the carcass with water, vegetables (such as carrots, onions, and celery), herbs, and spices to create a rich broth. Add the leftover turkey meat and any additional vegetables or grains for a hearty and comforting soup.
4. Slice or dice the leftover protein and use it in a quick and easy stir-fry. Sauté the turkey with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and snap peas. Add soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and your favorite seasonings for a flavorful Asian-inspired dish. Serve it over rice or noodles.
5. Shred the leftover meat and use it as a filling for tacos or enchiladas. Warm up corn or flour tortillas, and then add the turkey along with your choice of toppings like salsa, avocado, cheese, and sour cream.
6. Combine the leftover turkey with cooked pasta, vegetables, and a creamy sauce to make a tasty turkey casserole. Top it with breadcrumbs or cheese and bake it until golden and bubbly.
7. Create a flavorful turkey curry by simmering the leftover turkey in a spiced sauce made with coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, ginger, and other aromatic spices. Serve it over rice or with naan bread.
8. Make a leftover turkey pot pie, along with vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes, to make a comforting turkey pot pie. Encase the filling in a flaky pie crust or top it with puff pastry and bake until golden brown.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipes to your taste preferences. Leftover turkey is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, so enjoy exploring different culinary possibilities!