Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Crockpot Turkey Breast is one of the easiest ways to make a Thanksgiving turkey! This slow cooker turkey recipe guarantees succulent and juicy turkey every time, as well as freeing up space in your oven. This year, cook your turkey in a crockpot with vegetables, chicken broth, and plenty of herbs for great flavor and a stress-free holiday!

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Table of Contents

What’s in this Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe?

If you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu and wondering if your oven is big enough for a whole turkey, then I have the perfect solution for you! Grab your Crockpot and get ready for the best turkey breast you’ll ever make!

  • Apple Juice: Sweetens the brine while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
  • Cold Water: Forms the base of the brine.
  • Fresh Rosemary: Adds herbaceous flavor to the brine and the turkey.
  • Garlic: Adds an earthy flavor and a pungent aroma to the brine.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the turkey.
  • Brown Sugar: Sweetens the brine.
  • Black Pepper: Whole peppercorns add a peppery aroma to the brine, and ground black pepper adds a peppery flavor to the turkey itself.
  • Bay Leaves: Infuse the brine with an herbaceous flavor.
  • Orange Peel/Zest: Adds a subtle citrus flavor to the brine and the turkey itself.
  • Turkey Breast: You’ll need a 5-pound boneless turkey breast for this recipe. Make sure to thaw completely if frozen.
  • Dried Sage: Adds a classic Thanksgiving flavor to the turkey breast.
  • Veggies: Celery, yellow onions, and carrots infuse the turkey with a slightly sweet, earthy, and vegetal flavor as it cooks and make an easy side!
  • Chicken Broth: Helps keep the turkey moist as it cooks and adds a salty and umami flavor.

Pro Tip: Plan ahead! You’ll need to brine the turkey for at least 8 hours before adding it to the crockpot.

Variations on Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

You could season this turkey breast with turkey rub, chicken seasoning,Creole seasoning,Italian seasoning,blackened seasoning, orherbs de Provence for a different flavor.

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Is it safe to cook turkey in slow cooker?

Yes, it is just as safe to cook turkey in a crock pot as any typical cooking method. Just be sure to thaw the turkey breast before brining and cooking. Also, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Should I use fresh or frozen turkey for this recipe?

You can use either one! If you use frozen, just be sure to thaw it before cooking.

Why use boneless turkey breast?

Getting a boneless turkey breast is so convenient. These are the perfect size for small gatherings, and they’re so much easier to prepare, cook, and slice than bone-in or whole turkeys.

What size crockpot do I need?

With a 5-pound turkey and veggies to fill up the pot, I’d recommend a slow cooker that is at least 6 quarts.

How do you make a turkey juicy and not dry?

Turkey breast is a very lean cut of meat, which means it tends to dry out, leaving you with a bland Thanksgiving meal. But we can fight that! The brining process locks in moisture and it cooks in its own juices without the need to constantly baste it. This easy slow cooker turkey breast recipe is a great hands-off way of cooking your turkey while you get on with the rest of the feast. And you won’t be left with dry turkey!

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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover crockpot turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the turkey in a baking pan with some turkey stock or pan drippings and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze crockpot turkey breast in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’re cooking the turkey in a slow cooker, you’ll have time to focus on making some delicious side dishes. I love roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, or butternut squash stuffing!

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5-Star Review

“I made this last year at Thanksgiving. It was my first time cooking turkey and it was absolutely wonderful!!!” – Kim

Recipe

Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

4.53 from 183 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 20 minutes minutes

Cook: 4 hours hours

Total: 12 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

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This crockpot turkey breast recipe is an easy way to make tasty, juicy turkey for your Thanksgiving meal. Making turkey in a slow cooker is just genius!

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Email This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.

Ingredients

For the Brine

  • 1 quart (4 cups) apple juice or apple cider
  • 1 gallon cold water
  • 3 stems fresh rosemary
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • ¾ cup kosher salt
  • cups brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons whole peppercorns
  • 4 whole bay leaves
  • peel of 2 large oranges

For the Turkey

  • 5 pounds boneless fresh turkey breast thawed, if frozen
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 3 ribs celery each cut into thirds
  • 2 yellow onions peeled and halved
  • 3 carrots scrubbed, peeled, and halved lengthwise
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (⅔ stick)

Instructions

For Brining the Turkey

  • Combine all brine ingredients in a large nonreactive pot. Heat and stir, about 5-10 minutes, or until sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat and cool completely. Add the turkey breast, cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.

    1 quart (4 cups) apple juice, 1 gallon cold water, 3 stems fresh rosemary, 3 cloves garlic, ¾ cup kosher salt, 1½ cups brown sugar, 2 tablespoons whole peppercorns, 4 whole bay leaves, peel of 2 large oranges, 5 pounds boneless fresh turkey breast

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For Cooking the Turkey

  • Set slow-cooker to HIGH and spray the interior with nonstick spray.

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  • Remove the turkey from the pot and rinse it thoroughly with cold water, and pat it dry with paper towels.

    5 pounds boneless fresh turkey breast

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  • Place the celery, onions, and carrots in the bottom of the slow-cooker, and pour the broth over the vegetables.

    3 ribs celery, 2 yellow onions, 3 carrots, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

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  • Set the turkey breast on top of the vegetables and pour melted butter over the turkey.

    6 tablespoons unsalted butter

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  • Sprinkle the breast with salt, black pepper, sage, rosemary and orange zest.

    1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon dried sage, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves, Zest of 1 large orange

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  • Cover the slow-cooker and cook on HIGH 2 hours, reduce the temperature to LOW and cook an additional 1-2 hours or until the internal temperature of the middle of the turkey breast registers 165°F-168°F.

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  • Remove the breast from the slow-cooker, cover with foil and let it rest 15 minutes.

  • Cut into ½-inch slices and serve.

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  • Enjoy!

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Use boneless turkey breast for this recipe. Fresh or frozen is fine.
  • If using a frozen turkey, be sure to fully thaw it first!
  • Brine the turkey for at least 8 hours before adding it to the crockpot.
  • Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray before adding the turkey breast.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check when your turkey is done (it should read 165°F).
  • Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing it.

Storage:Store crockpot turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 613kcal (31%) Carbohydrates: 63g (21%) Protein: 63g (126%) Fat: 14g (22%) Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 4g Trans Fat: 0.4g Cholesterol: 176mg (59%) Sodium: 954mg (41%) Potassium: 1090mg (31%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 54g (60%) Vitamin A: 4248IU (85%) Vitamin C: 11mg (13%) Calcium: 143mg (14%) Iron: 3mg (17%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to cook a turkey in a slow cooker on low? ›

Then turn the cooker to "Low," if desired (or continue cooking on High). Do not remove the cover during cooking. It can take 20 to 25 minutes to regain the lost steam and temperature if the cover is removed. Make sure the turkey reaches 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer.

Can I reheat turkey in the crockpot? ›

Reheating leftovers in a slow cooker is not recommended. Cooked food should be reheated on the stove, in a microwave, or in a conventional oven until it reaches 165 °F. Then the hot food can be placed in a preheated slow cooker to keep it hot for serving—at least 140 °F as measured with a food thermometer.

How long does it take to cook an 18 lb turkey in an oven bag? ›

8-12 lb turkey: 1 1/2 to 2 hours; 12 to 16 lb turkey: 2 to 2 1/2 hours; 16-20 lb turkey: 2 1/2 to 3 hours; 20-24 lb turkey: 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

How do you cook a turkey that is already smoked? ›

Place your smoked turkey on the broiler try rack and tent securely with tin foil. Place the trayed smoked turkey in the middle of a 350° F oven and cook for about 1.5 – 2 hours (or until a meat thermometer reaches about 140° F in the center of the breast). Remove the turkey and carve for serving.

How many hours can you leave a slow cooker on low? ›

How to use a slow cooker
Oven or stovetopSlow cooker (high)Slow cooker (low)
15 – 30 minutes1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours4 – 6 hours
30 – 45 minutes2 – 3 hours6 – 8 hours
45 minutes to 3 hours4 – 6 hours8 – 12 hours

What temperature does a crockpot cook out on low? ›

Most slow cookers have two slow cooker temperature settings. The 'Low' cook setting reaches temperatures between 164-182°F (reaching a peak of around 205°F after 4 hours). Wondering what temperature is 'High' on a Crockpot slow cooker? The 'High' cook setting tops off at around 205°F after cooking for 4 hours.

Can you cook a turkey breast the day before and reheat? ›

When serving your turkey the next day, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline advises that cooked turkey may be eaten cold or reheated. To reheat your turkey, USDA gives the following recommendations: In the Oven: Set the oven temperature no lower than 325°F.

Can you keep sliced turkey warm in a crockpot? ›

Between the turkey and stuffing in the oven, and various sauces, stocks, gravy, potatoes, and squash simmering away on the stove, there's no place to keep already-cooked food warm. Enter the crockpot. You can keep just about any food warm in a crockpot.

How do you reheat turkey breast without drying it out? ›

Instructions
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F.
  2. Slice the turkey and spread into a baking dish. ...
  3. Cover the turkey with broth and dot with the butter. ...
  4. Reheat in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. ...
  5. Serving.

Is it better to cook a turkey in a bag or not? ›

If you're aiming for an easy method to cook an extra juicy, tasty turkey with plenty of flavorful juices for gravy, oven bags are the best method. However, if you prefer crispy, roasted brown skin, you'll want to skip the oven bag and try using one of our other methods on how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey.

What to season a turkey with? ›

Stick with salt and pepper, put herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to work, or take spicy Cajun seasoning for a spin for some kick. Whatever blend you choose, spread it all over the turkey—on top, underneath, between the body and wings and legs, under the skin, and even in the cavity of the bird.

How long should a turkey rest before carving? ›

First, allow your cooked turkey to sit for about 20 minutes before starting to carve. Beginning halfway up the breast, slice straight down with an even stroke. When the knife reaches the cut above the wing joint, the slice should fall free on its own.

Should I rinse smoked turkey before cooking? ›

There is no need to wash the turkey leg but feel free to rinse in cold water if you prefer. These turkey legs can often taste bland so I like to season them lightly with an all purpose low sodium bbq rub or poultry seasoning.

How to prepare an already smoked turkey breast? ›

Preheat oven to 350° F. Remove turkey breast from packaging and rewrap in aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, first spray aluminum foil with nonstick cooking spray). Place foil-wrapped turkey breast in shallow roasting pan. Heat at 350° F for 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Why does turkey turn pink when smoked? ›

Scientists have found that pinkness occurs when gases in the atmosphere of a heated gas or electric oven react chemically with hemoglobin in the meat tissues to give poultry a pink tinge. They are the same substances that give red color to smoked hams and other cured meats.

Is it safe to cook turkey on a low heat? ›

Roasting Your Turkey. Set your oven temperature no lower than 325 °F. Place your turkey or turkey breast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. For optimum safety, stuffing a turkey is not recommended.

How low is too low to cook a turkey? ›

It is not safe to cook any meat or poultry in an oven set lower than 325 °F. At lower temperatures, meat stays in the Danger Zone (between 40 °F and 140°F for too long.

Can I cook my turkey on low overnight? ›

The unconventional cooking method of roasting a turkey while you sleep might seem crazy on the outset, but it actually makes a lot of sense. Cooked low and slow, turkey is tender, juicy, and pretty hard to mess up.

Is it safe to cook on low in slow cooker? ›

Is a slow cooker safe? Yes, the slow cooker, a countertop electrical appliance, cooks foods slowly at a low temperature—generally between 170° and 280° F. The low heat helps less expensive, leaner cuts of meat become tender and shrink less.

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