Slow Cooker Turkey Breast: The Easiest Thanksgiving Recipe

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast: Imagine sinking your teeth into incredibly tender, juicy turkey, infused with savory herbs and spices, without the stress of hovering over a hot oven for hours. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s not! With this foolproof recipe, you can achieve Thanksgiving-worthy turkey any day of the week, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker.

Turkey, a staple at American Thanksgiving, has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. While traditionally roasted, the quest for easier, more convenient methods has led to innovative approaches like using a slow cooker. This method not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures a consistently moist and flavorful result.

People adore Slow Cooker Turkey Breast for its simplicity and the incredible flavor it delivers. The slow cooking process allows the turkey to baste in its own juices, resulting in unparalleled tenderness. Plus, it frees up your oven for other dishes, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or busy weeknights. The ease of preparation, combined with the delectable taste and succulent texture, makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked turkey and hello to a hassle-free, delicious meal!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (6-8 pound) boneless turkey breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon paprika

Preparing the Turkey and Vegetables:

1. First, pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear on it later.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the turkey breast in the skillet and sear it on all sides until golden brown. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Searing the turkey adds a lot of flavor and helps to keep it moist during the slow cooking process. Don’t skip this step!
3. Remove the turkey breast from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Pour the chicken broth and white wine into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits are full of flavor and will add depth to the sauce.

Slow Cooking the Turkey:

1. Pour the vegetable and broth mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Place the seared turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
3. In a small bowl, combine the dried rosemary, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. In another small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and paprika.
6. Brush the butter and paprika mixture over the top of the turkey breast. This will help to create a beautiful, flavorful crust.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the breast.
8. Important: Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so it’s always best to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Resting and Slicing the Turkey:

1. Once the turkey is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
2. Cover the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
3. While the turkey is resting, you can prepare the gravy (see instructions below).
4. After the turkey has rested, use a sharp carving knife to slice it against the grain. This will help to make the slices more tender.
5. Arrange the sliced turkey on a platter and serve with the gravy and your favorite side dishes.

Making the Gravy:

1. After removing the turkey from the slow cooker, strain the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Discard the solids.
2. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water to create a slurry.
4. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering liquid, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Continue to simmer the gravy, whisking occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency, about 5-10 minutes.
6. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little salt, pepper, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
7. Serve the gravy hot with the sliced turkey.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, or parsnips. Just make sure to chop them into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor of the turkey. Some other good options include oregano, marjoram, and savory.
• Add Citrus: For a brighter flavor, add a few slices of lemon or orange to the slow cooker along with the turkey.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture for a little bit of heat.
• Use Bone-In Turkey Breast: While this recipe calls for a boneless turkey breast, you can also use a bone-in turkey breast. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. A bone-in turkey breast will typically take longer to cook than a boneless one.
• Thickening the Gravy Without Cornstarch: If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can thicken the gravy with a roux. To make a roux, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the roux is smooth and golden brown. Gradually whisk in the strained liquid from the slow cooker and simmer until the gravy has thickened.
• Adding More Flavor to the Gravy: For a richer, more flavorful gravy, add a tablespoon of butter and a splash of heavy cream at the end of the cooking process. You can also add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of soy sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Leftover Turkey: If you have any leftover turkey, you can use it to make sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles. Store the leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Leftover Turkey: You can also freeze leftover turkey for longer storage. Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Serving Suggestions:

This slow cooker turkey breast is delicious served with a variety of side dishes, such as:

• Mashed potatoes
• Stuffing
• Green bean casserole
• Cranberry sauce
• Roasted vegetables
• Dinner rolls

Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker turkey breast!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Forget dry, bland turkey – this method guarantees a succulent, flavorful bird every single time, with minimal effort on your part. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax and enjoy the day.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Let me recap. First, the ease of preparation is unmatched. Just a few simple ingredients, a quick sear (optional, but highly recommended for that extra layer of flavor!), and then let the slow cooker work its magic. Second, the results are consistently outstanding. The low and slow cooking process ensures that the turkey breast remains incredibly moist and tender, practically falling apart at the touch of a fork. Third, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the seasonings to your liking, making it perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive holiday feast.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving this delicious turkey breast. For a classic Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, pair it with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. But don’t limit yourself to just holiday meals! This turkey is equally fantastic in sandwiches, salads, or even as a protein-packed addition to your favorite pasta dish.

Looking for some variations? Consider these ideas:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning blend for a little kick.
* Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to create your own unique flavor profile.
* Citrus burst: Add slices of lemon or orange to the slow cooker for a bright, zesty flavor.
* Smoked paprika: A teaspoon of smoked paprika in the rub will add a wonderful smoky depth.
* Gravy galore: Don’t forget to use the flavorful juices from the slow cooker to make a delicious gravy! Simply strain the juices, skim off any excess fat, and thicken with a cornstarch slurry.

I truly believe that once you try this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe, you’ll never cook turkey any other way again. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or any time you’re craving a delicious and easy meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the most tender and flavorful turkey breast you’ve ever had. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do!

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try this recipe? What variations did you make? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your culinary creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking!