Juicy Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast Recipe

Make your Thanksgiving or holiday menu shine with this easy juicy slow cooker boneless turkey breast recipe. Your slow cooker does all the hard work, making tender, flavorful turkey with little effort. It’s great for small gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.

This guide will teach you the benefits of slow-cooking turkey. You’ll learn to make the perfect seasoning blend and keep the right cooking temperature. This way, you’ll always serve a delicious, Instagram-worthy turkey.

Key Takeaways

• Slow-cooking a boneless turkey breast results in a juicy, tender, and flavorful main dish.
• The recipe features a simple yet delicious seasoning blend to enhance the natural turkey flavor.
• Slow cooker simplifies the cooking process and frees up oven space for other dishes.s
• Precise cooking times and temperature guidelines ensure the turkey is cooked to perfection.
• Leftover turkey can be easily stored and repurposed for future meals

Understanding Boneless Turkey Breast Basics

Boneless turkey breasts are great for small gatherings or if you prefer white meat. They are easy to slice and cook evenly. You can find them in most grocery stores all year, either frozen or fresh.

Difference Between Bone-in and Boneless Turkey

Bone-in and boneless turkey breasts cook differently. Bone-in breasts take longer to cook. Boneless breasts cook faster and are easier to slice and serve.

Benefits of Slow-Cooking Turkey

Slow cooking keeps boneless turkey breasts juicy and tender. The slow cooker’s low heat locks in moisture and flavor. This is especially good for lean cuts like the breast, which can dry out quickly.

Size and Portion Guidelines

For boneless turkey breasts, plan for 8 ounces per person. Bone-in breasts need 1 pound per person. Thawing a frozen breast takes 24-48 hours in the fridge. Cook the turkey to 165°F for safety.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cooker Turkey

To make a juicy and flavorful slow cooker turkey breast, you need the right ingredients. The secret is a mix of butter, seasonings, and broth. Let’s look at what makes your turkey a delicious treat.

The recipe starts with a 3 to 6-pound boneless turkey breast. This cut is great for slow cooking because it cooks evenly and stays moist. For the rub, you’ll need softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, sea salt, and black pepper.

For the gravy, you’ll need turkey drippings, more butter, and flour. This gravy is a great match for the juicy turkey.

Feel free to try different herbs and spices to make the flavors your own. The goal is to mix the turkey breast ingredients and slow cooker turkey seasoning for a delicious turkey.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make a delicious slow cooker boneless turkey breast, you need some key tools and equipment. First, you’ll need a slow cooker big enough for your turkey. For a 3-pound turkey, a 6-quart slow cooker is best.

Slow Cooker Size Requirements

If your turkey is bigger, like a 7-8 pound bone-in cut, you’ll need a bigger slow cooker. Look for one that’s 8-10 quarts to make sure the turkey cooks well and has enough room.

Additional Kitchen Tools

• A meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature
• Paper towels to dry the turkey breast before seasoning
• An optional baking sheet and broiler for crisping the skin after slow cooking

Temperature Monitoring Equipment

It’s very important to make sure your turkey is cooked to 165°F. This ensures it’s safe to eat and juicy. An instant-read thermometer helps you check the temperature accurately, avoiding undercooking or overcooking.

With the right slow cooker turkey tools and turkey cooking equipment, you can make a slow cooker boneless turkey breast that everyone will enjoy.

Preparing Your Turkey Breast for Cooking

Before you can enjoy a succulent slow-cooked turkey breast, it’s essential to properly prepare the meat. Begin by taking the turkey out of its packaging and gently patting it dry with paper towels. If you’re working with a turkey breast roast, leave the netting in place – this will help the meat hold its shape during cooking.

One important note: Avoid the temptation to rinse the turkey. The USDA recommends against this, as it can spread harmful bacteria around your kitchen. Instead, simply focus on drying the surface with those trusty paper towels.

Next, allow the turkey breast to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before you begin seasoning. This helps the meat cook more evenly in the slow cooker. As you’re waiting, take a moment to remove any excess skin, but leave the skin covering the breast intact – this will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.

With your turkey breast ready, you’re one step closer to a delicious slow-cooked meal. Stay tuned for the next section, where we’ll dive into the essential ingredients and spices that will transform your turkey into a true masterpiece.

Juicy Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast Recipe

Seasoning and Spice Blend

To get the perfect flavor, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This blend will enhance the turkey’s taste and fill your kitchen with delicious smells.

Cooking Instructions

Start by putting sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. This makes a tasty base for the turkey. Then, coat the turkey breast with the seasoning blend all over. Top with butter to keep it moist and juicy.

Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Wait until the turkey’s internal temperature hits 165°F. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Temperature Guidelines

It’s important to check the turkey’s internal temperature to ensure it’s safe at 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for the thickest part. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing to seal in the juices.

This recipe is great for 2-4 people with leftovers. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or small gatherings. The juicy, flavorful meat and easy prep make it a family favorite.

The cooking time is about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Always use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s temperature. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Creating the Perfect Butter and Herb Rub

Enhance your slow-cooked turkey breast with a flavorful turkey herb rub. This rub infuses it with mouthwatering flavors. The secret to a juicy, flavorful turkey is in the butter turkey seasoning blend.

By mixing softened butter with herbs and spices, you create a rub. This rub will transform your boneless turkey breast into a culinary masterpiece.

Start by softening 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter at room temperature. In a small bowl, mix the butter with the following seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon of dried parsley)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Gently massage the turkey herb and rub it all over the turkey breast. Make sure to coat the entire surface, including under the skin. This ensures the butter turkey seasoning penetrates deep into the meat.

“The key to a perfectly seasoned turkey is to get the rub under the skin, allowing the flavors to permeate the meat for maximum impact.”

For a twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary. These ingredients add a unique and delightful dimension to your slow-cooked turkey breast.

With the turkey herb rub evenly distributed and the turkey breast ready for the slow cooker, you’re well on your way. You’re creating a juicy, flavorful centerpiece for your holiday feast.

Slow Cooking Time and Temperature Guidelines

To get a juicy and tender slow cooker boneless turkey breast, timing and temperature are crucial. You need to know the cooking times based on the turkey’s weight. Also, make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Cooking Times by Weight

A 2-3 pound boneless turkey breast cooks well on the low setting for 2.5-3 hours. A bigger 4-6 pound breast might need 5-6 hours to be done right. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and prevent overcooking.

Safety Temperature Checkpoints

• The turkey breast must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
• You can take the turkey out of the slow cooker when it hits 155-160°F (68-71°C). It will get hotter while resting.
• Letting the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing makes it moist and flavorful.

By sticking to these guidelines, your boneless turkey breast will be perfectly cooked. The slow cooker’s low heat is essential for the juiciest, most tender turkey every time.

Making Rich Turkey Gravy From Drippings

Unlock the full flavor of your slow-cooked turkey breast. Turn the flavorful drippings into a rich, velvety gravy. There are two ways to make the perfect turkey gravy, each with its own method.

The first method uses a classic roux. Start with unsalted butter and all-purpose flour. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.. Then, whisk in the flour to make a smooth paste.

Slowly add the turkey drippings, whisking all the time to avoid lumps. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper for seasoning. Simmer the gravy, stirring now and then, until it’s the right thickness.

For the second method, use cornstarch. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a bit of water or chicken broth. This makes a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the turkey drippings, whisking constantly.

This method lets you control the gravy’s thickness. It ensures a smooth and velvety texture.