My grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t the most adventurous cook, but she made a mean turkey. And by “mean,” I mean incredibly delicious and comforting. Her secret? She always used a bone-in turkey breast, roasted low and slow until it practically melted in your mouth.
While I loved that roast, I don’t always have the time (or frankly, the oven space) for a traditional preparation. That’s why I started experimenting with a crock pot turkey breast. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a crowd.
The result is a tender, juicy turkey breast that’s packed with flavor, and it’s all thanks to the magic of slow cooking. It reminds me of her Sunday roasts, but with a modern twist. I even love to make these delicious Blueberry Buttermilk Biscuits to serve as a side!
Why you’ll love this Crock Pot Turkey Breast Roast
- It’s incredibly easy to make – just season the turkey and let the crock pot do the work.
- This crock pot turkey breast is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
- The slow cooking method ensures a tender and juicy turkey breast every time.
- You can easily customize the seasonings to your liking.
- Clean-up is a breeze, as everything cooks in one pot.
- The leftover pan drippings make a delicious and simple gravy.
Ingredients
- 1. 3-4 pound boneless turkey breast roast
- 2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3. 1 teaspoon salt
- 4. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 5. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 7. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8. 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 9. 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for gravy)
- 10. 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for gravy)
Directions
Step 1
Crock pot turkey breast makes every moment feel sunny. Rub the turkey breast roast with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the turkey breast.
Step 2
Place the seasoned turkey breast in the crock pot. Pour chicken broth around the sides of the turkey.
Step 3
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4
Carefully remove the turkey breast from the crock pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. If desired, use the pan drippings to make gravy.
Step 5
To make gravy: Whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Pour the pan drippings from the crock pot into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to change up the flavor profile? Try adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika to the spice rub for a smoky twist. You could also experiment with different herbs, such as sage or marjoram.
For a citrusy touch, add a few slices of lemon or orange under the turkey breast in the crock pot. This will infuse the turkey with a bright, fresh flavor.
Another variation is to use a different type of broth, such as vegetable broth, for a slightly different flavor in your crock pot turkey breast.
Pairings
Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with turkey. The creamy texture and comforting flavor complement the savory turkey perfectly. A side of roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, also pairs well.
Don’t forget the cranberry sauce! Its tartness cuts through the richness of the turkey and adds a festive touch. And of course, stuffing is a must-have side dish for any turkey dinner.
For a lighter side, consider a simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing. A Winter Citrus Salad would be a lovely addition.
Serving ideas
For a beautiful presentation, slice the turkey breast and arrange it on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme sprigs. Drizzle the gravy over the turkey or serve it on the side.
You can also shred the turkey and use it in sandwiches, salads, or wraps. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and create new and exciting meals.
Consider serving the crock pot turkey breast with a side of cornbread or dinner rolls for soaking up the delicious gravy.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the turkey is cooled completely before storing it.
You can also freeze leftover turkey for up to 2 months. Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag.
When reheating, add a little chicken broth to keep the turkey moist.
Make-ahead
You can prepare the spice rub a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container. This will save you time on the day you plan to cook the turkey.
You can also chop any vegetables you plan to add to the crock pot ahead of time. Store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
If you’re making gravy, you can prepare the cornstarch slurry a few hours in advance. Just be sure to whisk it again before adding it to the pan drippings.
Common mistakes when making Crock Pot Turkey Breast Roast
- Overcooking the turkey: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooked turkey can be dry and tough.
- Not letting the turkey rest: Allowing the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
- Skipping the gravy: The pan drippings are full of flavor and make a delicious gravy. Don’t skip this step!
- Not seasoning properly: Make sure to season the turkey generously with salt, pepper, and herbs. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Using too much liquid: Adding too much chicken broth can result in a bland turkey. Only add enough broth to cover the bottom of the crock pot.
Final notes
I hope you enjoy this simple and delicious crock pot turkey breast recipe! It’s a great way to enjoy a classic meal without all the fuss. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to perfection.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and herbs to create your own unique flavor profile. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the sides!
Happy cooking, and I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me and my family.
Loved this Crock Pot Turkey Breast Roast? Try these next
- Blueberry Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
- Winter Citrus Salad Recipe
- Key Lime Pound Cake Recipe
- Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- Key West Grilled Chicken
Crock Pot Turkey Breast Roast
Enjoy a tender and flavorful turkey breast roast cooked to perfection in your crock pot. This recipe is incredibly easy and perfect for a weeknight dinner or holiday gathering.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound boneless turkey breast roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for gravy)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for gravy)
Instructions
- Rub the turkey breast roast with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the turkey breast.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast in the crock pot. Pour chicken broth around the sides of the turkey.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove the turkey breast from the crock pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. If desired, use the pan drippings to make gravy.
- To make gravy: Whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Pour the pan drippings from the crock pot into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
For extra flavor, add sliced onions, carrots, and celery to the bottom of the crock pot before placing the turkey breast. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried. Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg