Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe
Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re bringing you the epitome of juicy, flavorful simplicity with our Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Gravy recipe. Bursting with aromatic spices and slow-cooked to tender perfection, this dish promises to elevate your holiday season or weeknight dinner to new heights. Plus, with the bonus of a mouthwatering gravy made right from the turkey drippings, every bite has savory and comforting flavors of home-cooked goodness. Let’s dive into this effortless yet indulgent cooking journey together!
HOW CAN USING THE CROCKPOT FOR Thanksgiving DINNER MAKE LIFE EASIER?
Using a crock pot to prepare Thanksgiving turkey dinner will make life easier. You can prepare dishes early, so no rush. With the crock pot cooking, you’re free to prepare other meals or be with loved ones. It cooks slowly, so your food comes out tasty without needing lots of babysitting. Plus, you can cook different dishes at once, keeping your oven available. In short, using a crock pot makes Thanksgiving cooking simpler and a more relaxed family dinner.
INGREDIENTS TO MAKE JUICY SLOW COOKER TURKEY BREAST
GRAVY FLAVOR ENHANCeRS:
- Onion (sliced): Onions add a savory sweetness to dishes. When sliced and placed in the bottom of the slow cooker, they infuse the turkey with flavor as it cooks, enhancing its taste and aroma.
- Garlic (whole cloves): Garlic provides a rich, aromatic flavor to dishes. Whole cloves of garlic, when cooked slowly with the turkey, impart a subtle yet distinct garlicky essence to the meat and the gravy.
TURKEY SPICE rub:
- Turkey Breast (4-5 pounds, Bone in or Boneless): The main protein of the dish, turkey breast is lean, tender, and rich in flavor. Whether bone-in or boneless breast, it serves as the centerpiece of the meal, offering moist and succulent meat.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a concentrated garlic flavor to the turkey.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the savory profile of the turkey.
- Paprika: Offers a mild, sweet, and smoky flavor with a vibrant red color.
- Thyme: Provides earthy and herbaceous notes that complement the turkey’s natural taste.
- Olive Oil (to rub on the skin): Olive oil is used to coat the exterior of the turkey breast before seasoning. It helps seal in moisture, promotes browning, and enhances the flavors of the spices and herbs in the rub.
- Butter (6 tablespoons, to put under the skin): Butter is placed underneath the skin of the turkey breast before cooking. As it melts during the cooking process, it bastes the meat from within, resulting in a moist and flavorful turkey.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Salt and black pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish. They help balance flavors, heighten the savory profile, and add depth to both the turkey and the gravy.
turkey GRAVY INGREDIENTS:
- Butter (1/2 stick, unsalted): Butter is used as the fat base for making the gravy. It contributes richness, smoothness, and a buttery flavor to the sauce.
- Flour (1/4 cup): Flour is a thickening agent for the gravy. When combined with butter, it forms a roux, which helps achieve the desired consistency and texture.
- Turkey Drippings or Chicken Stock/Water (2 cups, from the bottom of the pan): Turkey drippings are the flavorful juices released by the turkey as it cooks. They contain the essence of the meat and the aromatics, which, when combined with the roux, create a rich and savory gravy.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Salt and black pepper are added to the gravy to season and balance its flavors, ensuring it complements the turkey perfectly.
HOW DO YOU MAKE THE MOIST JUICY TURKEY BREAST?
Time needed: 5 hours and 20 minutes
- Prepare the Crock Pot:
Place the sliced onion and whole garlic cloves in the bottom of the slow cooker. - Prepare the Turkey:
Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels.
Salt and pepper the entire breast and rub it with olive oil.
Carefully lift the skin of the turkey breast and place slices of butter underneath.
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast.
- Cook the Turkey:
Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use an instant-read meat thermometer to check). **It’s critical not to overcook the breast otherwise it will be a dry turkey and difficult to eat.
Optional: After cooking, you can place the turkey breast under the broiler for a couple of minutes to make crispy skin. - Prepare the Gravy:
Once the turkey is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter.
Strain the onions and garlic from the liquid in the slow cooker to use as the base for the gravy.
Make sure you have at least 2 cups of liquid; if not, add water or chicken broth to make up the difference. - Combine the Gravy Ingredients:
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it bubble for about a minute.
Gradually whisk in the turkey drippings (or chicken stock/water) until the mixture begins to boil and thickens into a gravy.
Taste the gravy and season with salt and black pepper as needed. - Serve:
Slice the turkey breast against the grain and arrange the slices on the serving platter.
Drizzle the gravy over the sliced turkey for an excellent presentation.
Serve the delicious turkey with your favorite Thanksgiving sides like green bean casserole and cranberry sauce.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Bone-in turkey breast has the advantage of being juicier and more flavorful because the bone helps keep the meat moist while it cooks. On the other hand, boneless turkey breast is easier to slice and doesn’t have a bone to deal with, making it simpler to cook and serve. But without the bone, it might not be as juicy or tasty as the bone-in kind.
Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in a crockpot?
It’s not recommended to cook a frozen turkey breast in a crock pot. The best way is to thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator before cooking because it’s safer and cooks evenly.
Yes, if you desire crispy skin, you can place the cooked turkey breast under the broiler for a few minutes after it’s done in the crock pot. This can help achieve a golden-brown and crispy exterior.
Elevating the turkey off the bottom of the slow cooker is not necessary but can be beneficial. Placing the turkey on a rack or layer of vegetables (like onions or carrots) can allow the heat to circulate around the turkey for even cooking.
Cooking turkey breast in a slow cooker is very forgiving. The slow, gentle heat keeps the meat moist and tasty. You can adjust the cooking time without worrying too much. Just make sure the turkey cooks to a safe temperature inside. Slow cookers make the turkey tender and delicious, so it’s an easy and relaxed way to cook turkey.
How do you know exactly how long to cook the turkey breast?
Determining the precise cooking time for turkey breast in a slow cooker involves considering several factors, with weight being a primary determinant. Generally, the larger the turkey breast, the longer it will take to cook thoroughly. This relationship between weight and cooking time is essential because it affects the time required for heat to penetrate the meat fully and for the turkey to reach a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees f. Additionally, factors such as the temperature setting of the slow cooker, whether the turkey breast is bone-in or boneless, and the desired level of doneness also influence cooking time. But, using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast is the most reliable method for determining when it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Suggested Cook Time:
2 – 3 lb: 4 – 5 hours on low
4 – 6 lb: 5 – 6 hours on low
7 – 8 lb: 6 – 7 hours on low
9 – 10 lb: 8 – 9 hours on low
CROCKPOT TURKEY BREAST RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
- Different Herbs: Try using other herbs in your turkey rub. Instead of thyme, you can use rosemary, sage, or a mix of poultry seasoning for more flavor.
- Citrus Flavor: Add lemon, orange, or lime zest or juice to your turkey rub for a fresh, tangy taste that goes well with the spices.
- Swap Liquids: Instead of using water or chicken broth, try using apple cider, white wine, or cranberry juice to add extra flavor to your gravy.
- Bed of Veggies: Instead of onions and garlic, put sliced carrots, celery, or potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. They’ll lift the turkey and give it more flavor.
- Sweet and Tangy Glaze: Coat your turkey breast with a glaze made from maple syrup, honey, or balsamic vinegar mixed with Dijon mustard for a sweet and savory twist.
- Add Some Heat: Sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes on your turkey rub for a spicy kick. You can also try adding minced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor.
- Asian Flavors: Make an Asian-inspired marinade with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Serve your turkey breast with rice and stir-fried veggies for a tasty meal.
- Creamy Mushroom Gravy: Make your gravy richer by adding sautéed mushrooms and a bit of cream or sour cream for a creamy texture.
- Fresh Herbs Topping: Sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives over your sliced turkey breast and gravy just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Stuffing Option: For a full Thanksgiving vibe, stuff your turkey breast with your favorite stuffing mix before cooking. Just make sure the stuffing reaches a safe temperature along with the turkey.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH TURKEY BREAST?
Let’s talk side dishes! Sometimes my favorite part of the meal is the side dish, but the turkey breast shines the most here! One of my favorite sides to serve is creamy garlic mashed potatoes! For a fancier potato option try this recipe for Chantilly Mashed Potatoes. If you want to get in a few veggies, pair this with a green salad and fill it with your favorite chopped-up vegetables and dressing. Other options are these easy Maple Roasted Carrots and the most amazing Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts with Bacon!
HOW do you STORE and REHEAT LEFTOVER turkey breast?
To keep leftover crock pot turkey breast with gravy fresh, let it cool first. Then, put it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, options include using the microwave in short intervals, reheating on the stovetop with occasional stirring, or warming in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 20-30 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Just make sure it’s heated all the way through, and the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. If the gravy gets too thick, you can add a bit of broth, water, or milk to make it smoother. Once it’s nice and warm, it’s ready to serve!
HOW DO YOU FREEZE LEFTOVER JUICY TURKEY BREAST?
To freeze leftover crock pot turkey breast for later, first, let it cool down after cooking. Then, portion it into meal-sized servings and place them in airtight freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Label each container or bag with the contents and the date before putting them in the freezer. Once frozen, they can be stored for several months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe
Equipment
- Slow Cooker/Crock Pot
Ingredients
Gravy Enhancers
- 1 Onion (sliced)
- 6 Cloves Garlic (whole cloves)
- ½ Cup Water (on the bottom to keep the turkey moist)
Turkey Rub
- 5 Pound Turkey Breast (Bone in or Boneless)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Thyme
- Olive Oil (to rub on the skin)
- 6 Tbsp Butter (to put under the skin)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Gravy Ingredients
- 1/2 Stick Butter (unsalted)
- 1/4 Cup Flour
- 2 Cups Turkey Drippings Drippings , Chicken Stock/ Water (from the bottom of the pan)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Place the sliced onion and whole garlic cloves in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Turkey: Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Salt and pepper the entire breast and rub it with olive oil.
- Carefully lift the skin of the turkey breast and place slices of butter underneath.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast.
- Cook the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use an instant-read meat thermometer to check). It's critical you don't overcook the breast otherwise it will be dry and difficult to eat.
- Optional: After cooking, you can place the turkey breast under the broiler for a couple of minutes to crisp up the skin.
- Prepare the Gravy: Once the turkey is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Strain the onions and garlic from the liquid in the slow cooker to use as the base for the gravy. Make sure you have at least 2 cups of liquid; if not, add water or chicken broth to make up the difference.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it bubble for about a minute.
- Gradually whisk in the turkey drippings (or chicken stock/water) until the mixture begins to boil and thickens into a gravy.
- Taste the gravy and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Slice the turkey breast against the grain and arrange the slices on the serving platter.
- Drizzle the gravy over the sliced turkey for an excellent presentation.
- Serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides.