It’s November and we’re in the holiday season. For many, turkey and particularly turkey breast are the go to for a holiday meal. For smaller groups, turkey breast is ideal. Bone in or boneless turkey breast is fine. Turkey breast is notoriously lean, and skin on turkey breast is recommended. The fat under the skin melts while the turkey is cooking, and it bastes the turkey which helps with flavor and moisture. Also skin is required to get that lovely browned seasoned crust.
Turkey breasts differ drastically in size and can range from 1.5kg/3lb to over 5kg/10lb. One (3-pound) half-breast will feed four to 6 people. A whole (six- to seven-pound) turkey breast (two breasts, still joined at the breast bone) will feed eight to 12 people. Turkey breast is also a great way to make extra white meat for a holiday when you’re worried that your turkey won’t be enough. The easiest way to cook a moist, juicy turkey breast with only 8 minutes of prep is with a crock pot or slow cooker. This means your oven is free for other baking.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Use organic when available. Serves 12 people
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 6 lb or 7 lb. turkey breast (if frozen, defrost in refrigerator first)
- 4 celery stalks chopped
- 3 large carrots chopped
- 1 onion cut in half
- 3 cloves garlic sliced
Turkey Breast Rub
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper or to taste
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
Instructions
- Rinse turkey breast and pat dry
- Cut off any excess skin, but leave the skin covering the breast
- Mix all rub ingredients in small bowl
- Spread rub paste all over breast using most on top, side, and under the skin
- Place chopped vegetables in bottom of slow cooker
- Place turkey breast on top of vegetables
- Slow cook on LOW for 6 or 7 hours or until internal temperature reads 165F/75C when thermometer is inserted into the middle
- Remove turkey from the slow cooker and place in a ovenproof serving dish
- Let it rest for 20 minutes before crisping the skin in oven
- Make gravy if desired with broth in slow cooker
- Preheat broiler to high
- Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy
- Serve immediately with gravy and vegetables
Happy Holidays!
Thanks for the visit. Get exclusive free printables & all the news straight to your mailbox!
Please see my Link Parties page for the parties where this post was shared.
That dry rub sounds really great…I must give it a try!
This sounds delicious. I have a similar recipe that I do in the oven but I’ve never tried rubbing with smoked paprika – that sounds really good and I guess it gives the skin an amazing colour 🙂
#MMBC
…turkey time will soon be here!
I love using my crock pot for cooking turkey and chicken. The rub you use sounds really delicious and I will have to give it a try! Thanks for sharing.
thanks for the visit Debbie – Happy November!
I have never cooked turkey or chicken breasts in the slow cooker like this! It does sound so good and a easy way to cook.
Girlfriend, this is epic. I think it is going to be just hubs and me this Thanksgiving. Maybe I can fit my turkey breast and wings (I love wings, hubs loves the breast) into my slow cooker. Thank you for the inspiration. Pinned.
I think you’ll like the taste. Fitting wings and breast really depends on the size of the breast – be sure to use 1/2 breast not full breast.
This is good to know — we’re having turkey breast for TG!
Enjoy!
You know Carol, I love turkey but turkey doesn’t get along with me. My system has a problem with turkeys. LOL Have a great day my friend.
Cruisin Paul
sometimes my body does the same thing – it says nope I don’t like that!
mmmm I love turkey but I’ve never cooked it in the slow cooker. I really like the sound of that rub, I will give that a try as soon as I buy some turkey.
Dear Carol,
this turkey breast is sure to be a particularly delicious meal!
Warm November greetings!
Traude
???????????????? ????
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/11/herbstimpressionen-und-blogparade-dirty.html
I find the slow cooker is a great way to cook. Sounds like a great recipe.
Gracias por la receta. Te mando un beso.
This looks really great, I have a Turkey Breast sitting in the freezer now! I think I will substitute quartered lemons for the garlic…for Thanksgiving! We have fresh herbs in the kitchen right now, which will be perfect! And, a new crockpot! Grins, Sandi
I love the idea of lemons at the bottom. I use lemons in so many dishes. It has such a fresh, welcome taste.
Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party! Have a great weekend.