Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, preparing a delicious and juicy turkey breast can be a daunting task. But fear not, for the humble crock pot comes to the rescue, offering a foolproof method for achieving succulent results. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of crock pot turkey breast cooking, providing you with all the knowledge you need to create a culinary masterpiece.
Choosing the Right Turkey Breast:
The first step towards crock pot success lies in selecting the perfect turkey breast. Opt for a boneless, skinless option, as it cooks faster and is easier to slice. If you prefer a crispy skin, consider leaving the skin on and removing it after cooking. Remember, the weight of your turkey breast will determine the cooking time, so choose wisely based on your desired serving size.
Seasoning and Preparation:
With your turkey breast in hand, it’s time to unleash your inner culinary artist Create a flavorful rub using garlic powder, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, and black pepper Rub this mixture generously over the turkey, ensuring it reaches every nook and cranny. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a dollop of softened butter to the mix.
Crock Pot Magic:
Now comes the moment of truth – placing your seasoned turkey breast in the crock pot. Nestle it comfortably in the bottom, ensuring it’s nestled snugly. Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat. The cooking time will vary depending on the weight of your turkey breast, but as a general rule of thumb, allow 5 hours for a 3-3.5 pound breast.
Checking for Doneness:
As the aroma of succulent turkey fills your kitchen, it’s tempting to peek inside the crock pot. However, resist the urge to disturb the cooking process. Instead, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast. Once it reaches 165°F, your culinary creation is ready to be devoured.
Rest and Relaxation:
Before carving and serving your masterpiece, allow the turkey breast to rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful experience.
Gravy Goodness:
Don’t discard the delicious juices left behind in the crock pot. These culinary treasures can be transformed into a rich and flavorful gravy. Simply strain the juices through a sieve into a saucepan. Whisk together some cornstarch and broth, then add it to the juices. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened. Season to your liking with parsley, thyme, and black pepper.
Serving Suggestions:
Your crock pot turkey breast is now ready to take center stage at your dinner table. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing salad. For a truly festive touch, consider serving it with cranberry sauce and stuffing.
Leftover Delights:
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, rejoice! Crock pot turkey breast makes for fantastic sandwiches, soups, and casseroles. Simply shred or slice the leftover turkey and incorporate it into your culinary creations.
Cooking a turkey breast in a crock pot is a simple yet rewarding experience. By following these steps, you’ll create a juicy, flavorful, and tender turkey breast that will impress your family and friends. So grab your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure.
Moist and Tender Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot
FAQ
Is cooking a turkey in a slow cooker safe?
How long does it take to cook a fully cooked turkey breast?
Is it better to cook a turkey low and slow or high and fast?
How long do you cook turkey breast in a slow cooker?
Cooking turkey breast in a slow cooker will take about 6-7 hours on Low or 3.5-4.5 hours on High, if using bone-in turkey breast. For boneless turkey breast, cook for 5-6 hours on Low or 3-3.5 hours on High. After this, you’ll place it under the broiler to brown and the internal temperature will rise while it rests.
How do you cook a turkey breast in a crockpot?
Season the turkey: Place the turkey breast into the crockpot. In a bowl, mix together butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, and pepper. Rub all over the turkey thoroughly. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours, then remove and let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes.
How do you cook a Turkey in a slow cooker?
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the onion, garlic (face down), and thyme in the slow cooker. Season the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Place the rub all over the turkey breast, focusing on the top and sides. Place it on top of the onion and garlic in the slow cooker.
Can a 6 quart turkey breast go in a slow cooker?
This recipe is designed for a 6-quart Slow Cooker. Select the Right Size Breast: Choose a bone-in or boneless turkey breast that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. A 3-4 pound turkey breast is a good size for most slow cookers. We used a 6-quart crockpot.