How to Cook a Turkey Breast in a Slow Cooker: Deliciously Juicy and HassleFree Thanksgiving Delight
How to Cook a Turkey Breast in a Slow Cooker?
To cook a turkey breast in a slow cooker, start by mixing together a simple rub consisting of minced fresh parsley, minced garlic cloves, grated lemon zest, salt-free lemon-pepper seasoning, and salt.
Pat the turkey breast dry and slather it with the rub.
Next, place a bed of garlic and onion in the slow cooker and place the turkey breast on top.
Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
Once cooked, remove the turkey breast and allow it to rest before crisping the skin under a broiler or in the oven.
The slow cooker juices can be used to make a flavorful gravy.
Remember to cook the turkey breast until the internal temperature reaches 165F / 75C.
Enjoy the juicy turkey breast without the need for brining!
Key Points:
- Create a rub using parsley, garlic, lemon zest, lemon-pepper seasoning, and salt
- Coat the turkey breast with the rub
- Place garlic and onion in the slow cooker, then add the turkey breast on top
- Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours
- Let the turkey breast rest before crisping the skin under a broiler or in the oven
- Use the slow cooker juices to make gravy
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F / 75C
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that slow cooking a turkey breast in a slow cooker not only keeps it moist and tender, but also allows it to retain more of its natural flavors compared to other cooking methods?
2. When cooking a turkey breast in a slow cooker, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
3. Contrary to popular belief, adding water or broth to the slow cooker while cooking a turkey breast is unnecessary. The turkey breast is self-basting and will create enough moisture on its own.
4. To enhance the flavor of your slow-cooked turkey breast, try rubbing it with a mixture of herbs, spices, and olive oil before placing it in the slow cooker. This will infuse the meat with delicious flavors throughout the cooking process.
5. Slow-cooked turkey breast can provide a versatile base for various meals. Once cooked, you can shred the turkey and use it in sandwiches, salads, tacos, or even as a flavorful addition to soup.
Introduction To The Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
The Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is a game-changer when it comes to cooking the perfect turkey breast without the hassle of brining. This recipe has gained immense popularity, with over 3 million views and countless positive reviews. Turkey breast can be notoriously lean and challenging to keep juicy when roasted in the oven, but with this slow cooker method, you can achieve tender and flavorful results every time.
Benefits Of Cooking Turkey Breast In A Slow Cooker
One of the major benefits of using a slow cooker to cook turkey breast is the forgiving nature of this cooking method. Unlike roasting in the oven, the slow cooker allows for a longer cooking time without the risk of drying out the meat. This ensures that the turkey breast remains moist and tender throughout the cooking process. Additionally, the recipe suggests using bone-in, skin-on turkey breast for maximum flavor and moisture retention.
Another advantage of using a slow cooker is the convenience and safety it offers. Slow cookers are designed to cook food at low temperatures over an extended period, making it safe to leave the turkey unattended while you go about your day. This allows you to save valuable time and energy in the kitchen without sacrificing the quality of the dish.
Steps To Prepare And Cook The Turkey Breast In A Slow Cooker
Preparing and cooking a turkey breast in a slow cooker is a straightforward process. Begin by creating a simple rub using ingredients such as garlic, onion, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, and butter. After patting the turkey breast dry, slather it generously with the rub, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
Next, line the bottom of the slow cooker with a bed of onion and garlic. Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onion and garlic, cover the slow cooker, and set it to cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours. It is crucial to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast using a meat thermometer. The turkey should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165F / 75C for safe consumption.
Once the turkey breast is cooked, it is recommended to let it rest before crisping the skin. This can be done either under a broiler or in the oven, for a few minutes until the skin becomes golden and crispy.
The slow cooker juices can be strained and used to make a delectable gravy by combining them with butter, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Create a rub with garlic, onion, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, and butter.
- Pat the turkey breast dry and generously slather it with the rub.
- Line the bottom of the slow cooker with onion and garlic.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onion and garlic.
- Cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165F / 75C.
- Let the turkey breast rest before crisping the skin under a broiler or in the oven.
- Strain the slow cooker juices and combine them with butter, flour, salt, and pepper to make a delicious gravy.
Recommended Ingredients For The Recipe
To enhance the flavors of the slow cooker turkey breast, the recipe suggests using the following ingredients:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Thyme
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Butter
Other recommended ingredients to elevate the taste include:
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
- 8 minced garlic cloves
- 4 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons salt-free lemon-pepper seasoning
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt.
These ingredients work in harmony to infuse the turkey breast with a mouthwatering blend of aromatics and seasonings, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish that will impress your guests.
Tips For Achieving A Juicy Turkey Breast Without Brining
The slow cooker method used in this recipe eliminates the need for brining while still producing a juicy and succulent turkey breast. However, a few tips can help ensure the best results.
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Firstly, when purchasing a frozen turkey breast, it’s worth noting that it may already be brined. In such cases, it is advisable to reduce the amount of salt used in the rub to avoid excessive saltiness.
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Thawing the turkey breast properly is also crucial. Allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4 pounds of turkey breast. Thawing in the refrigerator is the most reliable method, as it promotes even thawing and keeps the meat at a safe temperature.
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Finally, when checking the internal temperature of the turkey breast, it is important to insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast without touching the bone. This will ensure an accurate reading and help you achieve perfectly cooked turkey breast.
Serving Suggestions And Additional Information
This slow cooker turkey breast recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it an excellent choice for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. To complete your holiday feast, consider serving the turkey breast with classic accompaniments such as:
- creamy mashed potatoes
- warm dinner rolls
- crisp green beans
Leftover turkey breast can be utilized in creative ways, such as sandwiches or hearty soups, providing delicious meals beyond the initial serving. The article also provides detailed nutrition information to help you make informed dietary choices, including calories, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, and protein per serving.
the Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is a foolproof alternative to traditional oven-roasting methods, guaranteeing a moist and flavorsome turkey breast without the need for brining. With its ease of preparation, safety, and reliably delicious results, this recipe will undoubtedly become a go-to method for cooking turkey breast, creating a hassle-free and delightful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cooking a turkey in a slow cooker safe?
Yes, cooking a turkey in a slow cooker can be safe as long as certain precautions are followed. Due to size limitations in many slow cookers, it is important to either cut up a whole turkey into smaller pieces or use store-bought turkey parts. It is crucial to ensure that these parts are thawed before placing them in the slow cooker, as starting to cook foods from a frozen state is not recommended by the USDA. By adhering to these guidelines, cooking a turkey in a slow cooker can be a safe and convenient method.
Is it safe to slow cook a turkey overnight?
Yes, it is safe to slow cook a turkey overnight. Slow cooking a turkey allows the meat to cook thoroughly without drying it out, resulting in a juicy and tender turkey. By cooking the turkey at a low temperature for an extended period, the flavors have time to meld together, creating a delicious and succulent dish. However, it is important to ensure proper food safety practices when slow cooking a turkey overnight, such as using a meat thermometer to check for doneness and storing the cooked turkey properly to prevent any bacterial growth.
Does turkey breast cook faster?
Yes, turkey breast does cook faster than a whole turkey. Since it is separate from the rest of the bird, it requires less time to reach the desired internal temperature of 165°F. Basting is not necessary for turkey breast as it cooks more quickly and is less likely to dry out.
Does a turkey breast cook faster covered or uncovered?
When it comes to cooking a turkey breast, it is generally recommended to cover it while it cooks. By covering the turkey breast, you can help retain moisture and prevent it from drying out. Additionally, covering the turkey breast can also result in a more even cooking process. However, it is important to note that during the final 30 minutes of roasting, you should remove the foil cover to allow the skin to become crispy and golden.