How to Cook a Turkey Breast in the Crock Pot

Co-authored by Jessica Gibson Reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano

Last Updated: March 23, 2023 Approved

Slow cooking turkey breast in a crock pot can enhance its flavor and make it more tender. It’s also a really easy process. Just make sure you leave your turkey in the crock pot for long enough so it’s cooked all the way through!

Ingredients

1 4 lb (1.8 kg) turkey breast with the skin on (preferably bone-in), fresh or thawed
1 head of garlic, cut in half horizontally
1 onion, unpeeled and cut in half
5 sprigs of fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons (3 g) of dried thyme

For the Seasoning Rub:

1½ teaspoon (5 g) of garlic powder
1½ teaspoon (4 g) of onion powder
1 teaspoon (2 g) of paprika
2 teaspoons (11 g) of salt
5 grinds of black pepper
1.5 tablespoons (22 mL) tablespoons of olive oil

For the Gravy:

2 cups (470 mL) of chicken stock/broth or juices from the turkey
4 tablespoons (57 g) of butter
¼ cup (31 g) of flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Seasoning and Cooking the Turkey Breast

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1
Make the seasoning rub. Place dried seasonings in a small bowl and stir them with a little bit of oil until they're combined. The seasoning includes flavorful ingredients (like onion and garlic powders) and paprika, which will give the turkey breast a little color as it bakes. For the seasoning, mix together:^{[1]
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- 1½ teaspoon (5 g) of garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoon (4 g) of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) of paprika
- 2 teaspoons (11 g) of salt
- 5 grinds of black pepper
- 1.5 tablespoons (22 mL) of olive oil
2
Dry the turkey and rub it with seasoning. Remove 1 fresh or thawed turkey breast from the package. It should weigh around 4 pounds (1.8 kg) and have the skin on. Pat the turkey breast with paper towels until it is dry. Cover the turkey breast with the seasoning rub. Use your hands or a pastry brush to spread it along the sides and top of the turkey.^{[2]
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- Most turkey breasts will come with the bones, but you can also cook a boneless turkey breast.
Warning: According to the USDA, you should not rinse the turkey breast before you season or cook it. Rinsing raw turkey can actually spread dangerous bacteria around your sink and work space.^{[3]
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US Department of Agriculture
U.S. agency responsible for promoting good agricultural practices and protecting consumers

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3
Place the garlic, onion, and thyme in the slow cooker. Cut 1 head of garlic in half horizontally and place it cut-side down in the slow cooker. Take 1 unpeeled garlic and cut it in half as well. Set the onion cut-side down in the slow cooker. Add 5 sprigs of fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons (3 g) of dried thyme.^{[4]
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- There's no need to chop or mince the fresh thyme. Leaving the springs whole will make it easier to remove them once the turkey has cooked.
4
Cook the turkey breast. Lay the seasoned turkey breast directly onto the garlic, onion, and thyme in the bottom of the slow cooker. The garlic and onion should raise the turkey up so that it's not touching the bottom of the slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker on low and cook it for 6 to 7 hours. If your turkey breast weighs more or less than 4 pounds (1.8 kg), use these guidelines:^{[5]
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- 5 hours on low for a 2 lb (0.91 kg) turkey breast
- 6 to 7 hours on low for a 4 to 6 lb (1.8 to 2.7 kg) turkey breast
- 8 to 9 hours on low for an 8 to 10 lb (3.6 to 4.5 kg) turkey breast

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Serving the Turkey Breast

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1
Let the turkey rest. Test the temperature of the turkey using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Once it's reached 165 °F (74 °C), it's safe to eat. Insert a sturdy wooden spoon into the turkey cavity. Hold several paper towels in your other hand and press the paper towels against the end of the turkey while you lift up with the handle of the spoon. Carefully lift the whole turkey out of the crock pot and set it on your carving board. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes.^{[6]
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- Allowing the turkey to rest will help the juices redistribute within the turkey breast. This will keep it from drying out.
- You could also use 2 large meat forks to hold and lift the turkey breast out of the crock pot.
2
Strain the liquid from the crock pot. Set a large measuring jug or cup into your sink. Place a mesh strainer over the measuring jug. Put on oven mitts and hold the crock pot. Pour the liquid from the bottom of the crock pot through the strainer and into the measuring jug. Remove the mesh strainer and discard the vegetables. You should have about 2 cups (470 mL) of liquid that you'll use for the gravy.^{[7]
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- If you don't have enough liquid, add chicken broth or water to get 2 cups (470 mL).
3
Make gravy while the turkey rests. Melt 4 tablespoons (57 g) of butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup (31 g) of flour and cook it for 1 minute. Slowly pour in ¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) of your turkey liquid and whisk constantly to prevent lumps. Keep adding more of the liquid as you whisk. The gravy should thicken as it cooks. Taste the gravy and season it with salt and pepper to taste.^{[8]
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- If you like a thick gravy, cook it longer or use less of the turkey liquid. For a gravy that's easy to pour, you'll probably want to use all 2 cups (470 mL) of turkey liquid.
- If you have lumps in the gravy, you can use an immersion blender to quickly blend the gravy until it's smooth.
4
Crisp the skin under the broiler. Turn the broiler on to high and ensure that your rack is low enough to allow the turkey to fit in the oven. If you can, try to place the turkey about 12 inches (30 cm) below the broiler. Set the cooked turkey on a sturdy baking sheet or dish and set it on the rack. Broil the turkey for 3 to 5 minutes. The skin should turn crispy and golden brown.^{[9]
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- Avoid walking away from the broiler while the turkey is crisping. If it browns quickly, you'll need to pull it out of the oven to keep it from burning.
5
Serve the turkey breast with the gravy. As soon as the turkey skin is golden, carefully remove it from under the broiler and carve it. Place the carved pieces on a warmed serving platter and serve it right away. Set the gravy out on the side so guests can serve themselves.^{[10]
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- If you choose to keep the turkey warm in the oven for a while before serving it, the turkey may become dry or even tough. If you must keep it warm before serving it, wrap it well and broil it just before you do serve it.

Community Q&A

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Question

Do you need to add any water or liquid to this recipe?

Community Answer

I put a little chicken or turkey stock (unsalted) at the bottom, about two cups. It just helps flavor the gravy more.

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How many people will a 9-pound turkey breast feed?

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As a general rule, plan on 1-pound of turkey breast for one person. This would mean that a 9-pound turkey breast would feed about 9 people.

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Should I cook an already fully-cooked turkey breast in the crock pot?

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You could warm the cooked turkey breast in the crock pot, but watch closely to ensure that it doesn't overcook and dry out. Try warming it for 2 to 3 hours before checking it.

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Tips

Most turkey breasts don't come with giblets, but you may want to check inside the cavity to be sure. Remove the giblets before cooking.

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Avoid removing the slow cooker cover and checking the turkey too often. The temperature inside the slow cooker will drop by 25° F (4° C) degrees every time you open the lid, which will extend your cooking time.

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You can cook vegetables in the crock pot along with the turkey that you plan to serve. Keep in mind that potatoes may have a softer texture and may fall apart. If adding potatoes or carrots, consider adding them during the last few hours of cooking.

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