How to Cook a Juicy 3 Pound Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot

Cooking a moist and delicious 3 pound turkey breast in a slow cooker or crock pot is an easy and foolproof method. With minimal preparation time required and simple ingredients, you can have a flavorful homemade turkey breast ready for dinner with minimal fuss.

Benefits of Slow Cooking Turkey Breast

Using a crock pot to cook turkey breast has many advantages:

• Requires little preparation and hands-off cooking Simply season the meat and set the slow cooker for 4-5 hours on low

• Keeps the lean turkey meat incredibly tender and juicy. The slow cooking prevents it from drying out.

• Allows you to infuse a lot of flavor. Spices and herbs penetrate deeply into the meat over time.

• Doesn’t heat up the kitchen since it cooks unattended in the crock pot. Perfect for hot weather

• Lets you focus on other tasks while it cooks, Great for multitasking,

• Provides leftovers that can be used in sandwiches, salads, soups and more.

• Less expensive than cooking a whole turkey. The breast meat alone provides 8-12 servings.

Tips for Cooking a 3 lb Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot

Follow these helpful tips for best results:

• Use a 3-4 quart crock pot for a boneless breast, 5-6 quart for bone-in.

• Make sure the turkey breast is fully thawed if frozen. Defrost in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking.

• Pat the turkey dry before seasoning so the rub sticks better.

• Create a flavorful dry rub with olive oil, spices, herbs, garlic, etc.

• Generously coat all sides of the breast with the spice rub.

• Add aromatics like onion, carrots, celery to the crock pot first.

• Cook for 4 hours on low for boneless breast, checking temperature.

• Allow the breast to rest 15 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

• Make gravy from the tasty drippings leftover in the crock pot.

Simple Herb Rubbed Crock Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 3 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 1⁄2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat turkey breast dry and rub with olive oil.
2. Make rub by mixing thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
3. Coat entire breast evenly with herb rub.
4. Place seasoned breast in crock pot and add 1⁄2 cup water.
5. Cook on low heat for 4 hours until 165°F internal temperature.
6. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Make gravy from drippings if desired.

This simple turkey breast is super moist, tender and full of flavor thanks to the herb rub infused by slow cooking. Try it for easy weeknight dinners or holidays.

More Flavorful Turkey Breast Rub Combinations

Get creative with your own signature spice blends for crock pot turkey breast. Ideas include:

• Lemon herb rub with oregano, basil, lemon zest, garlic
• Italian mix of rosemary, sage, fennel seed, red pepper flakes
• Southwestern spices like chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic
• Jerk flavors – allspice, thyme, brown sugar, cayenne
• Asian flavors – ginger, sesame oil, garlic, five spice
• BBQ rub with chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, onion, garlic
• Moroccan spices – cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne
• Greek herbs – oregano, thyme, lemon zest, garlic, parsley

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I sear the turkey breast first?

Searing helps develop flavor but isn’t necessary. Quickly brown all sides in oil before slow cooking if desired.

Can I stuff a whole bone-in breast for the crock pot?

Yes, stuffing can be cooked inside a bone-in breast. Use reduced sodium chicken broth.

Do I need to adjust timing for a larger breast?

For a 5-6 lb bone-in breast, increase cook time to 6-7 hours on low. Check internal temperature.

What temperature should crock pot turkey breast reach?

Cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I cook 2 turkey breasts together in the crock pot?

Yes, place them side by side in a 6+ quart cooker. Add about 1 hour to the cook time.

How do I reheat leftover crock pot turkey breast?

Slice and reheat turkey in broth or gravy in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Make Gravy from the Turkey Drippings

A benefit of crock pot turkey is being able to easily make gravy using the flavorful pan drippings.

After removing the cooked breast, use a spoon to skim off excess fat from drippings if needed.

To make gravy, whisk together:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 cup turkey broth/drippings
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened. Drizzle gravy over sliced turkey or use for leftovers.

More Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

Leftover crock pot turkey breast is extremely versatile for quick meals:

• Turkey sandwiches with cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado
• Turkey salad with mayo, celery, dried cranberries, walnuts
• Turkey pizza with veggie toppings and mozzarella
• Cheesy turkey nachos piled high
• Hearty turkey vegetable soup
• Turkey casserole with rice, cheese, cream soup
• Turkey tetrazzini – turkey, mushrooms, peas, spaghetti
• Turkey breakfast hash with potatoes, veggies, eggs

Get creative with leftovers! Turkey breast cooked in the crock pot makes it so easy to have tasty meals ready anytime.

Conclusion

Cooking a 3 pound turkey breast in a slow cooker results in incredibly moist, tender and flavorful meat with little effort. Herb rubs infuse delicious flavor as the turkey gently cooks for 4-5 hours.

Use this simple method for easy weeknight dinners, smaller holiday meals, game day food, and beyond. Leftover turkey can be used in endless ways. Give crock pot turkey breast a try soon for fuss-free, delicious results!