Cooking wild turkey breast can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy if you use a crockpot. The slow cooker allows the turkey to become fall-off-the-bone tender while infusing it with incredible flavor. Follow these simple steps and tips to make the most delicious crockpot wild turkey breast.
Selecting and Preparing the Turkey Breast
Wild turkey differs from store-bought turkey, so you want to start with the right cut. Look for a fresh turkey breast that’s pink with minimal discoloration. Avoid any signs of freezer burn. The breast should be 2 to 5 pounds to fit nicely in your crockpot.
Once you have your turkey breast remove any feathers or connective tissue. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Then rub the breast evenly with olive oil salt, and pepper. Allow it to sit while you prepare the crockpot.
Setting Up the Crockpot
Grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or oil. Add 1 cup of chicken broth, which will provide moisture as the turkey cooks. You can also add chopped onions, carrots, garlic, and celery. The vegetables will impart even more flavor.
Place the seasoned turkey breast in the crockpot, ensuring it’s submerged in the broth. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. The low, slow cooking is key for tenderizing the meat.
Flavoring the Turkey
One of the best parts of crockpot cooking is how the flavors meld together. Consider adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage. Spices like paprika, cumin, and cayenne also pair nicely with wild turkey.
For extra flavor, try adding a cup of wine, apple cider, or orange juice. Citrus brightens up the turkey. You can also mix in salty elements like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce near the end.
Ensuring Moist, Tender Meat
Wild turkey can easily dry out, so moisture is critical. Make sure the breast is fully submerged in liquid the entire time. Add more broth or water if needed. Resist lifting the lid frequently which allows heat to escape.
Cook times will vary based on size. Plan for 8-10 hours for a 3 to 5-pound breast. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temp reaches 165°F.
When finished, let the turkey rest 10-15 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute for moist, juicy meat.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
It’s easy to dry out or overcook wild turkey breast. Be sure to:
- Use enough broth to keep it moist
- Cook on low heat for 6-10 hours max
- Check internal temp and don’t overcook
- Let turkey rest before shredding or slicing
Also, don’t forget to season the breast and liquid. The flavor will permeate the meat as it cooks
Serving Suggestions
Wild turkey breast makes a fabulous entrée for gatherings. Here are some tasty sides to complement it:
- Roasted fall veggies like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts
- Classic mashed or roasted potatoes
- Rice pilaf or quinoa for a protein boost
- Fresh salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Cranberry sauce for tangy sweetness
- Cornbread or biscuits to soak up the juices
Top sliced turkey with gravy or pan drippings for added moisture and savoriness. Garnish with fresh herbs. For special occasions, arrange on a decorative platter with autumnal accents.
Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Wild Turkey
With these helpful tips, you can have amazing, juicy wild turkey breast on your dinner table. Just a few basic ingredients and your crockpot makes preparing game meat so easy.
Experiment with different seasonings and sides to find your favorite combination. Impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Now go relax while your crockpot does the work creating a spectacular wild turkey feast.
Slow-Cooker Herbed Turkey Breast Rolls
- Wild Turkey Breasts
- peppered bacon
- rosemary
- oregano
- parsley
- kitchen twine
- 2/3 c. chicken stock
- 1/3 c. apple juice
- 1/3 c. rice vinegar
- mushrooms
- cornstarch (for gravy)
Slit a pocket in the turkey breasts, fill them with peppered bacon, rosemary, oregano, and parsley, and roll them shut, securing them with kitchen twine.
Place in the crockpot on low heat, cover them with 2/3 cup of chicken broth, 1/3 cup of apple juice and 1/3 cup of rice vinegar, mushrooms and more herbs. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Make gravy by mixing a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch with chicken stock and adding it to the liquid in the crockpot turning it on high while finishing the rest of the meal. (recipe and courtesy of
Smoked Hawaiian Wild Turkey
- 4 Wild Turkey breast fillets
- 14 ounces Crushed pineapple, canned
- 2 slices Bacon
- 1 1/4 cup Honey mustard sauce
- 3 tbsp Liquid smoke flavoring juice from 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp Garlic salt or powder pepper to taste
Mix together olive oil, mustard sauce, liquid smoke flavoring, lemon juice, pepper and garlic spice into a shallow baking pan. Add Wild Turkey breasts and marinate 18-36 hours.
Pre-heat oven to 325F.
Cook in same pan for 45 minutes with a 3 inch slice of bacon on top of each breast. Add pineapple and cook for another 40 minutes.
Crockpot Wild Turkey Recipe
FAQ
Do you need to soak wild turkey breast before cooking?
Place either the whole turkey or the breast meat in cold water that is lightly salted for about 8 hours or overnight. If you are just using the breast meat, soak it in the water in the refrigerator. If using the whole bird, a clean cooler with ice water works well.
How long can you cook turkey in a slow cooker?
- 1 kg / 2 lb: 4 – 5 hours on low.
- 2 – 3 kg / 4 – 6 lb: 5 – 6 hours on low.
- 4 kg / 8 lb: 6 – 7 hours on low (see 8 June ’17 report from reader Tony)
- 5 kg / 10 lb: 8 – 9 hours on low.
Should turkey breast be up or down in the crockpot?
For an even more moist and tender turkey, cook with the breast side down. Just be prepared that you won’t really be able to slice the turkey this way; it will just fall off the bone. The presentation isn’t great with this method, but the meat is super moist.
Do you put water in a slow cooker for turkey?
step 1. Season the turkey all over and put in the slow cooker with all the remaining ingredients, along with 1 litre of water.