How to Slow Cook a Turkey Breast for Maximum Juiciness

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Are you tired of serving dry turkey breasts? Fortunately, it can be avoided and we are here to show you how.

Turkey breast meat is thick yet super lean (minimal fat). Due to the thickness, turkey breasts typically need about two hours to cook all the way through. If you cooked fatty meat for that long, the fat would melt during the cooking process, lubricate the muscle fibers, and keep the meat juicy. Since the typical turkey breast contains little fat, it can dry out during long cooks.

You can avoid serving dry turkey breasts by wet or dry brining before cooking, but that won’t be feasible if you don’t have the time or fridge space to brine a turkey breast. If brining is not an option, consider cooking your turkey breasts in a slow cooker.

NOTE: We highly recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure doneness as every slow cooker cooks differently. Internal temperature needs to be 165°F in both the thickest part of the breast (without touching the bone) and in the thighs to ensure doneness and food safety.

Slow cooking a turkey breast is a great way to prepare this lean cut of meat so that it turns out incredibly moist and tender. With the right technique, seasonings and cooking time, you can make turkey breast that is succulent, full of flavor and easy to slice.

I love using my slow cooker for turkey breast because it guarantees juicy meat without needing to tend and baste it like you would in the oven. The gentle, low heat of the slow cooker breaks down the turkey’s fibers over several hours, resulting in a super tender texture.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my tips for selecting, preparing and slow cooking turkey breast so you can make amazing turkey every time.

Choosing the Right Turkey Breast

The first step is selecting the best turkey breast for slow cooking. Here are the things to look for:

  • Bone-in or bone-out: Bone-in turkey breast will have more flavor as the bone imparts taste to the meat during cooking. Boneless cuts are easier to serve.

  • Skin on: Choose skin-on turkey breast. The skin keeps the meat moist and you can season between the skin and meat.

  • Size Plan on 1⁄2 pound of boneless turkey breast per person or 3⁄4 – 1 pound of bone-in per person,

  • Whole or half Get a whole breast (both sides) for more meat or a half breast for smaller groups

I prefer a bone-in, skin-on half turkey breast for the best flavor and easiest serving. A 3 pound turkey breast will feed 4-6 people.

Preparing Turkey Breast for the Slow Cooker

Proper prep is key to maximizing the turkey’s moisture:

  • Season under the skin: Lift the skin and rub seasoning directly onto the meat before cooking.

  • Use a cooking rack: Place turkey on a rack over 1 cup broth in the slow cooker insert so steam keeps it moist.

  • Brown first: Quickly browning the skin before slow cooking renders fat and enhances flavor.

  • Cook low and slow: Keep the temp low (270°F – 300°F) and cook time long (6 – 8 hours).

  • Rest before serving: Letting it rest 15 minutes allows juices to absorb.

Flavoring Your Turkey Breast

Turkey breast can be seasoned simply with salt and pepper or take on any flavors you like. Here are some ideas:

  • Herb rub – dried thyme, rosemary, sage
  • Spice mixes – chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic
  • Citrus – orange, lemon
  • Savory – roasted garlic, caramelized onions
  • Wet marinade – olive oil, broth, vinegar, mustard

Play around with your favorite flavored rubs, pastes and marinades. Just be sure to season under the skin for maximum flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for foolproof slow cooker turkey breast:

Prep

  1. Pat turkey breast dry and loosen the skin from the meat. Be careful not to tear it.

  2. Apply preferred seasoning directly onto the meat under the skin. Rub it evenly over the entire surface.

  3. Set cooking rack in slow cooker insert and add 1 cup broth, stock or wine.

Cook

  1. Place seasoned turkey breast skin-side up on the rack in slow cooker insert.

  2. Cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours until thermometer reads 160°F when inserted in thickest part.

  3. Carefully remove turkey breast from cooker and let rest 15 minutes.

Finish

  1. If desired, quickly broil skin to make crispy before slicing and serving.

  2. Carve turkey into slices. Serve with desired sides and sauces.

  3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Reheat within 3-4 days.

Tips for Moist Turkey Every Time

Follow these tips and tricks to ensure your slow cooked turkey breast turns out super juicy:

  • Cook low and slow – Low, gentle heat allows turkey to cook evenly without drying out. Don’t cook above 300°F.

  • Use broth or wine – The liquid provides moisture as it turns to steam during cooking.

  • Cook to proper temperature – Remove from heat at 160°F to prevent overcooking. Use a meat thermometer.

  • Rest before serving – Letting it sit allows juices to absorb back into the meat.

  • Add marinade, broth or sauce – Basting the cooked turkey breast keeps it moist.

  • Store properly – Allow to cool before refrigerating. Reheat gently to prevent drying out.

Serving Ideas

Slow cooked turkey breast is delicious on its own but also makes a fantastic addition to other dishes. Slice it up and use it for:

  • Sandwiches – Add cheese, lettuce, avocado, etc. for tasty turkey sandwiches

  • Salads – Dice or shred turkey to top fresh salads

  • Wraps – Stuff in tortillas or flatbread with veggies and sauce

  • Casseroles – Mix with vegetables, rice, pasta or bread cubes for one-dish bakes

  • Soups – Shred and add to chowders, stews and broth-based soups

With its mild flavor and tender texture, slow cooked turkey takes on any flavors you pair it with beautifully. Enjoy this lean protein in all kinds of easy, delicious meals.

So try out slow cooking turkey breast using my tips for guaranteed moistness. This simple method will have you making incredible turkey year-round that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads and casserole dishes.

how to slow cook a turkey breast

Why Should You Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

A slow cooker uses low heat to slowly cook turkey, letting the meat marinate and simmer in its own juices. Also, since a slow cooker does not release steam, it locks moisture inside the pot and meat to help deliver juicy turkey breasts.

Slow cooking bone-in turkey breast can take five to six hours, but the results are unbelievable – moist and tender turkey meat packed with flavor. Even better, the hands-off cooking process is so convenient. Just place the turkey breast inside the slow cooker, close the lid, set the cooker, and relax until the timer goes off.

Instant Pot® or Electric Pressure Cooker

Unlike a slow cooker, instant pots and electric pressure cookers, cook food quickly. Since these fast cookers lock in steam and cook food quickly, you can use them to make flavorful and moist turkey breasts. An Instant Pot® also has a slow cooker setting for cooking turkey breasts with low heat.

Learn more about how to cook turkey breast in an Instant Pot® or electric pressure cooker here.

Moist and Tender Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot

FAQ

Can you cook a turkey breast at low temperature?

To keep the turkey moist, it’s best to cook the turkey breast roast slowly, at a lower temperature. This will ensure that the turkey meat cooks as evenly as possible, slowly, for a longer period of time. In this recipe, the turkey breast is cooked at 300 F.

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.

Is it safe to slow cook turkey at 250 degrees?

Cooking a turkey overnight at 250 degrees is safe if you follow essential guidelines and prioritize food safety.

How long does it take to cook a turkey breast at 275 degrees?

Generally, a turkey breast will take around twenty minutes per pound to cook at 275 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you cook turkey breast without brining?

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is without a doubt, this is the easiest, safest and tastiest way to cook turkey breast without brining. It’s moist and juicy, takes 3 minutes to prepare, then just leave it to cook in your slow cooker (crock pot). Then use the juices to make a killer gravy!

How long to cook turkey breast in a slow cooker?

How long to cook turkey breast in the slow cooker – A 2 kg / 4 lb turkey breast will take about 5 to 6 hours on LOW in a slow cooker. See recipe notes for cook times for other sizes. How to tell when turkey breast is done – When the internal temperature is 165F / 75C.

What temperature do you cook a turkey breast in a slow cooker?

The ideal slow cooker temperature for cooking a turkey breast is on the low setting, which is usually around 275-300°F (135-150°C). This low heat helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.

How long does a 2 kg turkey breast take to cook?

A 2 kg / 4 l2b turkey breast will take 5 to 6 hours on LOW in a slow cooker. Check the internal temperature at 5 hours. See recipe notes for cook times for other sizes. I promised you easy – and easy it is! Here’s how it goes down: Use slow cooker juices to make a killer gravy.

How do you cook a thawed Turkey in a slow cooker?

Coat: Spread the butter mixture generously all over the thawed turkey. Cook: Place the turkey into the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit with a meat thermometer. Carefully remove your turkey from the slow cooker and then place it on a platter.

What size turkey breast is best for a slow cooker?

Size: Choose a turkey breast that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. A 2-3 pound turkey breast is ideal for most slow cookers. Boneless or Bone-In: Both boneless and bone-in turkey breasts can be used for slow cooking. However, boneless turkey breasts are easier to slice and serve.

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