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 in the oven results in incredibly moist, tender meat infused with delicious flavor. It’s an easy, hands-off cooking method that frees up your stovetop and requires minimal preparation Follow this simple step-by-step guide for foolproof oven-cooked turkey breast every time
Benefits of Oven Slow Cooking
Slow cooking utilizes low, even heat over an extended time to break down collagen and fat in meats. This makes the turkey breast exceptionally:
- Tender – Long cooking times leave the meat fall-apart tender.
- Juicy – Low heat allows turkey juices to be retained.
- Flavorful – Herbs and spices have hours to permeate the meat.
Additional benefits include:
- Convenience – Turkey breast cooks unattended in the oven.
- Flexibility – Add any flavors or stuffings you desire.
- Contained mess – Everything cooks neatly in a roasting pan.
- Time savings – Cooks hours faster than roasting a whole turkey.
Equipment Needed
- Roasting pan or Dutch oven – Provides ample room for even cooking.
- Aluminum foil – Seals in heat and moisture.
- Meat thermometer – Monitors doneness and food safety.
Ingredients
- 2-3 lb turkey breast, thawed if frozen
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Herbs and spices of choice
- Aromatic vegetables like onion, celery, carrots (optional)
- Chicken or turkey broth (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly slow cooked oven turkey breast:
1. Prepare the Turkey Breast
Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry with paper towels Trim off any excess skin or fat Make sure the breast is fully thawed if frozen.
2. Season the Turkey Breast
Rub the turkey all over with olive oil or melted butter. Generously season with preferred spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme.
3. Stuff the Turkey Breast (Optional)
For added flavor, stuff the breast cavity with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, lemons, and fresh herbs.
4. Brown the Turkey Breast (Optional)
For crispy skin and enhanced flavor, brown the seasoned breast in a skillet on the stovetop first.
5. Add Broth to Roasting Pan
Place turkey breast in a roasting pan or Dutch oven. Add chicken or turkey broth to further baste and flavor the meat.
6. Cover and Cook
Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil. Slow cook at 275°F for 20 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Check Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to verify the breast reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. If under, continue cooking.
8. Let Turkey Rest
Once fully cooked, remove turkey from the oven and let rest 20 minutes before slicing to allow juices to absorb.
9. Carve and Serve
Carve into slices and serve drizzled with pan juices. Enjoy with cranberry sauce, gravy, or your favorite sides!
Seasoning and Stuffing Ideas
Get creative with the flavors – try one of these combinations:
- Lemon garlic – Lemon juice, garlic, parsley
- Mediterranean – Olive oil, oregano, basil
- Tex Mex – Chili powder, cumin, paprika
- Indian spices – Garam masala, curry, cilantro
- Italian herbs – Rosemary, thyme, sage
- Fruit and nut – Orange, cranberries, walnuts
Cooking Time Chart
Use this cooking time chart as a guide, but always verify doneness by thermometer. Cook times vary based on oven type.
| Turkey Breast Weight | Cook Time at 275°F |
|-|-|-|
| 2 pounds | 4-5 hours |
| 3 pounds | 5-6 hours |
| 4 pounds | 6-7 hours |
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Brining the breast in saltwater enhances moisture and flavor.
- Allow ample room for air flow so the breast doesn’t steam.
- Baste periodically with pan juices for added moisture and richness.
- Let rest before slicing to allow juices to absorb back into the meat.
- Add vegetables under the breast in pan to make a full meal.
- Use leftovers for sandwiches, salads, casseroles, and soups.
Common Questions
What size turkey breast should I use?
Look for a 2-4 pound boneless, skin-on breast for easy slow cooking. Size depends on number of servings needed.
What temperature is best for oven slow cooking?
Cook at 275°F for tender, fall-apart meat without drying out. Higher temperatures risk overcooking.
Do I need to brine or marinate the turkey breast first?
Brining is recommended but not required. It helps ensure a super moist, well-seasoned turkey breast.
Can I stuff the turkey breast for more flavor?
Yes, stuffing the cavity adds delicious flavor. Opt for aromatics like onions, herbs, lemons, vegetables.
How long does a 3 lb turkey breast need to cook?
At 275°F, a 3 pound turkey breast will need around 5-6 hours of slow cooking time in the oven.
With this easy method, you’ll enjoy a tender, juicy oven-cooked turkey breast with amazing texture and flavor. Impress your family with your skill as a home cook by mastering this hands-off slow cooking technique.
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.
Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
Crockpot and slow cooker can mean the same thing. Crock-Pot® is the brand name of the first-ever slow cooker. Other brands now make slow cookers, and like Crock-Pot® slow cookers, these cookers have three primary components – a pot, a transparent lid, and a heating element.
Follow these tips to cook perfect turkey bone-in breasts in a Crock-Pot® or another slow cooker.
- Place a turkey breast skin side up inside the cooker. If the skin is facing upwards, it’s less likely to tear when removing the turkey breast from the slow cooker. Also, keeping the skin out of the broth will allow it to develop a delectable color.
- Before placing the turkey breast in the slow cooker, brush the skin with cooking oil before rubbing your seasonings. The oil will help the seasonings adhere to the body and enhance the flavor. It will also help the skin brown beautifully during the cook.
- Add half a cup of liquid (water, broth, or wine) to the base of the slow cooker. The turkey breast will absorb the flavor and moisture of the liquid while cooking. It will also help prevent the meat from sticking to the base of the pot. For more flavor, place halved garlic, onions, and your other favorite ingredients at the bottom of the pot.