Easy Crock Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Ingredients
Turkey Butter Rub
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika smoked is good too for a smokey flavor
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning herbs de Provence or dried thyme/sage mixed are great subs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoon butter softened
Turkey
- 1 4 lb turkey breast, bone-in
- 1 large onion cut into 6 sections
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 3-4 springs fresh rosemary or thyme optional to add to the bottom of the slow cooker
Gravy (Optional)
- Turkey or chicken broth See Notes below
- 4 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Turkey Butter Rub
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Make the turkey dry rub by combining the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Soften the butter in a small bowl. The easiest way to do this is by using the microwave, checking it after 15 second intervals. You don't want to melt the butter.
Turkey
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Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Set aside.
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Add the onion sections and fresh thyme sprigs (optional) to the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Combine the turkey rub and butter. Spread it over the top and bottom of the turkey. If your turkey breast has skin, loosen the skin and spread the butter mixture under the skin as well.
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Add the turkey to the slow cooker on top of the onions and garlic. Cook it on Low for 4-5 minutes. The turkey will be done when it reaches 165 F when tested in the thickest part of the meat. It's recommended using a digital meat thermometer to check the turkey after 4 hours.
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To brown the turkey skin, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a broiler safe dish. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the skin is browned to your liking. Let the turkey rest 20 minutes before slicing or serving. Make the optional turkey gravy while the turkey rests.
Turkey Gravy (Optional)
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Strain the slow cooker liquid into a bowl, pushing the onions, garlic, and herbs down with a spatula to add those flavors to the liquid.
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Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined. Pour in about ½ cup of the liquid and whisk until a smooth paste forms. Slowly add the remaining liquid (up to 2 cups in total - adding chicken or turkey broth if needed, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until the gravy starts to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- You can use a store-bought poultry rub instead of making homemade turkey rub.
- To simplify the turkey gravy steps, take store-bought gravy and whisk in 2 tablespoon of turkey drippings for a homemade gravy flavor.
Turkey Breast Cooking Times
Turkey is considered done when the meat reached 165 F when tested in the thickest part of the turkey breast. Here is a time estimate, times can vary based on your turkey and your slow cooker, using a digital meat thermometer is recommended.
- 2 lb: 3 hours on low
- 3 lb: 4 hours on low
- 4-5 lb: 5-6 hours on low
- 7-8 lb: 6-7 hours on low
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