Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Herb and Citrus Aromatics Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe delivers tender, juicy meat infused with fresh herbs and warm spices. Perfect for a hands-off meal, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 5-7 pound bone-in turkey breast
• 4 tablespoons ghee or butter
• 1 tablespoon oil of your choice
• 3-4 sprigs fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 lemon or orange, sliced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup water or broth (for Instant Pot use only)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast and spread the ghee or butter underneath. Rub the oil all over the surface of the turkey.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over the entire turkey breast.
3. Step 3: Place the sliced onion, lemon or orange slices, and fresh herb sprigs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Set the prepared turkey breast on top of the aromatics in the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165° Fahrenheit.
6. Step 6 (Instant Pot): Pour water or broth into the Instant Pot and insert the trivet. Place onion, lemon slices, and herbs on the trivet, then set the turkey breast on top, breast side up.
7. Step 7 (Instant Pot): Cook according to your Instant Pot’s poultry setting, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165° Fahrenheit. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
8. Step 8: Transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board and loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
9. Step 9: Preheat your broiler to high. Carefully place the turkey on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the skin crisps to your liking.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add garlic cloves or a splash of white wine to the bottom of the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
• If you prefer a smoky flavor, substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika.
• To keep the turkey extra moist, baste occasionally with the cooking juices if cooking in a slow cooker without a lid.
• Use turkey breast without skin if you prefer, but keep in mind the skin helps lock in moisture and adds crispiness after broiling.

Storage

Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, covered to retain moisture. Carve leftovers thinly for sandwiches or salads.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a boneless turkey breast, but cooking times will be shorter. Start checking for an internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit about 1-2 hours earlier than the suggested times.

Do I need to baste the turkey during cooking?

Basting is optional when using a slow cooker as the enclosed environment traps moisture. If cooking with the lid off or in an Instant Pot without sealing liquids, occasional basting can help keep the meat juicy.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Herb and Citrus Aromatics Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 80 reviews

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe delivers a moist and flavorful turkey breast using simple ingredients and slow cooking techniques. Infused with fresh herbs, citrus, and a blend of savory seasonings, the turkey comes out tender and juicy, perfect for a comforting family meal. The recipe also includes instructions for an alternative Instant Pot method to speed up the cooking time while achieving similar delicious results.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-8 hours (slow cooker) or 1.5 hours (Instant Pot including natural release)
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker) or 1 hour 45 minutes (Instant Pot plus broiling and resting)
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey and Seasoning

• 5–7 pound bone-in turkey breast
• 4 tablespoons ghee or butter
• 1 tablespoon oil of your choice
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Additional Flavorings

• 3–4 sprigs fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 lemon or orange, sliced

For Instant Pot Option

• 1 cup water or broth

Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey: Rinse and pat the turkey breast dry. Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast without tearing it. Place the ghee or butter under the skin, spreading it evenly. Rub the oil all over the surface of the turkey to help the seasoning adhere.
2. Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
3. Add Flavor Base to Cooker: Place the sliced onion, lemon or orange slices, and fresh herb sprigs at the bottom of the slow cooker to build a fragrant flavor base for the turkey.
4. Place Turkey in Slow Cooker: Set the prepared and seasoned turkey breast on top of the onion, citrus, and herbs in the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cook: Cook the turkey on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
6. Prepare Instant Pot (Optional): For the Instant Pot method, pour 1 cup of water or broth into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside, then add the onion slices, lemon slices, and fresh herbs on top of the trivet.
7. Place Turkey in Instant Pot: Position the seasoned turkey breast on the trivet, breast side up.
8. Cook in Instant Pot: Pressure cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once finished, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release of any remaining pressure.
9. Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey breast from the cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Loosely tent it with foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
10. Crisp the Skin: Preheat your broiler to high. Carefully place the rested turkey breast on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes or until the skin is crisp and golden to your liking.

Notes

• Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Resting the turkey before slicing helps maintain its moisture and tenderness.
• The broiling step is important to achieve a crisp, appetizing skin.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted based on preference; rosemary and thyme work excellently.
• If using the Instant Pot, the added liquid is essential for proper pressure cooking.
• This recipe works well with bone-in turkey breasts, as the bones add flavor and moisture.

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