Succulent Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast Recipe

Tender, succulent turkey bone-in turkey breast recipe fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

slow cooking unlocks deep, rich flavors that traditional roasting often misses.

The magic happens when you let time and low heat work their culinary wonders.

This method ensures every bite remains juicy and packed with savory goodness.

Seasoned with herbs and spices, the turkey emerges perfectly cooked and wonderfully delectable.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

You’ll love how effortlessly this meal comes together.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours (slow cooker on LOW)

Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients List for Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast

• Onion: Aromatic foundation that infuses subtle sweetness and creates delicious pan drippings for extra flavor depth.

• Bone-In Turkey Breast: Lean protein centerpiece that promises juicy, tender meat with rich natural taste.
• Softened Butter: Helps create golden, succulent exterior and locks in moisture while carrying herb flavors.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent undertone that complements poultry beautifully.
• Thyme, Rosemary, Sage: Classic herb trio delivering earthy, woodsy notes that elevate traditional turkey taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance and balance overall flavor profile.
• Paprika: Introduces gentle warmth and subtle reddish color to the turkey's exterior.

• Orange Juice: Provides bright, citrusy undertone that tenderizes meat and adds unexpected complexity.
• Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth: Creates moisture environment and prevents turkey from drying during slow cooking.
• Butter: Crucial for creating smooth, rich gravy base.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent that transforms cooking liquid into luxurious, silky gravy.

Slow Cooker Setup for Bone-In Turkey Breast

• Slow cooker (6 to 7-quart): Essential for moist, tender turkey.
• Digital thermometer: Crucial for checking perfect turkey doneness.
• Baking sheet: Helps crisp up turkey skin under the broiler.
• Wire rack: Allows even air circulation when crisping turkey.
• Small bowl: For mixing seasoning butter.
• Whisk: Needed for creating smooth gravy.
• Saucepan: Used to prepare the optional gravy.
• Cooking spray: Prevents turkey from sticking to slow cooker.
• Sharp knife: For slicing cooked turkey breast.

Step-by-Step Guide to Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast

• Slow Cooker Preparation

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a light spray. Scatter chopped onions across the bottom to create a flavorful base for your turkey.

• Turkey Seasoning

Gently pat the turkey breast until dry. Mix soft butter with aromatic herbs and spices. Massage this magical blend all over the turkey, sneaking some under the skin for extra flavor.

• Cooking Magic

Nestle the seasoned turkey on top of the onions. Pour a splash of orange juice and chicken broth around the meat. Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic for 3-4 hours until the turkey reaches a perfect internal temperature.

• Crispy Finish

Want a golden exterior? Pop the cooked turkey under the broiler for a quick 5-minute transformation into a crispy-skinned masterpiece.

• Optional Gravy Creation

Strain the cooking juices and whisk them into a smooth, rich gravy. Simmer until it reaches a luxurious consistency that’ll make everyone at the table swoon.

• Serving Delight

Slice the turkey into beautiful pieces and drizzle with homemade gravy. Get ready for compliments and empty plates!

Juicy Tips for Bone-In Turkey Breast in the Crockpot

• Gently separate turkey skin from meat and spread herb butter underneath to ensure maximum flavor penetration and keep the meat incredibly juicy.
• Replace orange juice with apple cider or white wine for a deeper, more complex taste that adds richness to the turkey's overall flavor.
• Create a spice blend using smoked paprika, cayenne, or dried chili flakes to give the turkey a subtle kick and personalized heat level.
• Prepare the herb butter and season the turkey the night before, allowing flavors to meld overnight and simplifying day-of cooking preparation.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast

• Festive Family Dinner Centerpiece: Present the golden-brown turkey breast on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and roasted seasonal vegetables for a stunning holiday presentation.
• Thanksgiving Leftover Magic: Transform remaining turkey slices into delicious sandwiches with cranberry spread, create hearty turkey salad with chopped herbs, or use shredded meat in warming soups and casseroles for easy next-day meals.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Platter: Arrange sliced turkey on a platter with crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a Mediterranean-style serving option that elevates the protein's flavor profile.
• Comfort Food Companion: Pair the turkey with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or wild rice pilaf to create a comforting and satisfying meal that brings warmth to the dinner table.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked turkey breast in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed turkey remains fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezing Technique: Slice turkey into portions before freezing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in freezer-safe containers. Frozen turkey stays delicious for up to 4 months without losing quality.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated turkey slices gently in microwave with a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 325°F, covered with foil, until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Lunch Prep Genius: Transform leftover turkey into quick sandwiches, salad toppers, or shredded filling for tacos. Cold or warm, these versatile turkey pieces make meal planning effortless and exciting throughout the week.

Succulent Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker bone-in turkey breast delivers tender, juicy meat with minimal kitchen effort. Herb-infused seasonings and gentle slow cooking create a foolproof method for you to enjoy a delicious, hassle-free poultry centerpiece.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (7-oz) bone-in turkey breast, skin on
• 4 tbsps (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 tbsps (57 g) unsalted butter
• 4 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 large white or yellow onion, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1 to 2 tsp kosher salt, to taste
• 0.5 to 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) orange juice (or substitute with chicken broth)
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) reduced sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups broth (from turkey drippings in the slow cooker)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Lightly coat slow cooker insert with cooking spray and spread onion chunks across the bottom to create a flavorful base.
2. Herb Butter Infusion: Blend softened butter with minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, paprika, and ground pepper to create an aromatic seasoning mixture.
3. Turkey Seasoning: Pat turkey breast dry, then meticulously massage herb butter underneath and over the skin, ensuring complete coverage without damaging the delicate surface.
4. Liquid Foundation: Carefully position seasoned turkey breast on onion layer, then gently pour orange juice and reduced sodium chicken broth around the meat, creating a moisture-rich environment without fully submerging.
5. Slow Cooking Process: Secure lid and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours, tracking internal temperature until it precisely reaches 160°F using a digital meat thermometer.
6. Optional Crisp Finish: Transfer cooked turkey to wire rack-lined baking sheet and broil at 500°F for 5 minutes, maintaining vigilant watch to prevent charring.
7. Gravy Preparation: Strain cooking juices, discard onion chunks, and create a smooth roux by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually incorporating strained liquid until achieving desired consistency.
8. Serving: Season gravy with salt and pepper, slice turkey breast, and serve with the rich, aromatic accompanying sauce.

Notes

• Dry Thoroughly: Pat turkey breast completely dry with paper towels to help herb butter adhere and ensure crispy skin.
• Herb Butter Technique: Gently lift skin without tearing to distribute seasoning underneath for maximum flavor penetration.
• Temperature Precision: Use a digital meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches exactly 160°F for perfect, juicy meat.
• Broiling Caution: Watch carefully during final 5-minute broiling to achieve golden-brown crisp without burning the exterior.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (slow cooker on LOW)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg