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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Lightly coat slow cooker insert with cooking spray and spread onion chunks across the bottom to create a flavorful base.
- Herb Butter Infusion: Blend softened butter with minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, paprika, and ground pepper to create an aromatic seasoning mixture.
- Turkey Seasoning: Pat turkey breast dry, then meticulously massage herb butter underneath and over the skin, ensuring complete coverage without damaging the delicate surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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