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If you’ve been searching for a way to enjoy juicy, flavorful turkey without the hassle of a whole roast, this Slow Cooker Seasoned Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Tender and perfectly spiced, it slow-cooks to juicy perfection before finishing with a crisped, golden skin that’s full of texture and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, a cozy gathering, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises that warm, comforting feast you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish comes down to simple yet essential ingredients that bring balance and depth of flavor to the turkey breast. Each element plays a role, from enhancing the natural juiciness to adding a beautiful crust and a savory aroma.
- Turkey breast (5-7 lb, bone-in or boneless): The star of the dish, choose bone-in for extra flavor and moisture.
- Olive oil or melted butter (2 tbsp): Helps the seasoning stick and creates a tender, golden skin.
- Salt (1 tsp): Essential for enhancing the turkey’s natural taste and improving moisture retention.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle heat and depth to the seasoning blend.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Brings a warm, savory undertone that pairs beautifully with the turkey.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds a sweet and aromatic dimension without overpowering.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Gives a hint of smokiness and beautiful color to the skin.
- Dried thyme or rosemary (1 tsp): Offers earthy herbal notes that complement poultry perfectly.
- Chicken or turkey broth (1 cup): Keeps the meat moist and infuses subtle savory richness during slow cooking.
How to Make Slow Cooker Seasoned Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Turkey
Start by patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels — this step is key for getting crispy skin later. Then rub the olive oil or melted butter generously all over the turkey, even under the skin if you can carefully loosen it. This fat layer will help the seasoning adhere and build that delicious golden crust during broiling.
Step 2: Mix and Apply the Seasonings
In a small bowl, stir together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and your choice of dried thyme or rosemary. This flavorful blend is your ticket to that savory, aromatic profile that elevates this slow cooker turkey to something truly special. Massage this seasoning mix evenly over the entire turkey breast.
Step 3: Set up the Slow Cooker
Pour one cup of chicken or turkey broth into the slow cooker base. This shallow bath of broth gently steams the turkey, keeping it juicy without boiling. Place the seasoned breast inside, skin side up to maintain the juices on top.
Step 4: Slow Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. This slow, gentle heat allows the turkey to reach that perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) while staying melt-in-your-mouth tender and succulent. Resist the urge to rush this part—it’s worth the wait!
Step 5: Crisp the Skin to Perfection
The secret finish to this Slow Cooker Seasoned Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe is a quick broil. Transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and place it under your oven’s broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely and let the skin turn a gorgeous golden brown and crisp up beautifully—this adds an irresistible contrast to the juicy meat.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Allow your turkey breast to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after broiling. This crucial step lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice you carve is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Seasoned Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate the presentation and add a fresh bite. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves for a pop of vibrant green and mild herbal brightness. Lemon wedges also give a lovely, zesty contrast that brightens the rich turkey flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs divinely with classic sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables will complement the tender turkey. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Cranberry sauce or a tangy apple chutney adds sweetness and acidity that pairs perfectly with the seasoned meat.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, carve the turkey breast into neat slices and arrange them on a large platter layered with fresh herbs and citrus slices. You could even build a festive turkey sandwich bar with artisan breads, assorted mustards, and crunchy pickles for a fun, interactive meal idea that keeps the crispy skin front and center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover turkey slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Kept in the refrigerator, leftovers stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting feast a second time.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save turkey for future meals. Portion the turkey breast or slices into freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Properly stored, it maintains great flavor and texture for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, gently warm turkey slices in the oven or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Avoid overcooking so the meat stays tender and juicy, recapturing that freshly cooked magic you experienced the first time.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! A boneless turkey breast works just as well and often cooks a little faster. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking since boneless cuts tend to cook more quickly than bone-in.
Is it necessary to broil the turkey for crispy skin?
Yes, broiling is what gives the skin that beautiful crispness and golden color. The slow cooker doesn’t get hot enough to crisp the skin on its own, so a quick stint under the broiler really finishes the dish brilliantly.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the turkey?
While you can add hearty vegetables like carrots or potatoes, keep in mind they may cook faster than the turkey and could become too soft. It’s often best to cook vegetables separately or add them later in the slow cooking process for optimal texture.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
The most reliable way is by using a meat thermometer. The turkey breast is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat and juicy without being dry.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, but the slow cooker simplifies the process by gently cooking the turkey evenly over hours, resulting in superb tenderness. If you don’t have one, a low oven roast covered with broth can be a decent substitute, but watch the cooking time closely for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Seasoned Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe truly transforms a simple turkey breast into a tender, flavorful centerpiece worthy of any special occasion or cozy weeknight dinner. It’s easy, forgiving, and impressively delicious—once you try it, you’ll have a new favorite to turn to whenever you crave that comforting, home-cooked poultry perfection.
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Print
Slow Cooker Seasoned Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting slow cooker turkey breast recipe offers a tender, juicy centerpiece perfect for a cozy meal. Seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic, onion, paprika, and herbs, then slow-cooked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a crispy skin, it makes for an easy yet impressive feast.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasoning
- 1 (5-7 lb) bone-in or boneless turkey breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Liquid
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil or melted butter all over the turkey, including under the skin if possible to ensure moisture and flavor retention.
- Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme or rosemary. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the turkey breast for balanced flavor.
- Set up the Slow Cooker: Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the slow cooker. Place the seasoned turkey breast inside, breast-side up to allow even cooking.
- Slow Cook the Turkey: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the meat is fully cooked and tender.
- Crisp the Skin: For a golden, crispy skin, transfer the turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and browned.
- Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in moist slices. Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the turkey’s doneness.
- Broiling at the end adds crispy skin but can be skipped if you prefer softer skin.
- Leftover turkey can be used in sandwiches, soups, or salads.
- Adjust herbs and spices to taste or substitute rosemary with thyme if preferred.
- Make sure the slow cooker lid fits tightly to maintain temperature and moisture.
