Cooking a turkey breast can be incredibly simple and rewarding, especially when you use a slow cooker! If you’re looking for a fuss-free way to enjoy turkey without roasting a whole bird, the Pioneer Woman Turkey Breast method using a Crockpot is your perfect solution. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a comforting Sunday dinner, this recipe is all about ease and flavor.
Close-up of slow cooker turkey breast with herbs and vegetables, cooked in a Crockpot.
Just like the Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond, this recipe is all about simple, delicious, and family-friendly cooking. If you’re a fan of easy slow cooker recipes like Crockpot Whole Chicken or even a Slow Cooker Whole Turkey, you’ll absolutely love how effortless and flavorful this slow cooker turkey breast turns out. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion!
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This method is incredibly straightforward and guarantees a moist and tender turkey breast every time. Let’s dive into how to make this Pioneer Woman inspired slow cooker turkey breast a star on your dinner table.
Flavorful Spices for Your Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
To achieve that signature Pioneer Woman level of flavor, we’re using a blend of classic and aromatic spices. This spice rub is what takes the turkey breast from simple to spectacular.
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Ground white pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Paprika
Overhead shot of spice mix in a small bowl, ready to be used for slow cooker turkey breast.
Before we get started, take a quick look at this helpful video that walks you through the process. It’s a great visual guide to making your slow cooker turkey breast a success!
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Let’s break down the process of creating this incredibly easy and flavorful turkey breast. The key is in the simple preparation and the magic of slow cooking.
First, combine all the rub ingredients in a small bowl. This aromatic blend will infuse the turkey with amazing flavor. Next, prepare your vegetables – roughly chop them to create a flavorful bed for the turkey breast in the slow cooker.
Chopped vegetables (onions, carrots, celery) being added to a slow cooker.
Pour chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker. This adds moisture and flavor as the turkey cooks. Quarter a lemon – this will add a touch of brightness and help keep the turkey moist from the inside.
Pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for ensuring the spice rub adheres properly and the skin crisps up nicely later.
Raw turkey breast being patted dry with paper towels.
Rub the smashed and peeled garlic cloves all over the turkey breast. This infuses a wonderful garlic aroma into the meat. Then, generously apply the spice rub all over the turkey, ensuring every part is coated for maximum flavor.
Spice rub being generously applied to a raw turkey breast.
Place the lemon quarters inside the cavity of the turkey breast. Just like the Pioneer Woman often does with her roasted chickens and turkeys, adding lemon is a fantastic way to keep the meat juicy and add a subtle citrus note.
Finally, place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker, nestled in the chicken broth.
Cook on low heat for 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the size of your turkey breast. Once cooked through, carefully remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and place it on a baking sheet or dish. Broil it in the oven for a few minutes to get that beautiful, crispy skin that everyone loves.
Don’t discard the flavorful broth from the slow cooker! It’s the base for a delicious homemade gravy. Simply use it to whip up a quick gravy in a skillet – recipe details are below. You’ll be amazed at how flavorful it is!
Finished slow cooker turkey breast, browned and crispy, ready to be served.
This Pioneer Woman inspired slow cooker turkey breast recipe is truly a no-fuss way to prepare a holiday centerpiece or a special Sunday meal. It’s easy enough for weeknights and elegant enough for company!
Essential Kitchen Tools for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
To make this recipe even easier, here are a few of my favorite kitchen tools:
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart or larger slow cooker works best for most turkey breasts.
- Turkey Lifters: These make removing the cooked turkey breast from the slow cooker safe and easy.
- Baking Dish (pictured above) or another option: For broiling the turkey breast to crispy perfection.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Recipe card image for slow cooker turkey breast with a print and pin option.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Turkey and Vegetables:
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, ends cut off, cut into thirds
- 2 celery stalks, ends cut off, cut into thirds
- 1 (15-ounce) can low sodium chicken broth
- 4 to 5 pound bone-in turkey breast
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
- 1 lemon, quartered
For the Spice Rub:
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Gravy:
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour in chicken broth. Turn slow cooker to low setting.
- In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients for the spice rub.
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub smashed garlic cloves all over the skin of the turkey breast. Then, generously apply the spice rub to the turkey breast. Sprinkle any leftover spice rub over the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Place the quartered lemon and smashed garlic cloves inside the cavity of the turkey breast. Place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 3 1/2 to 5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey breast registers at least 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
- Carefully remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker using turkey lifters. Place it in a roasting pan or baking dish. Set the oven to broil and broil for 3 to 4 minutes, watching closely to crisp up the skin without burning.
To Make the Gravy:
- Strain the broth from the slow cooker into a measuring cup (you should have about 1 1/3 cups).
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the strained turkey broth, mixing until smooth and the gravy begins to thicken. Simmer for a few minutes until desired consistency is reached. If the gravy is too thick, thin it out with a little water (about 2 to 3 tablespoons).
- Stir in dried thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with the sliced turkey breast.
Did you try this Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe? Let me know how it turned out! Share your photos and comments below – I love seeing your creations! If you share on social media, use #thelittlekitchenrecipes and tag me @TheLittleKitchn so I don’t miss it!
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More Delicious Recipes to Explore:
- Crockpot Whole Chicken
- Want to cook a whole turkey in your slow cooker? Try this Crockpot Turkey
- For a classic roasted turkey, check out Roast Turkey with Wine and Herbs
- Another great slow cooker option is Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy
- Use your leftover turkey to make a comforting Turkey Tetrazzini or flavorful Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Deliciously sliced slow cooker turkey breast on a platter.
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