Cooking a turkey breast can be wonderfully straightforward, especially when you opt for the ease of a crock pot. If the thought of wrestling with a whole turkey feels daunting, or if you’re simply feeding a smaller crowd, a Pioneer Woman Turkey Breast In Crock Pot is your ideal solution. Perfect for holiday feasts or a comforting Sunday supper, this method promises a moist, flavorful, and hassle-free centerpiece.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast from thelittlekitchen.net
If you’re already a fan of slow cooking – perhaps you’ve tried a whole chicken in a crock pot or even a full turkey in a slow cooker – you’ll appreciate just how simple and satisfying this crock pot turkey breast recipe is. It’s an excellent, almost foolproof way to prepare turkey breast, ensuring it stays juicy and tender, infused with delightful flavors. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this recipe is set to become a new favorite.
Flavorful Spices for Your Crock Pot Turkey Breast
To infuse your pioneer woman turkey breast in crock pot with incredible flavor, a blend of aromatic spices is key. Here’s a list of essential spices that will elevate your dish:
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Ground white pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Paprika
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast spices and ingredients from thelittlekitchen.net
These spices work together to create a savory and subtly peppery rub that complements the natural taste of the turkey without overpowering it. The combination of garlic and onion powder adds a foundational savory note, while thyme brings in an earthy, herbaceous dimension. Paprika not only adds a hint of sweetness but also contributes to a beautiful color on the turkey breast. Don’t be shy with these seasonings – they are the secret to a truly flavorful pioneer woman turkey breast in crock pot.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crock Pot Turkey Breast
Preparing your pioneer woman turkey breast in crock pot is surprisingly easy. Let’s break down the process into simple, manageable steps:
First, get all your rub ingredients ready. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and paprika. This aromatic blend will be the flavor base for your turkey. Next, prepare the garlic cloves by smashing and peeling them – this releases their flavor and makes them easier to rub onto the turkey.
Prepare your vegetables. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into large pieces. These vegetables will not only add flavor to the turkey as it cooks but also create a delicious base for gravy later on. Place the chopped vegetables into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables. This broth will keep the turkey moist and add another layer of flavor.
Quarter the lemon. Lemon is a fantastic addition to turkey as it helps to keep the meat moist and adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the richness of the turkey.
Preparing lemon for Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Turkey Breast from thelittlekitchen.net
Now, prepare the turkey breast. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the spices and garlic adhere to the turkey and ensures the skin crisps up slightly if you choose to broil it later.
Rub the smashed garlic all over the turkey breast. This infuses the turkey with a wonderful garlic aroma and flavor.
Rubbing garlic on turkey breast for Pioneer Woman Crock Pot recipe from thelittlekitchen.net
Generously sprinkle the spice rub all over the turkey breast, ensuring every part is well coated.
Finally, place the quartered lemon pieces into the cavity of the turkey breast. This will steam the turkey from the inside, adding moisture and flavor.
Adding lemon to turkey breast for Crock Pot cooking from thelittlekitchen.net
Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
Cook on low setting for about 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the size of your turkey breast. The turkey is done when its internal temperature reaches at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooked, remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker. For an extra touch, place it in a baking dish and broil in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the skin. This step is optional but highly recommended if you prefer browned turkey skin.
Don’t discard the flavorful broth left in the slow cooker! This liquid gold is perfect for making a delicious gravy. Simply use it as a base in a skillet to create a rich and savory gravy that perfectly complements your pioneer woman turkey breast in crock pot.
Serving suggestion for Slow Cooker Turkey Breast from thelittlekitchen.net
This crock pot method is truly a fuss-free way to cook turkey breast, making it ideal for stress-free holiday gatherings or any day you crave a delicious and easy meal.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Your Crock Pot Turkey Breast
To make your cooking experience even smoother, here are a few recommended kitchen tools for preparing your pioneer woman turkey breast in crock pot:
- Slow cooker: A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is ideal for most turkey breasts.
- Turkey lifters: These are incredibly helpful for safely lifting the cooked turkey breast out of the slow cooker.
- Baking dish (pictured above) or similar dish: For broiling the turkey breast to crisp the skin, if desired.
These tools are not only convenient but also enhance the overall ease and safety of cooking your pioneer woman turkey breast in crock pot.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, ends cut off, cut into thirds
- 2 celery stalks, ends cut off, cut into thirds
- 15-ounce can low sodium chicken broth
- 4 to 5 pound turkey breast, bone-in
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
- 1 lemon, quartered
Rub Ingredients:
- 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
Gravy Ingredients:
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
- Place onion, carrots, celery, and chicken broth in the crock pot. Turn to low setting.
- In a small bowl, mix together all rub ingredients.
- Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub smashed garlic over the skin. Apply spice rub to turkey. Sprinkle any leftover spices over vegetables in the crock pot.
- Insert garlic cloves and lemon quarters into the turkey breast cavity. Place turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 3 1/2 to 5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Carefully remove turkey breast using turkey lifters and place it on a roasting pan or baking dish. Broil in the oven to crisp the skin for about 3-4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Make the Gravy:
- Strain the broth from the slow cooker (you should have about 1 1/3 cups).
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the strained broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If needed, thin with 2-3 tablespoons of water.
- Stir in dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve warm with the turkey breast.
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