Description
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe offers a succulent and flavorful turkey breast cooked to perfection with a blend of spices and herbs. The turkey is slow-cooked with aromatics and finished under the broiler for a crispy skin. Accompanied by a rich homemade gravy made from the turkey drippings, this dish is perfect for a comforting family meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Mix
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Turkey and Aromatics
- 8 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 pound boneless, skin-on turkey breast
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 head of garlic, cut in half horizontally
- 1 yellow onion, cut into quarters
- 1/2 cup white wine
Gravy
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the spice paste: Combine the kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Melt one tablespoon of butter and add it to the spices, stirring until a smooth paste is formed.
- Stuff butter under skin: Cut 4 tablespoons of butter into small chunks. Pat the turkey breast dry and carefully push the butter pieces under the skin evenly, ensuring moisture and flavor.
- Apply spice rub: Rub the prepared spice paste all over both sides of the turkey breast, making sure the seasoning adheres well to the skin.
- Place aromatics in slow cooker: Put the fresh thyme, halved garlic head, and quartered onion into the slow cooker. Pour in the white wine to add flavor and moisture.
- Cook the turkey: Lay the turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a digital thermometer.
- Broil the turkey skin: Remove the turkey from the slow cooker and place it in an oven-safe baking dish. Preheat the oven broiler on high and broil the turkey for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Strain drippings: Carefully strain the slow cooker juices through a fine sieve to remove solids, reserving the flavorful liquid for the gravy.
- Make the gravy roux: Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the remaining butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, cooking it for about 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
- Add turkey drippings to gravy: Gradually pour half of the strained turkey drippings into the roux while whisking. Bring to a simmer and then reduce heat, letting the gravy thicken. Add the remaining drippings as needed, simmering for 8 to 10 minutes to get a smooth, rich sauce.
- Slice and serve: Slice the rested turkey breast and serve with the homemade turkey gravy on the side for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use a digital meat thermometer to accurately check that the turkey reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Be careful when broiling as the skin can quickly burn; stay close to the oven during this step.
- The butter under the skin keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor.
- Leftover turkey breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be adjusted for larger turkey breasts by extending slow cooker cook time accordingly.
