Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of a perfectly cooked turkey breast, tender and juicy, after a long day. With the "Lazy Slow Cooker Bone-in Turkey Breast" recipe, you can make this dream a reality with minimal effort! This recipe is not just for Thanksgiving; it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious turkey dinner any day of the week. In just 15 minutes of prep time and 8 hours of slow cooking, you’ll be rewarded with a mouthwatering meal that serves six. Ready to impress your family and friends with this easy yet impressive dish? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in turkey breast
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove turkey breast from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better browning.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a dry rub seasoning.
- Generously coat the entire turkey breast with the seasoning mix, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker to create moisture and prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast into the slow cooker, positioning it with the skin side facing up if skin is present.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting.
- Cook for 7-8 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer at the thickest part.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice against the grain and serve hot with optional pan juices from the slow cooker.
Tips
- Bring the Turkey to Room Temperature: Remove the turkey breast from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and enhances the flavor.
- Pat It Dry: Before seasoning, pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a beautifully browned exterior.
- Create a Flavorful Dry Rub: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This simple mixture adds incredible flavor to the turkey, so don’t skimp on the seasoning!
- Use Chicken Broth for Moisture: Pouring chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker not only adds moisture but also prevents the turkey from sticking, ensuring a perfect finish.
- Positioning Matters: If your turkey breast has skin, place it skin-side up in the slow cooker. This allows the skin to crisp up beautifully during cooking.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the turkey. This ensures it’s safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step is essential for keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Serve with Pan Juices: Don’t forget to drizzle the optional pan juices over the sliced turkey for an extra burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 90mg