Monday, October 6, 2025

Effortless & Delicious: Crock-Pot Turkey for Any Day

 




 Thinking turkey doesn't have to be just for the holidays! My Crock-Pot Turkey recipe is an absolute game-changer for those days when you crave that comforting, savory flavor without all the fuss. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, your slow cooker will do all the hard work, leaving you with tender, juicy turkey that practically falls apart.

This recipe uses a turkey breast, which is perfect for smaller gatherings or when you just want a manageable amount of meat. Plus, cooking it in the slow cooker keeps it incredibly moist – no dry turkey here!

Why you'll love this recipe:

  • Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it! Your Crock-Pot handles most of the work.
  • Super Moist & Tender: The slow cooking process guarantees succulent turkey every time.
  • Flavorful: Infused with herbs and aromatics, it's packed with savory goodness.
  • Versatile: Great for dinner, sandwiches, or meal prepping for the week.

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 3.5 - 6 hours (depending on setting)

Ingredients:

  • 1 boneless or bone-in turkey breast (3-4 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped (or 1 cup baby carrots)
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • Optional: fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1.     Prep the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried rosemary, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast.

2.     Layer the Veggies: Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your Crock-Pot. These will act as a delicious bed for your turkey and add extra flavor to the broth.

3.     Add Turkey & Liquid: Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth (or water) around the turkey in the Crock-Pot.

4.     Slow Cook: Cover your Crock-Pot with the lid.

o   Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

o   Cook on HIGH for 3.5-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

o   Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your turkey breast, so always use a meat thermometer for accuracy!

5.     Rest & Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey breast from the Crock-Pot and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices locked in!

6.     Enjoy! Slice the turkey and serve with the cooked vegetables, and don't forget to spoon some of those flavorful pan juices over top! You can even thicken the juices for a quick gravy.

Tips & Tricks:

  • For Crispier Skin (if desired): If you're using a bone-in turkey breast and want crispy skin, you can transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet and broil it for 3-5 minutes after removing it from the slow cooker. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
  • Make Gravy: After removing the turkey, you can strain the liquid from the Crock-Pot into a saucepan. Whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and simmer until thickened for a quick, delicious gravy.
  • Leftover Love: Shred any leftover turkey for amazing sandwiches, wraps, salads, or even a turkey pot pie!

Say goodbye to complicated roasting and hello to your new favorite way to cook turkey! Give this Crock-Pot method a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!

 

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