Herbed Italian Slow-Cooked Turkey Breast
Discover the incredible flavors of this Herbed Italian Slow-Cooked Turkey Breast, where tender and juicy turkey meets a symphony of fresh herbs and spices. This easy crock pot recipe is crafted for those who seek to avoid processed ingredients, ensuring each bite is bursting with authentic Italian taste. With simple, wholesome components like olive oil, white wine vinegar, and a homemade Italian seasoning blend, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Shred the leftovers for a myriad of delicious dishes, from flavorful tacos to comforting pasta. You’ll love how effortlessly it transforms the regular turkey breast into a savory delight, all while having the satisfaction of controlling the ingredients in your meal. Perfect for those busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without the fuss!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole turkey breast, bone-in
1 (Thawed, cleaned, and patted dry)
Olive oil or canola oil
3 tablespoons (For rubbing on skin)
Water
1/2 cup (For the base of the crock pot)
White wine vinegar
1/4 cup (To add tang and moisture)
Italian salad dressing mix
1 (1 ounce) packet (To flavor the turkey)
Instructions
1
Begin by thawing the turkey breast in the refrigerator, ensuring it's completely defrosted before starting preparation.
2
Once thawed, wash the turkey breast under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3
Place the turkey breast, meaty side up, on a cutting board. To stabilize it, use dishtowels or ask someone to help hold it upright.
4
Starting from the bottom (the pointy end), gently use the handle of a wooden spoon or your fingers to separate the skin from the meat, ensuring it remains attached around the edges.
5
Once the skin is loosened, carefully sprinkle the homemade Italian seasoning mix under the skin, aiming for even coverage without stressing too much about perfection.
6
Gently massage the skin to encourage the seasonings to penetrate the meat below.
7
Using a meat fork, pierce the breast multiple times through the skin to allow the flavors to seep in while cooking.
8
If you're prepping the turkey a day ahead, wrap it securely and refrigerate. If not, proceed to the next step.
9
Rub the skin of the turkey breast thoroughly with olive oil or canola oil, making sure to coat it evenly.
10
In your crock pot, pour in the water and white wine vinegar.
11
Carefully position the turkey breast skin-side down in the crock pot. If needed, adjust the ribs to fit the lid tightly—do not use foil with vinegar as it can react.
12
If necessary, place the breast on its side, as this will help it cook evenly. If this is done, remember to flip the breast halfway during cooking.
13
Set the crock pot to low and allow the turkey to cook for 8 to 10 hours, or until a meat thermometer reads at least 190°F in the thickest part of the breast.
14
If cooking on its side, turn the breast over for the last half of the cooking time or briefly after cooking completes, to soak in all the flavorful juices.
15
Once done, slice or shred the turkey and serve hot with your favorite side dishes. Alternatively, cool and shred for easy freezing and meal prep.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish of this recipe?
The main dish is Herbed Italian Slow-Cooked Turkey Breast, a tender and juicy turkey flavored with Italian herbs.
What type of turkey breast is required?
You need one whole bone-in turkey breast for this recipe.
How should the turkey breast be prepared before cooking?
The turkey should be thawed in the refrigerator, washed under cold water, and patted dry with paper towels.
How do you loosen the skin for seasoning?
Use your fingers or the handle of a wooden spoon to gently separate the skin from the meat starting from the pointy end.
Where do you apply the Italian seasoning?
Carefully sprinkle the Italian seasoning mix under the loosened skin and massage it to encourage flavor penetration.
Why should you pierce the turkey breast with a meat fork?
Piercing the breast through the skin allows the seasonings and juices to seep into the meat while it cooks.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prep and season the turkey a day ahead, wrap it securely, and refrigerate it until ready to cook.
What type of oil is used to rub the skin?
You can use either olive oil or canola oil to coat the skin evenly.
What liquids are added to the crock pot?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of water and 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar for the base.
Why is white wine vinegar used in the recipe?
It is used to add a pleasant tang and help maintain moisture during the slow cooking process.
Can I use aluminum foil in the crock pot for this recipe?
No, you should not use foil because it can react with the vinegar used in the cooking liquid.
How should the turkey be positioned in the slow cooker?
Position the turkey breast skin-side down in the crock pot to help it soak in the flavorful juices.
What if the turkey breast does not fit in the crock pot?
You can adjust the ribs to fit the lid tightly or place the breast on its side and flip it halfway through cooking.
What is the recommended cooking setting and time?
Cook the turkey on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours.
What is the safe internal temperature for this turkey recipe?
The turkey should reach an internal temperature of at least 190°F in the thickest part.
Do I need to flip the turkey while it is cooking?
Only if the turkey is placed on its side; you should then turn it over halfway through the cooking time.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, the turkey can be shredded and frozen, making it excellent for future meals.
What are some ways to serve the leftover turkey?
The leftovers are perfect for tacos, pasta dishes, or simple family dinners.
Does this recipe use processed ingredients?
The recipe is designed to avoid processed ingredients, especially if you use a homemade Italian seasoning blend.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: turkey breast, oil, water, white wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning mix.
What size packet of Italian seasoning is needed?
The recipe calls for one 1-ounce packet of Italian salad dressing mix.
What is the benefit of slow cooking the turkey?
Slow cooking results in a tender, juicy texture that is full of infused herbal flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for busy families?
Yes, it is a low-fuss meal that cooks throughout the day while you are busy.
Can I use a boneless turkey breast?
The recipe specifically recommends a bone-in breast for better flavor and moisture.
Should the turkey be served hot?
Yes, you can slice or shred the turkey and serve it hot with your favorite side dishes.
How do I stabilize the turkey on the cutting board?
You can use dishtowels to prop it up or have someone help hold it upright while you loosen the skin.
Does this recipe include nutritional information?
The provided data does not specify calories, fat, or other nutritional values.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features authentic Italian tastes with fresh herbs and a slight tang from the vinegar.
Can I use this for a holiday meal?
Absolutely, it is a savory and impressive alternative to a full roasted turkey.
What is the best way to cool the turkey for freezing?
Allow the turkey to cool completely before shredding it for easy freezing and storage.