Moist Slow-Cooked Turkey Breast with Savory Onion
This delectable recipe features a bone-in turkey breast that is slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot, resulting in incredibly moist and tender meat. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors of the turkey to shine, enhanced by the sweet notes of caramelized onions and the aromatic essence of garlic. Ideal for a family dinner or holiday gathering, this turkey breast can be easily transformed into delicious open-faced turkey sandwiches the next day, making it a versatile and time-efficient dish that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
turkey breast
5.5 lbs (bone-in or boneless, skin on)
onion
1 large (sliced into 4 thick slices)
chicken broth
2 cans (14.5 ounces each)
salt
to taste (N/A)
pepper
to taste (N/A)
garlic powder
to taste (N/A)
raw garlic cloves
2 (sliced)
extra virgin olive oil
for rubbing and coating (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and patting the turkey breast dry. Ensure to leave the skin on for additional moisture and flavor.
2
Generously rub the turkey breast with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring that it's coated evenly. Season the entire breast liberally with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t forget to tuck some under the skin for enhanced flavor.
3
Prepare the garlic by slicing the two raw cloves and placing them directly on top of the turkey breast.
4
In the bottom of the crock pot, drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
5
Slice the large onion into four thick slices and layer them at the bottom of the crock pot, creating a bed for the turkey breast to sit on.
6
Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onion slices, ensuring it does not touch the bottom of the pot.
7
Pour in the two cans of chicken broth around the turkey, taking care not to wash away the seasoning from the turkey skin.
8
Cover the crock pot with the lid, set it to cook on high for 1 hour, then reduce the temperature to low for an additional 6-8 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it on low for 8-10 hours for maximum tenderness.
9
Once cooked, remove the turkey breast and let it rest before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides or reserve leftovers for open-faced turkey sandwiches.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of turkey breast is best for this recipe?
You can use either a bone-in or boneless turkey breast, approximately 5.5 lbs in weight, as long as the skin is left on for moisture.
How long does it take to cook the turkey breast in a crock pot?
The turkey can be cooked on high for 1 hour followed by 6-8 hours on low, or simply cooked on low for 8-10 hours for maximum tenderness.
Why should I leave the skin on the turkey?
Leaving the skin on the turkey breast provides additional moisture and flavor during the long slow-cooking process.
What purpose do the onion slices serve at the bottom of the pot?
The onion slices create a bed for the turkey breast to sit on, preventing it from touching the bottom of the pot and adding savory flavor.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires two 14.5-ounce cans of chicken broth poured around the base of the turkey.
How do I prepare the turkey before cooking?
Wash and pat the turkey breast dry, then rub it generously with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Where should the fresh garlic cloves be placed?
Slice two raw garlic cloves and place them directly on top of the turkey breast once it is in the crock pot.
Can I use the leftovers for other meals?
Yes, the moist turkey is ideal for making delicious open-faced turkey sandwiches the next day.
Why should I pour the broth around the turkey instead of over it?
Pouring the broth around the turkey ensures you do not wash away the seasoning and oil rubbed onto the skin.
Do I need to add oil to the crock pot itself?
Yes, drizzle a little olive oil in the bottom of the crock pot to prevent sticking and add flavor before placing the onions.
What seasonings are recommended for the turkey rub?
A combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is used to liberally season the turkey breast.
Should I season under the turkey skin?
Yes, for enhanced flavor, it is recommended to tuck some of the seasoning under the skin.
Is it necessary to rest the turkey before slicing?
Yes, once cooked, remove the turkey and let it rest to ensure the juices redistribute for a moister result.
What size of onion is needed?
One large onion, sliced into four thick slices, is used for the base of the dish.
Can I use extra virgin olive oil for this recipe?
Yes, extra virgin olive oil is used both for rubbing the turkey and coating the bottom of the crock pot.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday gathering?
Yes, this slow-cooked turkey breast is an ideal and time-efficient choice for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Can I cook this recipe entirely on low heat?
Yes, cooking on low for 8-10 hours is a perfect way to achieve maximum tenderness.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for two raw garlic cloves, which should be sliced.
Is the turkey breast cooked on its own or with vegetables?
It is cooked on a bed of thick onion slices which provide flavor and elevate the meat.
What is the weight of the turkey breast used in the instructions?
The recipe is based on a turkey breast weighing approximately 5.5 lbs.
Do I need to peel the garlic cloves?
Yes, the garlic cloves should be raw and sliced before being placed on the turkey.
Should the onion be chopped or sliced?
The onion should be sliced into four thick, round slices.
Does the recipe call for water?
No, the moisture comes from the chicken broth and the turkey's natural juices.
Can I use dried garlic instead of garlic powder?
The recipe specifies garlic powder for the rub and fresh garlic cloves for the top of the breast.
Should the crock pot lid be kept on during cooking?
Yes, the crock pot must be covered with the lid throughout the cooking process to maintain heat and moisture.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
While chicken broth is specified for the savory flavor, vegetable broth could be used as a substitute if needed.
What makes the turkey savory in this recipe?
The combination of caramelized onions, aromatic garlic, and slow-cooked chicken broth creates a deep savory profile.
How do I ensure the seasoning doesn't wash off?
By carefully pouring the broth around the sides of the turkey rather than directly over the top.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, the simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of the slow cooker make it very beginner-friendly.
What should I serve with this turkey breast?
It can be served with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roasted vegetables.