Slow Cooker Turkey Breast – Simple, Flavorful & Delicious!
If you love turkey, but don’t want to roast an entire bird, this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is for you! Roasted with butternut squash, apples and cranberries, this easy recipe has all the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner without all the work!
There is something wonderfully special about a turkey dinner. The comforting flavors and aromas are reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinners and family gathered around the table. Are there times you crave these fantastic flavors, but don’t want all the work of making every single Thanksgiving dish? Perhaps you have just a few people gathering at your house for a holiday meal, and don’t need all of the food that comes along with a holiday feast. This Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is the perfect solution to your cravings or small holiday dinner.
This slow cooker turkey dinner is wonderfully simple to make. Accompanied by sweet butternut squash, apples, cranberries, and apple cider, this turkey breast cooks to perfection right in your slow cooker. No basting, or fussy roasting pans necessary. Here’s how this simple, and incredibly delicious Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe comes together.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Turkey breasts are a fantastic solution for a holiday meal when you don’t want to make an entire turkey. Since there is very little fat in turkey breast, you want to make sure you have ample liquid to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
For this, I chose to pair it with butternut squash, apples, onion, cranberries, and apple cider. All of these ingredients will keep the turkey moist, and when cooked together, will take on the sweet flavors. Another option, instead of butternut squash, would be sweet potatoes!
Step 2: Add Seasoning
Before placing the turkey in the slow cooker, you’ll want to season all sides of the breast meat. I made a very simple mixture of poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. This adds nice, subtle flavor without being overpowering.
Step 3: Place everything in the Slow Cooker
I added the butternut squash, apples, onion, cranberries and apple cider to the bottom of the cooker. I then placed the seasoned turkey breast directly on top of the vegetables. Add the lid to the cooker, and cook for 2-3 hours on high, or 4-5 hours on low.
I would recommend the lower temperature to prevent the meat from becoming dry. The turkey breast will be done once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. At this time the meat will be done, and the vegetables will be tender.
What type of slow cooker do you have to make this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast?
I use and love this Cuisinart 3-in-1 Slow Cooker. Not only is it programable, it has steam and searing/browning options that are fantastic when making things like my Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef or browning ground beef for Loaded Crock Pot Chili.
How do I know when turkey breast is done cooking?
The turkey breast will be done once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. I have the Thermapen MK4 Instant Read Digital Meat Thermometer, which is really handy for everything from turkey, to grilling steaks or roasting pork.
Step 4: Slice and Serve the Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Once the turkey is done, feel free to slice and serve right away. Should you need to keep the meat warm before guests arrive or while everyone is still getting settled, place the meat back into the slow cooker with the squash and juices.
This will keep the meat warm, and prevent it from drying out. The squash, apple and cranberry medley is the perfect side dish with the turkey. All of the flavors are absolutely perfect together!
Here’s a quick-reference grocery list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe:
- Butternut Squash
- Apple, large
- Yellow Onion, small
- Dried Cranberries
- Apple Cider
- 2-3 lb. Boneless Split Turkey Breast
- Poultry Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper
(Be sure to reference the full recipe at the bottom of this post for exact ingredient amounts and full directions. Thanks!)
If you loved this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, be sure to check out some of my other Thanksgiving recipes:
3 Easy Steps to a Moist & Delicious Turkey
Roasted Butternut Squash Medley
Cranberry Citrus Salad with Goat Cheese & Pecans
Harvest Salad with Butternut Squash
Looking for more Thanksgiving recipes? Check out my post that has all of my Best Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes. It includes everything from turkey, sides, desserts, drinks and even ideas on what to bring to a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving when you are a guest.
Here’s the easy, delicious recipe for this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast:
Calories
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Erin @ Delightful E Made
Yields 6 servings
If you love turkey, but don't want to roast an entire bird, this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is for you! Roasted with butternut squash, apples and cranberries, this easy recipe has all the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner without all the work!
15 minPrep Time
4 hrCook Time
4 hr, 15 Total Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 4 c. butternut squash, peeled and cubed (1 medium squash)
- 1 c. apple, peeled and chopped (1 large apple)
- 1/2 c. yellow onion, diced (1 small onion)
- 1/2 c. dried cranberries
- 1 c. apple cider
- 2-3 lb. Boneless Split Turkey Breast
- 1 tsp. poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
Instructions
- To the bottom of a slow cooker add the squash, apple, onion, cranberries and apple cider.
- In a small bowl, combine the poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Sprinkle all of the seasoning over the outside of the turkey breast, on all sides.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast over the top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Turkey is done when internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove the turkey from the cooker, and slice. If desired place back into the slow cooker to keep warm, or serve right away alongside the butternut squash, apples and cranberries.
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