Crockpot Turkey Breast
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My favorite part of this Crockpot Turkey Breast is that with each slice, the meat is so juicy and tender it practically shreds itself, soaked with cranberry, orange, and sweet onion from that glossy glaze. It’s perfectly moist, the kind of softness only comes from slow-cooking. You’ll wonder why you ever did it any other way.
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I love making this for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinners, and potlucks because it’s a crowd favorite that both kids and adults enjoy. The turkey stays fresh in the fridge for about 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months, which makes meal planning so much easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
This slow cooker turkey breast recipe comes together in minutes and cooks itself while you go about your day.
Mix the Cranberry Orange Glaze
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the cranberry sauce, dry onion soup mix, and orange juice until everything’s smooth and well combined. The cranberry sauce might be thick at first, but it’ll loosen up as you whisk.
Add the Turkey to Your Crockpot
Place your boneless turkey breast right in the crockpot to slow cook and pour the cranberry mixture over the top, making sure you coat the entire surface. I like using this slow cooker; it’s perfect for a 4-pound turkey breast and gives you enough room for the glaze to circulate.
Use a spoon or spatula to spread it around so every bit of turkey gets covered.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to low temperature for 6 to 8 hours. For easier cleanup, I use my slow cooker liner before I start so I can just lift it out and toss it when I’m done.
The turkey’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the meat pulls apart easily. I always grab a digital meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the entire turkey breast so I know it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Rest and Slice
Carefully lift the juicy turkey breast out of the crockpot using two forks or a large slotted spoon and transfer it to a cutting board. This slotted spoon works perfectly for this because it drains the broth or excess glaze away while supporting the weight of the turkey.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute throughout the meat. This step makes a huge difference in how moist each slice turns out.
Serve With the Glaze
Slice the turkey against the grain into thick pieces and arrange them on your serving platter. Spoon that warm, glossy cranberry glaze right over the top before serving. Enjoy!
If you’re bringing this to a potluck or holiday gathering, slice the turkey before you go, pack it in a container with the glaze, and transport it in an insulated casserole carrier to keep it warm until you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless turkey breast
- 14 ounces cranberry sauce
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup orange juice
Video
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, dry onion soup mix, and orange juice until well combined.14 ounces cranberry sauce, 1 packet dry onion soup mix, 1 cup orange juice
- Place the boneless turkey breast in the crockpot. Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the top, coating the turkey completely.4 pounds boneless turkey breast
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until the turkey is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove the turkey from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Spoon the warm cranberry glaze over the sliced turkey before serving for extra flavor and moisture.
Notes
- Try carrots and garlic: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the cranberry glaze, and toss 2 cups of chopped carrots into the crockpot during the last 3 to 4 hours, allowing the vegetables to soak up all that sweet and savory flavor.
- Check the temperature early: Start checking the internal temperature at the 6-hour mark because cooking times vary based on the size and shape of your turkey breast, and you don’t want to overcook it.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Let the turkey rest for the full 10 minutes after removing it from the crockpot so the juices settle back into the meat and your slices stay moist.
- Slice against the grain: Always cut the turkey perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers so each slice is tender and easier to chew.
- Save the glaze for later: Pour any leftover cranberry glaze into a jar and store it in the fridge for up to a week to use on sandwiches, grain bowls, or reheated turkey.
- Flash-freeze for meal prep: Slice the cooled turkey and freeze individual portions on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 1 hour before transferring them to containers to prevent the slices from sticking together.
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
Let the turkey cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container with some of the leftover glaze poured over the slices to keep them moist. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 4 days.
For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. I love using freezer-safe glass containers for this because they stack neatly and you can see what’s inside without opening them.
When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, thaw frozen turkey overnight in the fridge. Reheat refrigerated or thawed slices in the microwave with a splash of the glaze or warm them gently in a covered dish in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through.
The glaze helps the meat stay tender and prevents it from drying out during the cooking process.
What to Serve With Crockpot Turkey Breast
I always serve this turkey with classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing because the cranberry glaze pairs perfectly with those traditional flavors. The glaze also acts as a natural gravy, so you can spoon it over your mashed potatoes too.
More Easy Turkey Recipes for You to Try at Home
I think you’ll also love these easy turkey recipes I’ve got:
