Crockpot Turkey Breast with Lemon, Vegetables, and Aromatic Seasonings Recipe

There is something truly magical about a tender, juicy turkey breast infused with bright lemon, fresh vegetables, and a bouquet of aromatic seasonings slowly cooked to perfection. The Crockpot Turkey Breast with Lemon, Vegetables, and Aromatic Seasonings Recipe offers a stress-free way to create a flavorful centerpiece that practically melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a weeknight feast or a casual gathering, this recipe fills your home with comforting aromas and delights every taste bud with juicy turkey, subtly tangy citrus, and garden-fresh undertones from the veggies and herbs. It’s comfort food elevated by simplicity and thoughtful ingredients, perfect for sharing around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role, whether adding savory depth, refreshing brightness, or creating a colorful backdrop that cooks alongside the turkey to soak up all those rich, lemony juices.

• 4-5 pound boneless turkey breast or 6-pound bone-in turkey breast: The star of the show, offering tender meat that cooks evenly in the crockpot.
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the turkey.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth of flavor to the poultry.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meat with a warm, aromatic base note.
• 1 medium lemon, zested and cut into 8 wedges: Provides bright citrus notes that brighten each bite.
• 2 carrots, scrubbed and cut into 2-inch pieces: Adds natural sweetness and color to the overall dish.
• 2 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces: Offers fresh, herbaceous undertones and moisture.
• 1 red apple, cut into 8 wedges: Brings subtle sweetness and a beautiful hint of fruitiness.
• 8 sprigs fresh thyme: Adds an earthy, fragrant aroma that complements poultry beautifully.
• 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the turkey moist and tender.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and helps develop a luscious texture.

How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast with Lemon, Vegetables, and Aromatic Seasonings Recipe

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Turkey

Start by patting your turkey breast dry to ensure the seasoning sticks well. In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, ground black pepper, minced garlic, and freshly zested lemon. Rub this flavorful blend all over the turkey, getting into every nook and cranny. Place the lemon wedges into the slow cooker, then refrigerate the turkey for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight—this resting time allows the flavors to penetrate deeply for a more vibrant dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Aromatics

While the turkey marinates, get your vegetables and aromatics ready. Cut the carrots and celery into chunky 2-inch pieces, and slice the apple into wedges. Toss these colorful, fresh ingredients along with thyme sprigs and lemon wedges into the bottom of your crockpot. This veggie bed will infuse the turkey with moisture and flavor as it cooks, while keeping the meat from sticking.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey Low and Slow

Place the marinated turkey breast on top of the prepared vegetables in the crockpot. Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth around the turkey—be careful not to pour it directly on top, so the seasoning stays put. Drizzle the melted butter over the turkey to enhance moisture and richness. Cover and set your crockpot to low heat, letting the magic happen for 4 to 6 hours. The turkey is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches 155°F, resulting in tender, juicy meat.

Step 4: Rest and Optional Crispening

Once the turkey has finished cooking, remove it carefully and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This resting period is crucial for juicy slices later on. If you’re craving that irresistible crispy skin, pop the turkey into a hot broiler for about 4 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, but a little extra browning adds a beautiful texture contrast and flavor punch.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Slice your turkey breast against the grain to reveal perfectly juicy, tender meat. Serve alongside the freshly cooked vegetables from the crockpot and consider using the flavorful cooking liquid as a base for a luscious gravy. This final presentation is sure to wow anyone lucky enough to get a plate.

How to Serve Crockpot Turkey Breast with Lemon, Vegetables, and Aromatic Seasonings Recipe

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or additional fresh thyme over the sliced turkey. Lemon zest can also be added as a garnish to amplify the bright citrus notes you already love from the dish. These small touches add color and a burst of fresh aroma, making your meal feel even more special and homey.

Side Dishes

This crockpot turkey breast pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes or buttery roasted potatoes to soak up the rich pan juices. A simple green salad or garlicky sautéed spinach adds a refreshing balance and vibrancy. For a heartier option, creamy risotto or wild rice pilaf complements the bright, zesty flavors perfectly, rounding out a memorable meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring some fun to your table by slicing the turkey breast into medallions and layering it over a bed of the cooked vegetables, drizzled lightly with the pan sauce. You can also cube leftover turkey to toss into hearty salads, tacos, or sandwiches with crisp greens and a zesty aioli. Serving this dish family-style in the crockpot itself keeps everything warm and creates a comforting, communal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, slice or shred any leftover turkey and place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3 to 4 days. The cooked vegetables can be stored alongside or separately, but keep in mind they will continue to soften over time, so best eaten sooner rather than later.

Freezing

For longer storage, turkey slices or shredded meat freeze beautifully. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date and use within 3 months for optimal freshness. Frozen cooked vegetables can become mushy upon thawing, so it’s best to freeze turkey separately if you want to keep the texture crisp.

Reheating

Reheat leftover turkey gently in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil to maintain moisture. You can also warm slices in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth, basting frequently to keep the meat juicy. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it tends to dry out the turkey quickly.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?

Absolutely! The Crockpot Turkey Breast with Lemon, Vegetables, and Aromatic Seasonings Recipe works wonderfully with bone-in turkey breasts. They may require slightly longer cooking times to ensure the meat reaches the safe internal temperature, but the bones add extra flavor and moisture.

Is it necessary to marinate the turkey overnight?

While marinating overnight improves flavor penetration, even a couple of hours in the fridge will greatly enhance the taste. If you’re short on time, rubbing the seasoning and letting it sit for at least 2 hours still makes a delicious difference.

Can I use chicken broth instead of wine?

Yes, chicken broth is an excellent non-alcoholic substitute that adds savory depth without overpowering the turkey. Either option yields a tasty cooking liquid that keeps the meat moist and flavorful.

How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The turkey breast should reach an internal temperature of 155°F. After resting, the temperature will rise slightly, ensuring perfectly cooked, juicy meat.

Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?

You can cook on high for about 3 to 4 hours, but low and slow really brings out the best tenderness and flavor for the Crockpot Turkey Breast with Lemon, Vegetables, and Aromatic Seasonings Recipe. High heat risks drying out the meat or uneven cooking.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say the Crockpot Turkey Breast with Lemon, Vegetables, and Aromatic Seasonings Recipe is a game-changer for anyone wanting a simple yet sensational meal with minimal hands-on time. The juicy turkey, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant herbs all combine to create a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that feels both elegant and homey. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy turkey any time of the year!

Crockpot Turkey Breast with Lemon, Vegetables, and Aromatic Seasonings Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe offers a tender, juicy turkey breast cooked low and slow with aromatic vegetables, lemon, and fresh herbs. Perfect for an easy, hands-off holiday or weekend meal, the turkey is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth and can be finished under the broiler for crisp skin. The dish is ideal for serving with classic sides and homemade gravy from the cooking juices.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey and Seasoning

• 1 (4-5 pound) boneless turkey breast OR 1 (6-pound) bone-in turkey breast
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium lemon, zested and cut into 8 wedges

Vegetables and Herbs

• 2 carrots, scrubbed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 red apple, cut into 8 wedges
• 8 sprigs fresh thyme

Liquids and Fat

• 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Season and Marinate Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, ground black pepper, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly all over the turkey breast. Add the lemon wedges to the slow cooker. Place the seasoned turkey in a refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the cut carrots, celery, apple wedges, fresh thyme sprigs, and lemon wedges into the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful bed for the turkey.
3. Slow Cook the Turkey: Lay the marinated turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour the dry white wine or chicken broth around the turkey, being careful not to pour directly on top of it to keep the seasoning intact. Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the turkey breast. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 155°F (68°C).
4. Rest the Turkey: Carefully remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
5. Crisp the Skin (Optional): For a crispy skin finish, place the rested turkey breast under a preheated broiler in the oven for about 4 minutes. Watch closely to prevent the skin from burning while it crisps up.
6. Serve: Slice the turkey breast and serve it with your favorite side dishes. Optionally, use the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to make a flavorful gravy to accompany the meal.

Notes

• Marinating the turkey overnight intensifies the flavors and results in juicier meat.
• Using bone-in turkey breast can add more flavor but may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
• If you don’t have dry white wine, chicken broth works just as well for moisture and flavor.
• Broiling to crisp the skin is optional but recommended for texture contrast.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked safely and perfectly.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer preservation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours to overnight for marinating)
• Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American