Mouthwatering Slow-Cooked Marinated Turkey Breast
Nutritional value per serving
Calories320kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat7gram
Protein45gram
Ingredients
- Turkey breast (skin on, boneless) - choose fresh or properly thawed frozen turkey breast with a pink color and no off smell.1.2 kg
- Olive oil - extra virgin for best flavor and quality.3 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced - fresh and firm bulbs are best.4 piece
- Fresh rosemary, finely chopped - look for bright green, fragrant sprigs.2 tbsp
- Fresh thyme leaves - about 1 tablespoon of fresh leaves from bright green sprigs.1 tbsp
- Lemon zest and juice - from 1 medium lemon, fresh and unwaxed.1 piece
- Salt - fine sea salt or kosher salt works well.1.5 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground - to taste.1 tsp
This slow-cooked marinated turkey breast recipe yields juicy, tender, and flavorful meat that's perfect for a comforting meal. The turkey breast is marinated to infuse herbs and citrus flavors before being cooked slowly to perfection. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks will find success with this recipe. The total estimated cost for ingredients is about $15 / 14€ / £12 / ₹1,200. The dish provides approximately 320 kcal per serving and fits well within a balanced diet suitable for poultry lovers. Cooking time is roughly 8 hours of slow cooking plus 15 minutes preparation, with a low complexity level making it ideal for everyday home cooking.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Marinade
1In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, lemon zest and lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant marinade.
Marinate the Turkey
2Place the turkey breast in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the turkey, making sure it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate.
Prepare the Slow Cooker
3Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Transfer the turkey along with the marinade into the slow cooker. Ensure the turkey breast is skin-side up for optimum tenderness and moisture retention.
Slow Cook the Turkey
4Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The exact time depends on your slow cooker model and size of turkey breast. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Check for Safe Internal Temperature
5Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast. The turkey is safely cooked when the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). If it hasn’t reached this temperature, continue cooking and check every 30 minutes.
Rest the Turkey Breast
6Once cooked to safe temperature, remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Tent with foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy slices.
Slice and Serve
7Slice the turkey breast against the grain into desired thickness. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy tender, flavorful turkey.
Cooking Tips
1Use an instant-read meat thermometer to precisely check the internal temperature and avoid under or overcooking.
2Marinating overnight yields deeper flavor and more tender meat, but 4 hours is the minimum to taste good.
3For a gluten-free version, double-check that your salt and spices are pure and free from additives.
4If you prefer skinless turkey breast, remove skin before marinating; cooking time remains similar.
5Use tongs and clean hands when handling raw turkey to avoid cross-contamination; always wash surfaces and utensils afterward.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (Crock-Pot or similar)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Zip-top bag or shallow dish for marinating
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Turkey breast (1.2 kg) - approx. $10. Choose fresh with a pink color and check frozen is fully thawed before use.
- [ ] Olive oil (3 tbsp) - approx. $0.50. Use extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Fresh garlic (4 cloves) - approx. $0.30. Look for firm cloves without sprouting.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary (1 small bunch) - approx. $1. Choose bright green, fragrant sprigs.
- [ ] Fresh thyme (1 small bunch) - approx. $1. Select fresh green leaves.
- [ ] Lemon (1 medium) - approx. $0.50. Choose unwaxed and heavy for its size.
- [ ] Salt (1.5 tsp) - minimal cost.
- [ ] Black pepper (1 tsp) - minimal cost.
Total estimated cost: approximately $13.80.
FAQ
Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey breast, but it must be fully thawed in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
How do I know when the turkey is safely cooked?
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part. The turkey is safe to eat once it reaches 74°C (165°F).
Can I prepare the marinade and turkey a day ahead?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to cook.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
You can cook the turkey breast in a covered baking dish in a low oven (around 145°C or 300°F) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, checking internal temperature frequently.
Is it important to rest the turkey after cooking?
Yes, resting for 10 to 15 minutes allows juices to redistribute in the meat, making it juicier and easier to slice.