Olivia Carter
Are you looking for a simple and delicious way to cook a Butterball turkey breast? Look no further! Using a slow cooker is an excellent method to achieve tender and juicy turkey meat with minimal effort. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker.
Why choose a slow cooker? Well, the slow cooking process allows the turkey breast to cook slowly over several hours, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful meat. Plus, it’s a hands-off method, which means you can set it and forget it while you attend to other tasks or simply relax.
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk a bit about Butterball turkey breasts. Butterball is known for producing high-quality, tender, and juicy turkeys, and their turkey breasts are no exception. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or just want leftovers for sandwiches and salads, a Butterball turkey breast is the perfect choice.
Steps to Cook Butterball Turkey Breast In Slow Cooker
Step 1: Prepare the slow cooker by spraying the inside with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Remove the Butterball turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Season the turkey breast with your choice of herbs, spices, and salt. You can use a pre-made turkey seasoning or create your own blend.
Step 4: Place the seasoned turkey breast in the slow cooker, making sure it fits without being overcrowded.
Step 5: Add liquid to the slow cooker, such as chicken broth, to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
Step 6: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low heat. Cooking on low heat will result in more tender and moist turkey.
Step 7: Cook the turkey breast in the slow cooker for approximately 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 8: Once the turkey breast is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Step 9: Slice the Butterball turkey breast and serve with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
Choose the Right Size
When cooking a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker, it’s important to choose the right size to ensure even cooking and delicious results. The size of the turkey breast will depend on the number of people you plan to serve and the desired amount of leftovers.
For a smaller gathering of 4-6 people, a 3-4 pound turkey breast should be sufficient. If you’re looking to serve a larger party or have plenty of leftovers, opt for a 5-7 pound turkey breast. Be sure to take the size of your slow cooker into account when selecting the turkey breast as it should comfortably fit inside without overcrowding.
Choosing the right size turkey breast will ensure that it cooks evenly and has a moist and tender texture. It’s always better to err on the side of slightly larger if you’re unsure, as you can always enjoy the leftovers in sandwiches, soups, and other dishes.
Once you’ve chosen the right size turkey breast, you can proceed with preparing and cooking it in your slow cooker for a delicious and hassle-free meal.
Preparation and Seasoning
Before cooking the Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker, it is important to prepare and season the meat properly. Follow these steps for a delicious and flavorful turkey:
Thawing the Turkey Breast
The first step is to thaw the Butterball turkey breast if it is frozen. Allow the turkey to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 2.27 kilograms (5 pounds) of meat. Make sure to remove the packaging and place the turkey breast in a shallow dish to catch any drips. Thawing in the refrigerator is the recommended method as it ensures the turkey stays at a safe temperature throughout the process.
Washing and Drying the Turkey Breast
After thawing, rinse the turkey breast with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps to remove any excess liquids and ensures a clean surface for seasoning.
Seasoning the Turkey Breast
Once the turkey breast is dry, it is time to season it. Start by rubbing the turkey with olive oil or melted butter to help the seasoning stick. Next, sprinkle the desired seasonings all over the turkey breast. You can use a pre-made poultry seasoning, or create your own blend using herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, and garlic powder. Don’t forget to season the inside cavity as well.
For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add ingredients like diced onions, minced garlic, or citrus slices to the cavity of the turkey breast. These will infuse the meat with delicious aromas as it slow cooks.
Once the turkey breast is seasoned, gently massage the seasonings into the meat to ensure even distribution.
Now that the Butterball turkey breast is properly prepared and seasoned, it is ready to be placed into the slow cooker for cooking.
Searing the Turkey Breast
Before cooking the Butterball turkey breast in the slow cooker, it is important to first sear it to lock in the juices and add flavor to the meat.
To sear the turkey breast:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet and let it get hot.
- Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper.
- Carefully place the turkey breast in the hot skillet.
- Sear the turkey breast for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned.
Searing the turkey breast will give it a nice golden color and help create a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Once the turkey breast is seared, transfer it to the slow cooker to continue cooking.
Slow Cooking Process
Slow cooking a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker is an easy and convenient way to prepare a delicious, juicy meal. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
- Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker and add any vegetables or aromatics, such as onions, garlic, or herbs.
- Add liquid, such as chicken broth or water, to the slow cooker. The liquid should come about halfway up the turkey breast.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours, or until the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once the turkey breast is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve the sliced turkey breast with the cooking liquid and vegetables, if desired.
Slow cooking allows the turkey breast to become tender and moist, with the flavors of the seasonings and vegetables infusing into the meat. The slow cooker also helps to retain the natural juices of the turkey, resulting in a flavorful and succulent dish.
Final Touch and Serving
Once the Butterball turkey breast is fully cooked and tender, it’s time to add the final touches and serve it for a delicious meal.
First, carefully remove the cooked turkey breast from the slow cooker using a pair of tongs or a large spoon. Place it onto a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
If desired, you can brush the turkey breast with some melted butter or olive oil to give it an attractive sheen and enhance the flavor.
Next, thinly slice the turkey breast against the grain for optimal tenderness. A sharp carving knife works best for this task, but a regular chef’s knife will also work.
Arrange the sliced turkey breast on a serving platter, and garnish it with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, to add a pop of color and freshness.
Serve the Butterball turkey breast hot alongside your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce.
Enjoy the succulent and flavorful Butterball turkey breast that has been slow-cooked to perfection!
Questions and answers
How long does it take to cook a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker?
Cooking a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker usually takes about 6-8 hours on low heat.
What temperature should the slow cooker be set at to cook the Butterball turkey breast?
The slow cooker should be set to the low heat setting, which is usually around 200-225°F.
