Are you looking for a convenient and mouth-watering way to cook a Butterball turkey breast? Look no further than your slow cooker. Cooking a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and moist meal with minimal effort. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to cook a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker.
Benefits of Cooking a Butterball Turkey Breast in a Slow Cooker
Cooking a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker offers several benefits. Here are a few:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are designed to make cooking easy and convenient. Simply place the turkey breast in the slow cooker, set the temperature and cooking time, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
- Moisture: Slow cookers are great for cooking meat because they help to retain moisture. This means that your Butterball turkey breast will be juicy and tender, rather than dry and overcooked.
- Flexibility: Slow cookers are versatile and can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and roasts.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To cook a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 (2-3 pound) Butterball turkey breast
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 slow cooker (at least 6 quarts in size)
Preparing the Turkey Breast
Before cooking the turkey breast, you will need to prepare it. Here’s how:
- Remove the turkey breast from the packaging and rinse it under cold water.
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, thyme, sage, and garlic powder.
Assembling the Slow Cooker
Now that the turkey breast is prepared, it’s time to assemble the slow cooker. Here’s how:
- Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth and melted butter over the turkey breast.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the turkey breast.
- Cover the slow cooker with a lid.
Cooking the Turkey Breast
Now that the slow cooker is assembled, it’s time to cook the turkey breast. Here’s how:
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the turkey breast for 6-8 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Baste the turkey breast with the juices from the slow cooker every hour or so to keep it moist.
Checking the Temperature
It’s essential to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast to ensure that it’s cooked to a safe temperature. Here’s how:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast.
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding any bones or fat.
- Check the temperature regularly until it reaches 165°F.
Serving the Turkey Breast
Once the turkey breast is cooked, it’s time to serve it. Here are a few ideas:
- Slice the turkey breast and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
- Serve the turkey breast with a delicious gravy made from the juices from the slow cooker.
- Use the turkey breast in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, it’s essential to store them properly to ensure food safety. Here’s how:
- Cool the leftovers to room temperature within two hours of cooking.
- Refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooling.
- Use the leftovers within three to four days of cooking.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you get the most out of your slow-cooked Butterball turkey breast:
- Use a slow cooker liner: Slow cooker liners can make cleanup a breeze and prevent the turkey breast from sticking to the slow cooker.
- Add some acidity: Adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to the slow cooker can help to balance the flavors and keep the turkey breast moist.
- Try different seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, to add some extra flavor to the turkey breast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when cooking a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker:
- Overcooking: Overcooking can result in a dry and tough turkey breast. Make sure to check the internal temperature regularly to avoid overcooking.
- Undercooking: Undercooking can result in a turkey breast that’s not safe to eat. Make sure to cook the turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Not basting: Not basting the turkey breast can result in a dry and flavorless meal. Make sure to baste the turkey breast with the juices from the slow cooker every hour or so to keep it moist.
Conclusion
Cooking a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker is a convenient and delicious way to prepare a meal. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a moist and flavorful turkey breast that’s perfect for any occasion. Remember to always follow safe food handling practices and to cook the turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety. Happy cooking.
What are the benefits of cooking a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker?
Cooking a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker offers several benefits. One of the main advantages is that it allows for hands-off cooking, which means you can prepare the turkey in the morning and let it cook while you attend to other tasks. This is especially convenient during the holidays when you have multiple dishes to prepare.
Another benefit of slow-cooking a turkey breast is that it results in a moist and tender final product. The low heat and long cooking time help to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it easier to slice and serve. Additionally, slow-cooking helps to retain the natural flavors of the turkey, which can be enhanced with the addition of herbs and spices.
How do I prepare the slow cooker for cooking a Butterball turkey breast?
To prepare the slow cooker for cooking a Butterball turkey breast, start by spraying the inside of the cooker with cooking spray. This will help prevent the turkey from sticking to the sides and make cleanup easier. Next, add some aromatics such as onions, carrots, and celery to the bottom of the cooker. These will add flavor to the turkey as it cooks.
You can also add some liquid to the slow cooker, such as chicken broth or white wine, to help keep the turkey moist. Make sure the liquid level is below the bottom of the turkey breast to prevent it from steaming instead of roasting. Finally, place the turkey breast in the slow cooker and season with your desired herbs and spices.
How long does it take to cook a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for a Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker will depend on the size of the breast and the temperature of the cooker. Generally, a 2-3 pound turkey breast will take around 6-8 hours to cook on low or 3-4 hours to cook on high. It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
It’s also important to note that the turkey will continue to cook a bit after it’s removed from the slow cooker, so it’s better to err on the side of undercooking than overcooking. If you’re unsure whether the turkey is cooked, you can always let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Can I cook a frozen Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker?
While it’s technically possible to cook a frozen Butterball turkey breast in a slow cooker, it’s not recommended. Cooking a frozen turkey can lead to uneven cooking and a higher risk of foodborne illness. It’s best to thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator or cold water before cooking it in the slow cooker.
If you do need to cook a frozen turkey breast, make sure to increase the cooking time by about 50% and check the internal temperature regularly to ensure it reaches 165°F. However, it’s always best to thaw the turkey first to ensure food safety and even cooking.
How do I keep the Butterball turkey breast moist during cooking?
To keep the Butterball turkey breast moist during cooking, make sure to add some liquid to the slow cooker, such as chicken broth or white wine. You can also add some fat, such as butter or oil, to the turkey breast to help keep it moist. Additionally, you can cover the slow cooker with a lid or foil to help retain moisture.
Another way to keep the turkey breast moist is to baste it with the juices from the slow cooker every hour or so. This will help keep the meat moist and add flavor. You can also use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the turkey breast to an even thickness, which will help it cook more evenly and retain moisture.
Can I add flavorings to the Butterball turkey breast while it’s cooking in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add flavorings to the Butterball turkey breast while it’s cooking in the slow cooker. One way to do this is to rub the turkey breast with a spice blend or herb mixture before cooking. You can also add aromatics, such as onions and carrots, to the slow cooker with the turkey breast.
Another way to add flavor is to use a marinade or sauce during the last hour of cooking. Simply brush the marinade or sauce onto the turkey breast and continue cooking until it’s done. You can also add some acidity, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to the slow cooker to help brighten the flavors.
How do I slice and serve the cooked Butterball turkey breast?
To slice and serve the cooked Butterball turkey breast, start by letting it rest for 30 minutes after cooking. This will help the juices redistribute and make the turkey easier to slice. Next, use a sharp knife to slice the turkey breast against the grain.
You can serve the sliced turkey breast on its own or with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce. You can also use the sliced turkey breast in sandwiches or wraps, or add it to salads or soups. Make sure to refrigerate or freeze any leftovers promptly to ensure food safety.