For a flavorful, moist, and easy holiday or weeknight meal, try this Turkey Breast with Maple Syrup cooked in the crockpot. The combination of maple syrup and savory herbs creates a delightful glaze, perfect for tender turkey breast. This hands-off recipe is perfect for small gatherings or as an alternative to a full turkey.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Convenient: Minimal prep and the slow cooker does the work.
- Sweet and Savory: Maple syrup adds a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Perfect for Small Gatherings: Great for when a whole turkey is too much.
Ingredients
- 1 turkey breast (4-6 pounds, bone-in or boneless)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.
2. Make the Maple Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and olive oil (or melted butter).
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast into the crockpot, skin-side up.
- Brush or pour the maple glaze evenly over the turkey breast.
4. Cook the Turkey
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
5. Optional Broil for Crispy Skin
- For a golden, crispy skin, transfer the turkey breast to a baking sheet.
- Broil on high for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
6. Rest and Serve
- Let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Serve with the drippings as a sauce or alongside your favorite sides.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Broil: It adds a beautiful caramelized finish to the turkey.
- Use Pure Maple Syrup: Avoid pancake syrup for the best flavor.
- Add Veggies: Place chopped carrots, potatoes, or onions in the bottom of the slow cooker for a built-in side dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce for a complete holiday meal.
- Serve on a sandwich with leftover turkey, gravy, and stuffing for a delicious next-day treat.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C), covered with foil to retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Maple Syrup delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for holidays or weeknight dinners. The sweet maple glaze combined with savory herbs creates a crowd-pleasing dish that will keep your guests coming back for seconds.
Enjoy and happy cooking! 🦃🍁
