Crock Pot Lemon Thyme Turkey
Infuse your meals with vibrant citrus and herbaceous warmth with this Crock Pot Lemon Thyme Turkey recipe—an effortless way to prepare a moist, flavorful turkey breast that’s perfect for any occasion. This slow-cooked masterpiece combines the zesty brightness of fresh lemons, the earthiness of thyme, and the rich, buttery garlic blend tucked beneath the skin for maximum flavor. With just 20 minutes of prep, the crock pot does all the work, slowly cooking the turkey to tender perfection while filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you use bone-in or boneless turkey breast, every bite bursts with juicy goodness, thanks to the added chicken broth that doubles as a base for an optional homemade gravy. Pair this stress-free main dish with hearty sides for a comforting family dinner, or let it shine on your holiday table as a showstopping centerpiece. Perfect for fans of easy, flavorful slow-cooker recipes, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Turkey breast (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 Lemon
- 6 Fresh thyme sprigs
- 4 Garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Paprika (optional, for color)
Instructions
Rinse the turkey breast under cool water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Zest one lemon and set the zest aside. Slice both lemons into thin rounds and set aside.
Peel and mince the garlic cloves, or press them through a garlic press.
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, softened butter, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 0.5 tsp ground black pepper to make a flavorful butter mixture.
Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast by sliding your fingers underneath it, being careful not to tear it. Spread the butter mixture evenly under the skin.
Rub the exterior of the turkey breast with olive oil and season with the remaining 1 tsp kosher salt, 0.5 tsp ground black pepper, and paprika (if using).
In the bottom of your crock pot, layer half the lemon slices and 3 fresh thyme sprigs.
Place the turkey breast on top of the lemons and thyme in the crock pot.
Add the remaining lemon slices and thyme sprigs on top of the turkey breast.
Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the turkey (not directly over it) to avoid washing off the seasonings.
Cover the crock pot with a lid and cook on LOW for 5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer.
Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey breast and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
(Optional) Strain the cooking liquid, skim off excess fat, and serve as a gravy or sauce alongside the turkey.
Slice the turkey breast and serve with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2376 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 93.4 g | 120% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.0 g | 160% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1014 mg | 338% | |
| Sodium | 2426 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.0 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.6 g | ||
| Protein | 414.8 g | 830% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 248 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 16.8 mg | 93% | |
| Potassium | 4586 mg | 98% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
