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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Apple Habanero Sauce

A white, oval platter with sliced turkey breast topped with Apple Habanero sauce down the center. Springs of fresh rosemary and fresh cranberries decorate the plate. The platter is sitting on a wooden backdrop.

 This is a sponsored post for Head Country. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on my own personal view. 

 

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

With Thanksgiving just around the corner and Christmas following quickly on its heels, I wanted to share this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Apple Habanero Sauce recipe.

Until recent years, I’ve never been a turkey fan. I know, I know, that’s almost un-American to even say that out loud!


I always used to go for the ham on any Holiday table because the turkey was usually dry, bland, and just tasteless.

However, I discovered I can make turkey in my slow cooker and boy, did that ever change my turkey game!

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast seasoned with fresh herbs and then topped with the Best BBQ Sauce,  Head Country Bar-B-Q Apple Habanero Sauce will have you coming back for seconds and thirds!

This particular Apple Habanero Sauce actually doesn’t taste like “traditional” Bar-B-Q at all – one reason why I call it the Best BBQ Sauce!

Think of a beautiful, sweet apple glaze and you will have the right idea about this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Apple Habanero Sauce.

 

a bottle of Head Country Apple Habanero Bar-B-Q sauce is placed to the left of a white platter. The platter contains fresh cranberries, sprigs of fresh rosemary, and sliced turkey breast down the middle of the platter that is topped with the Apple Habanero sauce. Everything is sitting on a board wood back drop and there is a tan towel edges with cream lace under the bottle of Bar-B-Q sauce.

 

Turkey Breast with an Apple Habanero Glaze

Ah, Thanksgiving time. Just this season with the beautiful autumn leaves and the cool, brisk wind brings so much joy to my heart.

Some of my favorite childhood memories and memories as an adult are centered around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Thanksgiving was always such a joyful time around our house growing up.

For me, Thanksgiving means big family dinners with tables groaning under the weight of all of the food and togetherness with family.

Many times during Thanksgiving we would get to see family we rarely (if ever) saw any other time of the year.

Of course, turkey was always on the menu for Thanksgiving dinner.

Many times I skipped the turkey because it just tasted bland and after all, who wants bland turkey when there’s Holiday Ham and all of the other trimmings?

Now that I’m an adult and a Thanksgiving Dinner contributor, I’ve grown to love turkey, especially this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Apple Habanero Sauce. 

This year in addition to making this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, I will also be making my Granny’s Southern Cornbread Dressing.

I hope that you share wonderful memories and laughter around the dinner table as you gather with your family and loved ones this year, and maybe even make new traditions and memories to share with the next generation.

 

A white, oval platter coming in from the left hand side of the frame. The platter is sitting on a wooden backdrop and there is sliced turkey breast down the center of the platter. The turkey is topped with Apple Habanero sauce and sprigs of fresh rosemary and fresh cranberries are on the platter to the sides of the turkey breast.

Why You Should Add Fresh Vegetables and Fruit when Slow Cooking a Turkey

To start off making this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, add 4 peeled carrots and one large apple cut into fourths to the bottom and sides of a 4 quart or larger slow cooker.

I like to add carrots and apples to this recipe for two reasons.

The carrots and apples work as a trivet to hold the turkey off the bottom of the slow cooker, keeping it out of the fat and drippings that will drain off while cooking.

Also, the carrots and apple infuses the turkey breast with a wonderful, juicy, wholesome flavor. It’s a win win!

 

A black slow cooker with four peeled carrots in the bottom and one apple that has been cut into fourths.

 

The Best Herb Seasonings for a Turkey

After the carrots and apple are arranged in the slow cooker, add 3 pounds of boneless turkey breast on top of the carrots and apple.

My turkey came in a package with two different sized breasts that equaled out to be 3 pounds of meat.

Thaw the turkey breasts overnight in the refrigerator, then remove them from the packaging.

After placing the turkey breast in the slow cooker, season them both with 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder.

After adding the onion and garlic powder, add in 1/4 teaspoon each of ground black pepper, salt, ground sage, ground thyme, dried rosemary, and dried basil flakes.

 

A black slow cooker with four peeled carrots in the bottom and one apple that has been cut into fourths. Two boneless turkey breasts are resting on top of the apple and carrots and the turkey breasts are seasoned with rosemary, pepper, salt, thyme, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, and sage.

 

Fresh Herbs Gives This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast a Vibrant Flavor

But wait! We’re not finished with our seasonings yet!

Now that the dried seasonings are added in, go ahead and add 1 teaspoon of fresh parsley leaves.

Adding in fresh herbs when you can really makes a big difference in the flavor of anything you’re cooking.

 

A black slow cooker with four peeled carrots in the bottom and one apple that has been cut into fourths. Two boneless turkey breasts are resting on top of the apple and carrots and the turkey breasts are seasoned with rosemary, pepper, salt, thyme, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, and sage. The turkey breast is topped with fresh parsley leaves.

 

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Chicken Broth

Let’s add some chicken broth to keep everything moist while cooking.

In a measuring cup, combine 1 cup chicken broth with 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of fresh minced garlic.

Heat the seasoned broth in the microwave for 30 seconds or until the butter is melted.

Pour the seasoned chicken broth into the slow cooker, around the turkey breasts.

 

A measuring cup is coming from the left hand side of the photo and is pouring chicken broth, fresh minced garlic, and butter into the slow cooker. The slow cooker contains apple, carrots, and herb seasoned turkey breast.

 

The Key to Moist Turkey Breast

Now doesn’t that look wonderful?

Really the key to moist turkey breast is a combination of several things.

Cooking the turkey breast low and slow will preserve the natural juices of the meat, along with adding the fresh carrots and apples with the chicken broth.

 

Herb seasoned turkey breasts are in a black crock pot on top of sliced apples and carrots.

 

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with The Best BBQ Sauce

Last but certainly not least, measure out 1/2 cup of Head Country Apple Habanero Bar-B-Q Sauce.

This Best BBQ Sauce really just makes the turkey so fabulous and delicious!

The combination of the sweet flavor of the sauce mixed with the savory flavors of the turkey breast create a truly memorable combination.

 

A bottle of the Best BBQ Sauce is coming in from the left hand side of the frame and being held over a black crock pot with herb seasoned turkey breast inside.

 

Apple Habanero Sauce Lends a Beautifully Sweet Flavor

Spread the Head Country Apple Habanero Bar-B-Q Sauce over the turkey breast evenly until the top surface is covered in it.

If you want your turkey breast to be extra saucy, just add a little more. You can never have too much of this Best BBQ Sauce! 😉

 

Herb seasoned turkey breast in a slow cooker topped with Head Country Apple Habanero Bar-B-Q Sauce.

How to Cook a Turkey Breast in the Crock Pot

Now that all of your ingredients have been added to the slow cooker, place the lid on the slow cooker.

Set the cooking time on low for 4 hours.

I don’t recommend cooking this recipe on high because the turkey breast can dry out easily and nobody wants that!

 

 A silver and black Crock Pot slow cooker with the lid on, sitting on a black granite counter top with a white stove top to the right of the counter.

 

Tender, Moist, Turkey Breast Made in the Slow Cooker

Once the turkey breast is slow cooked to perfection, remove the lid from the slow cooker and turn the heat off.

The next step might just blow your mind!

 

A black slow cooker with two cooked and seasoned turkey breasts inside.

 

The Secret to a Perfectly Roasted Turkey

Did you know that your Crock Pot brand porcelain slow cooker insert can go in the oven?

Place the slow cooker insert in the oven and roast the turkey at 450F for 10 minutes.

Roasting the turkey breast after slow cooking will make the skin brown and crispy while infusing the meat with a delicious roasted flavor.

 

A black slow cooker insert in an oven. The oven is on and the lid of removed from the slow cooker.

 

How to Garnish a Holiday Turkey for a Beautiful Presentation

When the roasting process is finished, carefully remove the slow cooker insert from the oven.

Use tongs to remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and place it on a pretty platter.

Slice the turkey breast into 1/2 inch thick slices and arrange on the platter.

Once the turkey is ready to serve, drizzle Head Country Apple Habanero Bar-B-Q Sauce over the top of the turkey.

For an especially appealing presentation, garnish the platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and fresh cranberries.

Garnishing your plate will add a beautiful, festive visual while appealing to your guests.

 

 A white, oval platter with sliced turkey breast and sprigs of fresh rosemary and fresh cranberries. The platter is sitting on a wooden backdrop with a tan and cream laced towel underneath. A bottle of Head Country Apple Habanero Bar-B-Q sauce sits behind the platter.

 

Sides that Pair Perfectly with this Slow Cooked Apple Habanero Glazed Turkey Breast

As you might have guessed, I also have some wonderful, traditional, Thanksgiving side dishes that pair beautifully with this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Apple Habanero Sauce. 

Some of those side dishes include, Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, Skinny Green Bean Casserole, and Sweet Corn Casserole.

Looking for desserts? Try my Amish Oatmeal Pie, Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe, or my Pumpkin Swirl Brownies to name a few.

 

A white platter containing sliced turkey breast, sprigs of fresh rosemary, and fresh cranberries sits on top of a wooden backdrop. The turkey breast is topped with Apple Habanero sauce.

 

As always, thank you for taking time out of your day to spend with me here in my kitchen.

I am so grateful for YOU, my friend!

I hope you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving and Holiday season and that special memories and loads of laughter are had by all.

Blessings to you!

-Amy

 

 

 

 

A white, oval platter with sliced turkey breast topped with Apple Habanero sauce down the center. Springs of fresh rosemary and fresh cranberries decorate the plate. The platter is sitting on a wooden backdrop.
5 from 1 vote
Print

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Apple Habanero Sauce

Slow cooked and roasted turkey breast seasoned with herbs and the sweet flavor of Apple Habanero sauce, cooked on a bed of carrots and apples. 

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Roasted Turkey Breast, Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Apple Habanero Sauce
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings 7 (servings size is 2 pieces)
Author Amy - The Speedy Spatula

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs boneless turkey breast thawed
  • 4 carrots peeled
  • 1 apple cut into fourths
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground sage
  • 1/4 tsp ground thyme
  • 1/4 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/4 tsp dried basil flakes
  • 1 tsp fresh minced garlic
  • 1 tsp fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup Head Country Apple Habanero Bar-B-Q Sauce and more for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the carrots and apple in the bottom of a 4 quart or larger slow cooker.

  2. Place the thawed turkey breast on top of the carrots and apple in the slow cooker.

  3. Season the turkey breast with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, sage, thyme, rosemary, basil, and parsley.

  4. In a measuring cup, mix together the chicken broth, minced garlic, and butter and heat until the butter is melted.

  5. Pour the seasoned chicken broth into the slow cooker.

  6. Pour the 1/2 cup of Head Country Apple Habanero Bar-B-Q Sauce over the turkey breast in the slow cooker.

  7. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low 4 hours.

  8. Once cooked, remove the lid from the slow cooker and place the porcelain insert in the oven.

  9. Roast the turkey in the oven for 10 minutes on 450F. 

  10. Remove from the oven and place on a platter. 

  11. Cut the turkey breast into 1/2 inch thick slices and top with more Head Country Apple Habanero Bar-B-Q Sauce to serve. 

  12. Garnish with fresh cranberries and sprigs of fresh rosemary for a beautiful Holiday dish. 

Recipe Notes

TIP: Roasting the turkey in the oven after slow cooking makes the skin on the turkey brown and crispy while lending a wonderful, roasted flavor. 

Shared at Foodie Friday

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Also shared at Full Plate Thursday

View at Meal Plan Monday

Shared at What’s for Dinner

Also view this recipe at: Turkey Leftovers

November 19, 2018 By
4

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4 Comments

  • Reply
    Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
    November 25, 2018 at 9:39 am

    Sounds delicious – the presentation is perfect. Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party. Hope your week as fantastic!

  • Reply
    Miz Helen
    November 27, 2018 at 7:27 pm


    The Habanero sauce for this turkey looks fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and don’t forget to bring your Cookie Recipes to the Holiday Cookie Exchange Link Party!
    Miz Helen

    • Leave a Reply