Slow Cooker Apple Cider Turkey Breast with Glaze

There’s nothing quite like a comforting, flavorful meal that practically makes itself, especially when the weather outside turns chilly.

This slow cooker apple cider turkey breast recipe delivers exactly that – a wonderfully tender turkey breast infused with the sweet and tangy notes of apple cider, all finished with a glossy, irresistible glaze. It’s a perfect centerpiece for a cozy family dinner without all the fuss.

Imagine coming home to the aroma of a delicious meal already cooked and ready to enjoy. That’s the magic of this slow cooker recipe. It’s designed for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you want a homemade meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Turkey Breast

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• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

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Description

This slow cooker apple cider turkey breast recipe delivers a wonderfully tender turkey breast infused with the sweet and tangy notes of apple cider, all finished with a glossy, irresistible glaze. It is a perfect centerpiece for a cozy family dinner without all the fuss, designed for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3–4 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups apple cider

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons cold water

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Instructions

1. Pat the boneless, skinless turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring it is evenly coated.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned turkey breast in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly golden brown. This step is optional but recommended for added flavor.

3. Transfer the seared (or unseared) turkey breast to your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the turkey breast in the slow cooker, ensuring the turkey is partially submerged in the liquid.

4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165 F (74 C). The turkey should be fork-tender.

5. Once the turkey is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil to rest while you prepare the glaze. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry.

6. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Stir well. Turn the slow cooker to the HIGH setting (or transfer the liquid to a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-high heat). Cook, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency, usually about 10-15 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

7. Slice the rested turkey breast against the grain into thick pieces. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and generously drizzle with the warm apple cider glaze. Serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low
• Category: main dish
• Method: slow cooker
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: slow cooker, turkey, apple cider, dinner, comfort food, easy, weeknight, glaze, poultry, fall

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly hands-off. Once you’ve prepped the turkey and assembled the ingredients in the slow cooker, you can pretty much forget about it until dinner time. This makes it ideal for busy parents, individuals with demanding schedules, or anyone who wants a delicious, home-cooked meal without constant supervision. Second, the combination of apple cider and turkey creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and unique, making it a delightful change from your usual weeknight fare. It’s a dish that feels special enough for a Sunday dinner but is simple enough for any day. The apple cider glaze adds a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of sweet and savory goodness that everyone will appreciate. This recipe is perfect for a cozy winter dinner, offering warmth and flavor that truly hits the spot.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll find most of these items are probably already in your pantry or easily accessible at any grocery store.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3-4 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

For the turkey breast, a boneless, skinless variety works best for even cooking and easy slicing. If you only have a bone-in turkey breast, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, adding an hour or two, and ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature. Apple cider is key here; look for a good quality, unsweetened cider for the best flavor. If you can’t find apple cider, unsweetened apple juice can be a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly less robust. For the brown sugar, either light or dark brown sugar will work equally well. Dijon mustard adds a nice tang and depth, but a whole grain mustard could also be used for a slightly different texture and flavor. The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the glaze, so don’t skip it.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This slow cooker recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal active cooking time. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it does most of the work for you.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low
• Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (depending on slow cooker setting)

The hands-on time is truly minimal, making this an excellent choice for meal prepping or for days when you’re out of the house but still want a delicious, hot meal waiting for you.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Preparing this apple cider turkey breast is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked and glazed turkey every time.

1. Prepare the Turkey Breast: Pat the boneless, skinless turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better and encourages a more even browning if you choose to sear it. In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
2. Sear the Turkey (Optional but Recommended): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned turkey breast in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly golden brown. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps seal in the juices, but it can be skipped if you’re short on time.
3. Combine Liquids in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared (or unseared) turkey breast to your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the turkey breast in the slow cooker, ensuring the turkey is partially submerged in the liquid.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F (74°C). The turkey should be fork-tender.
5. Prepare the Glaze: Once the turkey is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil to rest while you prepare the glaze. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry.
6. Thicken the Glaze: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Stir well. Turn the slow cooker to the HIGH setting (or transfer the liquid to a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-high heat). Cook, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency, usually about 10-15 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
7. Slice and Serve: Slice the rested turkey breast against the grain into thick pieces. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and generously drizzle with the warm apple cider glaze. Serve immediately.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This apple cider turkey breast is versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can reduce the amount of Dijon mustard slightly in the glaze or offer the glaze on the side for dipping.

Consider adding some root vegetables to the slow cooker during the last 2-3 hours of cooking. Carrots, parsnips, or small potatoes would absorb the delicious apple cider flavors beautifully. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the seasoning rub can add a subtle kick. For an herbier flavor, a sprig of fresh rosemary or sage can be added to the slow cooker along with the liquids.

This turkey breast pairs wonderfully with classic comfort food sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, or a simple side salad. It’s also fantastic served alongside wild rice or couscous to soak up all that delicious glaze. For a more festive presentation, garnish with fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This dish is perfect for a weeknight family dinner, but also elegant enough to serve for a small gathering or a cozy dinner party.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have a few pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for can help ensure your slow cooker apple cider turkey breast turns out perfectly every time.

One common mistake is overcooking the turkey. While slow cookers are forgiving, turkey breast can still dry out if cooked for too long or at too high a temperature. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness (165°F / 74°C) and remove the turkey as soon as it reaches that temperature.

Another slip-up can be not patting the turkey dry before seasoning or searing. Excess moisture can prevent the seasonings from adhering properly and inhibit browning, leading to less flavorful results. A quick pat with paper towels makes a big difference.

Forgetting to skim the fat from the cooking liquid before making the glaze can result in a greasy glaze. While some fat adds flavor, too much can make the glaze unappetizing. A spoon or a fat separator can make this task easy.

Finally, not resting the turkey before slicing can lead to dry meat. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more tender and moist final product. Always tent the cooked turkey with foil for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This slow cooker apple cider turkey breast is fantastic for meal prep and leftovers. Proper storage ensures it remains delicious and moist.

To store leftovers, allow the turkey and glaze to cool completely. Transfer the sliced turkey and any remaining glaze into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, store the turkey slices submerged in the glaze to keep them moist.

You can also freeze cooked turkey breast. Place the sliced turkey and glaze in a freezer

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.