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If you’re looking for a cozy, low-effort meal that delivers on flavor, slow cooker apple cider turkey breast is a must-try. This recipe features a savory brine infused with apple cider, herbs and warm spices, which gives the turkey an aromatic, juicy finish. The slow cooker keeps things simple, while the blend of sweet and spiced flavors makes this dish perfect for fall or any festive gathering. With minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious turkey breast ready to impress.
Slow cooker apple cider turkey breast is infused with warm spices and herbs for a juicy, flavorful result with almost no effort. It’s an ideal fall or holiday main course.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like cheesy bacon Hasselback chicken, mac and beer cheese in pretzel bowls or pesto crusted salmon filets.
Why You’ll Love It
Effortless prep: Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day.
Fall flavor bomb: Apple cider, spices and herbs make each bite aromatic and rich.
Holiday worthy: This recipe is elegant enough for Thanksgiving or special occasions.
Juicy results: Brining and slow cooking guarantee moist, tender turkey.
Versatile pairing: Goes great with everything from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies.
Crockpot Apple Cider Turkey Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Apple cider: Forms the base of the brine, infusing the meat with sweetness and depth.
Black peppercorns: Add subtle heat to the brine.
Garlic: Used in the brine and cooking process for robust flavor.
Bay leaves: Earthy, herbal depth in the brine.
Brown sugar: Enhances the cider’s sweetness and balances the spices.
Star anise and cinnamon sticks: Offer warm, aromatic spice notes.
Orange peel: Adds brightness and citrus zest.
Turkey breast: Boneless, slow cooked for maximum tenderness.
Salted butter: Helps the seasoning stick and adds richness.
Spices: Dried thyme, onion powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried mustard, and black pepper season the turkey.
Fresh herbs: Thyme and rosemary enhance aroma and flavor during cooking.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the brine: Simmer apple cider with spices, herbs and aromatics, then cool completely.
Brine the turkey: Submerge turkey in cooled brine and refrigerate for at least 5 hours.
Season and butter: Remove from brine, brush with butter and rub with seasoning.
Assemble in slow cooker: Place seasoned turkey in slow cooker with herbs and aromatics.
Cook: Cover and slow cook until fully cooked and juicy.
Serve: Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Substitutions and Variations
Cider substitute: Use apple juice if you don’t have apple cider.
Spice adjustments: Swap star anise for cloves or omit for a milder flavor.
Add vegetables: Add carrots, onions or apples to the slow cooker for a built-in side dish.
Serving Suggestions
Side dishes: You can enjoy this slow cooker turkey recipe with any side dishes you choose. Potatoes au gratin and green beans are always good, or you could try mac ‘n cheese and broccoli. You could also whip up some homemade sausage and cranberry stuffing.
Wine pairing: I’d opt for a fruity red or a dry white wine with this, perhaps Pinot Noir or an unoaked Chardonnay.
How to Store Apple Cider Turkey Breast
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: You can warm it back up in the oven or microwave.
Top Tips
Cool the brine completely: This ensures food safety and proper flavor absorption.
Don’t skip the butter: It helps the seasoning adhere and locks in moisture.
Brining time: I usually give it 60 to 90 minutes per pound, or just brine it overnight. Don’t brine the turkey breast for more than 18 hours or you risk it going spongy in texture or coming out too salty.
Use a meat thermometer: Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let it rest: Rest turkey before slicing to retain juices.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Turkey Breast FAQs
Brine is basically salt and water plus whatever else you want to add. The bird will absorb salt for seasoning and water for moisture. Brine also breaks down some of the natural proteins in the bird which makes it softer and more tender. Brining keeps it juicy even if you overshoot the cooking time. Choose the right meat for brining: anything labeled kosher, self-basting or enhanced won’t work because the turkey is already salted. You can however brine a turkey breast that is partly thawed out. It will finish thawing in the brine.
Yes, just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it cooks through.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast Recipe
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Turkey Breast
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Cups apple cider
- 1 Tablespoon black peppercorns
- 6 Cloves garlic, minced
- 3 bay leaves
- ½ Cup brown sugar
- 4 star anise
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange peel, cut into ½-inch strips
- 4 Pounds turkey breast, boneless, I used butterball ready-to-roast turkey breast
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 Teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 Teaspoons onion powder
- 2 Teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 Teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Teaspoon dried mustard
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper
- 3 or 4 Sprigs thyme, fresh
- 2 Sprigs rosemary, fresh
Instructions
- Thaw turkey breast completely.
- Heat a saucepan on the stove over medium high heat. Add apple cider, peppercorn, 3 crushed garlic cloves, bay leaves, brown sugar, star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks, and ½ of the orange peel to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let cool completely.
- Once cooled, add the turkey breast. Brine at least 5 hours, preferably overnight.
- Remove turkey from brine and brush with softened butter. Season generously with seasoning.
- Place into the slow cooker and add ¼ cup water, thyme sprigs, rosemary sprigs, 2 cinnamon sticks, remaining orange peel, and crushed garlic along the sides. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Remove from the slow cooker and let it sit for 15 minutes. Slice on a cutting board and serve with your preferred sides.
Notes
Don’t skip the butter: It helps the seasoning adhere and locks in moisture.
Brining time: I usually give it 60 to 90 minutes per pound, or just brine it overnight. Don’t brine the turkey breast for more than 18 hours or you risk it going spongy in texture or coming out too salty.
Use a meat thermometer: Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let it rest: Rest turkey before slicing to retain juices.
Nutrition
This slow cooker apple cider turkey breast is an easy way to impress with minimal effort. The cider brine infuses the meat with deep, complex flavor, while the slow cooker guarantees juicy, tender slices every time. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want a comforting meal with autumn vibes, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Melt-in-your-mouth goodness, packed with cozy autumn flavors!
The turkey turned out so juicy and flavorful! Perfect for cozy fall dinners.
I tried the slow cooker apple cider brined turkey, and it was so tender and flavorful! I am excited to add this to my Thanksgiving menu.