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If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Crock Pot Boneless Turkey Breast & Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy turkey breast slow-cooked to perfection atop a rich, savory cornbread and wheat bread dressing infused with sage and cream soups creates a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special holiday, this recipe simplifies the traditional turkey and stuffing experience, all in one pot with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, well-balanced ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in delivering perfect texture and flavor, from the hearty cornbread and wheat bread that build the base of the dressing to the creamy soups that keep everything moist and luscious. The boneless turkey breast serves as the star protein, seasoned to infuse every bite with comforting warmth.
- 3 (9-inch) skillets of cornbread: Provides that golden, crumbly foundation full of subtle sweetness.
- 1 onion: Adds aromatic depth and a hint of natural sweetness when finely chopped.
- 3 stalks celery: Offers a gentle crunch and fresh herbal notes.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Brings creamy richness and savory undertones.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds an earthy, comforting dimension.
- 5 to 5½ cups chicken broth: Keeps the dressing moist and flavorful without overpowering.
- 3 pieces wheat bread: Creates a soft, chewy texture to complement the cornbread.
- Salt (to taste): Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle kick and warmth.
- 1 to 2 tsp dried ground sage: The signature herb that makes this dressing unforgettable.
- 1 (3-lb) boneless frozen turkey breast, thawed: The tender, juicy centerpiece of the dish.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (for turkey): Simple seasoning that brings out the turkey’s natural flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Boneless Turkey Breast & Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread Dressing
Start by chopping the onion and celery finely in a food processor — this ensures even flavor distribution and that perfect, soft texture throughout the dressing. Transfer the chopped vegetables to a large bowl to combine with your cornbread and wheat bread pieces, which you’ll crumble and tear, respectively. Next, add the unsalted cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and generous amounts of chicken broth to bring moisture and creaminess to the dressing. Season with salt, pepper, and the star herb, dried ground sage, then stir everything thoroughly. This mixture is the heart of your dressing, layering flavor and texture that perfectly complements the turkey breast.
Step 2: Layer the Dressing into the Slow Cooker
Spray your slow cooker generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then spread the dressing mixture evenly across the bottom. This layer acts as both flavor base and moisture buffer, ensuring the turkey stays juicy while all those delicious dressing flavors meld together during cooking.
Step 3: Season and Place the Turkey Breast
Remove the thawed turkey breast from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Season it liberally with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, letting these simple spices highlight the natural taste of the turkey. Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the dressing, gently pressing it down so it nestles into the mixture. This close contact allows the turkey juices to soak into the dressing as everything cooks, creating a beautifully unified dish.
Step 4: Cook the Turkey and Dressing
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for 3½ to 4 hours. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. During this time, the turkey becomes tender, the dressing moist and flavorful, and your kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone eagerly awaiting dinner.
How to Serve Crock Pot Boneless Turkey Breast & Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top just before serving. It adds a burst of fresh color and a subtle herbal lift that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with classic sides like roasted green beans, cranberry sauce, or buttery mashed potatoes. The richness of the turkey and dressing balances those bright and creamy elements, creating a well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the turkey sliced thick with a generous scoop of dressing on the side in small ramekins. Alternatively, turn leftovers into a savory pot pie or stuff jalapeño peppers with the dressing for a fun appetizer twist. The Crock Pot Boneless Turkey Breast & Dressing Recipe is versatile enough to inspire all kinds of delicious presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld deliciously overnight, making next-day meals equally satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. To maintain the best texture, separate the turkey breast and dressing before freezing. Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag, and store the dressing in a sealed container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325ºF until warmed through, or microwave in shorter bursts to avoid drying out the turkey. Adding a splash of broth when reheating dressing helps keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use fresh turkey breast instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have fresh turkey breast, just adjust the cooking time slightly as fresh meat may cook a bit faster. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165ºF for safety and juiciness.
Is it possible to make this recipe without cream soups?
Yes! You can substitute with homemade cream sauces or use milk and flour to create a creamy base, but the canned soups add ease and a familiar comforting flavor that works beautifully here.
Can I add vegetables directly to the slow cooker?
While the onion and celery are incorporated into the dressing, you can toss in extra veggies like carrots or mushrooms if you like; just be mindful of cooking times and moisture content to avoid making the dish too soggy.
What if I don’t have cornbread skillets? Can I use regular cornbread?
Regular cornbread works perfectly fine—just crumble it up into bite-sized pieces that will soak up the moisture without becoming mushy. The skillet style just ensures a denser texture but is not required.
Can I cook this recipe on low instead of high?
Cooking on low is possible but will take significantly longer, around 6 to 7 hours. The turkey and dressing will still be delicious but keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Boneless Turkey Breast & Dressing Recipe is pure comfort food magic in one pot, delivering tender turkey and savory dressing with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s a wonderful way to bring loved ones together around the dinner table, with a dish that feels lovingly homemade yet effortlessly simple. Give it a try and watch it become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection!
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Crock Pot Boneless Turkey Breast & Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crock Pot Boneless Turkey Breast & Dressing recipe combines tender, juicy turkey breast cooked to perfection with a flavorful cornbread and wheat bread dressing infused with herbs, celery, onions, and creamy soups. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker for ease, this dish is a convenient and hearty meal ideal for family gatherings or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 (9-inch) skillets of cornbread, crumbled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of mushroom soup
- 5 to 5½ cups chicken broth
- 3 pieces wheat bread, torn into small pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 to 2 tsp dried ground sage
Turkey Breast
- 1 (3-lb) boneless frozen turkey breast, thawed
- Salt, for seasoning
- Pepper, for seasoning
- Garlic powder, for seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Chop the onion and celery finely using a food processor and transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Dressing Ingredients: Crumble the cornbread and tear the wheat bread into small pieces. Add these to the bowl with the chopped onion and celery. Stir in the unsalted cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth (5 to 5½ cups), salt, pepper, and dried ground sage. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then transfer the dressing mixture into the slow cooker and spread it evenly.
- Season the Turkey: Remove the thawed turkey breast from its packaging. Season generously all over with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned turkey breast directly on top of the dressing inside the slow cooker. Press it down slightly to ensure good contact with the dressing beneath.
- Cook the Turkey and Dressing: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH heat for 3½ to 4 hours. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey breast and slice it. Serve alongside the warm, flavorful dressing for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey breast is fully thawed before cooking for even cooking throughout.
- Chicken broth quantity may be adjusted slightly to achieve desired dressing moisture; the dressing should be moist but not soggy.
- Using unsalted soups and seasoning to taste helps control overall saltiness.
- This recipe can be adapted with your favorite herbs or added vegetables for extra flavor.
- Check the internal temperature of the turkey to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
