Cooking a Jennie O turkey breast in a crock pot is a great way to prepare moist, tender turkey meat for sandwiches, casseroles, soups, salads, and more. With the slow, even heating of the crock pot, the turkey breast cooks low and slow, becoming fall-apart tender. However, cooking times can vary based on the size of the turkey breast, so it’s important to know how long to cook a Jennie O turkey breast in the crock pot.
What is Jennie O Turkey?
Jennie O is a brand of turkey products sold exclusively at Jennie-O retail stores and select grocery stores. They offer a variety of turkey products including whole turkeys, turkey breasts, ground turkey, turkey burgers, turkey bacon, turkey sausages, and more. Jennie O is known for its high-quality, lean turkey.
The Jennie O brand was created in 1940 by Earl B. Olson, who began raising turkeys on his family’s Minnesota farm under the name Jennie O after his daughter. Jennie O turkeys are minimally processed with no artificial ingredients or preservatives. They are also free from growth hormones and are fed an all-vegetarian diet. This results in a lean, flavorful turkey.
Benefits of Cooking Turkey in a Crock Pot
There are several benefits to cooking a Jennie O turkey breast in a crock pot:
- Moist and tender meat – The slow cooking and moist heat environment of the crock pot keeps the turkey extra juicy and tender.
- Infuses flavor – Seasonings and liquids have time to permeate the meat for more flavorful turkey.
- Hands-off cooking – Once the crock pot is set up, no additional cooking or monitoring is needed.
- Even heating – Crock pots cook food evenly with no hot or cold spots.
- Safe holding temperature – Crock pots safely hold cooked food at temperature until serving time.
How Long to Cook a 2-3 lb Jennie O Turkey Breast
For a small 2-3 pound Jennie O turkey breast, the cooking time in a crock pot is typically 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Here are more specific guidelines:
- 2 pound turkey breast – Cook 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- 2.5 pound turkey breast – Cook 6-7 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
- 3 pound turkey breast – Cook 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
Be sure the crock pot is at least half full with liquid such as broth, water, or juice. The turkey breast should be fully submerged. Check for doneness after the minimum cook time by inserting a food thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Crock Pot Cooking Time for a 2-3 lb Jennie O Turkey Breast
| Turkey Breast Weight | Cook Time on Low | Cook Time on High |
|---|---|---|
| 2 pounds | 5-6 hours | 3-4 hours |
| 2.5 pounds | 6-7 hours | 4-5 hours |
| 3 pounds | 7-8 hours | 4-5 hours |
How Long to Cook a 4-5 lb Jennie O Turkey Breast
For a 4-5 pound Jennie O turkey breast, plan on cooking it for 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high. Here are more details:
- 4 pound turkey breast – Cook 8-9 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high
- 4.5 pound turkey breast – Cook 9-10 hours on low or 6 hours on high
- 5 pound turkey breast – Cook 10 hours on low or 6-7 hours on high
As with smaller breasts, submerge the turkey in liquid in the crock pot and cook until it reaches an internal temp of 165°F. Allow extra time if cooking a stuffed turkey breast.
Crock Pot Cooking Time for a 4-5 lb Jennie O Turkey Breast
| Turkey Breast Weight | Cook Time on Low | Cook Time on High |
|---|---|---|
| 4 pounds | 8-9 hours | 5-6 hours |
| 4.5 pounds | 9-10 hours | 6 hours |
| 5 pounds | 10 hours | 6-7 hours |
How Long to Cook a 6-7 lb Jennie O Turkey Breast
A larger 6-7 pound Jennie O turkey breast will need 10-12 hours on low or 7-8 hours on high in the crock pot. Guidelines include:
- 6 pound turkey breast – Cook 10-11 hours on low or 7-8 hours on high
- 6.5 pound turkey breast – Cook 11-12 hours on low or 8 hours on high
- 7 pound turkey breast – Cook 12 hours on low or 8 hours on high
Check the temperature and cook until 165°F is reached. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Crock Pot Cooking Time for a 6-7 lb Jennie O Turkey Breast
| Turkey Breast Weight | Cook Time on Low | Cook Time on High |
|---|---|---|
| 6 pounds | 10-11 hours | 7-8 hours |
| 6.5 pounds | 11-12 hours | 8 hours |
| 7 pounds | 12 hours | 8 hours |
Tips for Crock Pot Jennie O Turkey Breast
Follow these tips for the most delicious, moist crock pot turkey breast:
- Choose a crock pot size where the turkey breast fits snugly. If too big, the turkey may dry out.
- Completely submerge the turkey in liquid like broth, cider, wine, or water.
- Add aromatics like onion, garlic, herbs, and spices to the crock pot.
- Brown or sear the turkey breast before crock pot cooking for more flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to test doneness instead of relying solely on time.
- Let the cooked turkey rest 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
- Save the broth for making gravy, soup, or au jus.
- Store leftovers in broth in a covered container for up to 4 days.
Common Questions
Should I sear the Jennie O turkey breast first?
Searing the turkey breast in a skillet before crock pot cooking is optional, but recommended. It browns the exterior, adds flavor, and locks in juices. Pat dry the turkey breast and sear for 1-2 minutes per side in a hot skillet with oil until nicely browned.
Can I stuff a Jennie O turkey breast for the crock pot?
Yes, stuffing a turkey breast helps keep it moist while adding extra flavor. Use an easy stuffing made with bread cubes, onion, celery, herbs, butter, and broth. Cook an extra 30-60 minutes to ensure the stuffing reaches 165°F.
What temperature should Jennie O turkey cook to?
Cook Jennie O turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured in the thickest part of the breast. This ensures any bacteria is eliminated and the turkey is fully cooked.
Can I cook from frozen?
It’s best to thaw Jennie O turkey breast completely before cooking in the crock pot for food safety and even cooking. Plan ahead and thaw turkey breast overnight in the fridge or quick thaw sous vide or in cold water.
What liquid should I use in the crock pot?
The liquid provides moisture and flavor. Good options include chicken or turkey broth, apple cider or juice, wine or beer, water with seasoning, or plain water. Use enough to submerge the breast halfway or more.
More Delicious Jennie O Turkey Breast Recipes
A Jennie O turkey breast cooked in the crock pot makes for deliciously moist meat that can be used in all kinds of recipes. Here are just a few tasty ideas:
- Crock Pot Turkey Breast and Gravy – Shred or slice turkey and serve drizzled with easy homemade gravy.
- BBQ Crock Pot Turkey Sandwiches – Top toasted buns with turkey, BBQ sauce, cheese, and pickled onions.
- Crock Pot Turkey Lettuce Wraps – Toss shredded turkey in Asian flavors like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
- Turkey and Wild Rice Soup – Simmer shredded turkey in broth with wild rice and vegetables.
- Crock Pot Turkey Tacos – Top tortillas with shredded turkey, salsa, avocado, cilantro, and lime.
The possibilities are endless for enjoying crock pot Jennie O turkey breast in meals throughout the week. With the proper cook times, your turkey will turn out perfect every time.
Conclusion
Cooking a Jennie O turkey breast in the slow cooker results in tender, juicy meat that is great for all kinds of recipes. Cook times vary from 5-12 hours depending on the size of the turkey breast. A good rule of thumb is about 1-1.5 hours per pound on low or 45 minutes-1 hour per pound on high. Be sure to use a thermometer to check internal temperature and cook at least to 165°F. With the proper cook time for the size of turkey breast, you will have delicious, fall-apart tender turkey from the crock pot in time for dinner or to use in meals all week long.