Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Turkey
- Moist and Flavorful: The slow cooking ensures juicy, fall-apart turkey every time.
- Set-It-and-Forget-It: The slow cooker makes this recipe hassle-free.
- Sweet and Savory: A delightful glaze that perfectly balances the tender turkey.
- Versatile: Great for holidays or as an easy weeknight dinner.
Tools You’ll Need
- Spoon or whisk: For mixing the sauce and cornstarch slurry, if thickening.
- Crock pot/slow cooker: Essential for this set-it-and-forget-it recipe.
- Mixing bowl: For preparing the glaze.
- Basting brush (optional): To coat the turkey with extra glaze while cooking.
Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Turkey
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
The Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Turkey is a sweet, savory, and incredibly tender dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion when you want a flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the turkey with the perfect balance of brown sugar and pineapple flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with your favorite sides!
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Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs turkey breast (boneless or bone-in): The star of the dish.
- 1 cup pineapple juice: Adds natural sweetness and acidity for tender meat.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (canned or fresh): For bursts of fruity flavor.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Creates a sweet, caramelized glaze.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a savory depth to balance the sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For an aromatic touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Enhances the tropical flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season the turkey.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a hint of spice.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional): To thicken the sauce, if desired.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Turkey
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- If using a bone-in turkey breast, trim any excess skin for even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
- In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crock Pot
- Place the turkey breast in the crock pot.
- Pour the pineapple glaze mixture over the turkey, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Baste the turkey with the glaze occasionally for extra flavor (optional).
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove 1 cup of the cooking liquid and transfer it to a small saucepan.
- Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the saucepan and simmer on medium heat, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Serve
- Slice the turkey breast and drizzle with the glaze or thickened sauce.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, blend it slightly to create a crushed texture.
- Don’t Skip the Basting: Basting enhances the flavor and keeps the turkey moist.
- Try Bone-In for More Flavor: A bone-in turkey breast adds extra richness to the dish.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the turkey and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven, adding extra glaze or broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
A: Yes! This recipe works beautifully with chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the chicken.
Q2: Can I cook this in the oven instead of a crock pot?
A: Absolutely. Bake the turkey in a covered baking dish at 325°F (165°C) for 2-3 hours, basting occasionally.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
A: Yes! Carrots, sweet potatoes, or green beans can be added during the last 2-3 hours of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
Conclusion: A Sweet and Savory Favorite
This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Turkey is the ultimate combination of ease and flavor. With its sweet glaze and tender meat, it’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Whether for a holiday or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Servings: 6
Enjoy this mouthwatering turkey with loved ones and make any mealtime special!
