Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast

Directions

• Step 1

  Arrange onion, carrots and celery in a single layer in the bottom of a 6- to 7-quart oval slow cooker. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth.

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• Step 2

  Combine rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper and lemon zest in a small bowl.

• Step 3

  Remove any excess skin from the neck of the turkey breast and gently loosen the skin from the breast by running your hands between the skin and the meat. Rub the herb salt over the turkey breast, both over and under the skin.

• Step 4

  Place the turkey on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165 degrees F, 3 to 3 1/2 hours on High or 6 to 7 hours on Low.

• Step 5

  Preheat the oven broiler. Transfer the cooked turkey breast to a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Reserve the liquid in the slow cooker.

• Step 6

  Broil the turkey until the skin is browned, about 10 minutes. Watch carefully to make sure the skin crisps but does not burn. Loosely tent the turkey with foil and let rest while you make gravy.

• Step 7

  Strain the reserved liquid from the slow cooker into a measuring cup and add enough broth to make 2 cups. (Discard the vegetables.) In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour begins to smell toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly pour in the drippings and broth, continuing to whisk until the liquid is incorporated and no lumps remain. Cook, whisking frequently, until the gravy thickens and comes to a simmer.

• Step 8

  Carve the turkey breast by following the line of the breastbone with your knife to separate the meat from the bone. Slice and serve immediately with the gravy.