Slow Cooker Spiced Turkey Breast and Couscous: A Flavorful, Easy Dinner

Slow Cooker Spiced Turkey Breast and Couscous is your new go-to recipe when you need a hands-off, flavor-packed dinner. It’s a perfectly balanced meal with tender, spice-rubbed turkey breast and a fluffy bed of couscous. And the best part? Most of the work is done for you while your slow cooker hums away in the background.

I discovered this spiced turkey breast recipe during a ridiculously busy week when I needed dinner on the table without a big fuss. Traditional turkey dishes mean hours in the oven and endless basting, but this version takes just 20 minutes of prep, and then the slow cooker does its magic in five hours. By dinner, you’ll have a hearty, healthy dish ready to serve, with zero stress.

Why This Slow Cooker Spiced Turkey Breast and Couscous Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: With just 20 minutes of prep, the slow cooker takes care of the rest.
• Flavors that impress: Warm spices like cumin and cinnamon transform the turkey into something special.
• One-pot convenience: The veggies and couscous cook right alongside the turkey, meaning fewer dishes for you.
• Perfectly juicy turkey: Cooking on low heat locks in moisture, delivering tender meat every time.
• Meal prep friendly: Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Spiced Turkey Breast and Couscous

Let’s talk tools. For this easy slow cooker turkey breast, you’ll need a slow cooker that’s at least 8 quarts in size to fit the bone-in turkey breast and veggies comfortably. If your slow cooker has a temperature probe, even better—it’ll help ensure the bird reaches that perfect 165°F doneness. Here’s everything you’ll want on hand:

• 8-quart slow cooker: Trust me, you need the space with this recipe.
• Instant-read thermometer: Crucial for checking when the turkey is perfectly cooked.
• Sharp chef’s knife: Essential for trimming and portioning the turkey breast.
• Vegetable peeler: Makes quick work of the orange peel strips.

If you’re in the market for a slow cooker, go for one with programmable settings to make your life even easier.

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Spiced Turkey Breast and Couscous

What makes this turkey breast with couscous so effortless is its relatively short ingredient list. Don’t let the exotic flavors fool you—this recipe leans on pantry staples and easy-to-find fresh produce. Here’s a closer look at the standouts:

• Bone-in turkey breast: A necessity for this dish—its size keeps the meat juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.
• Spice blend: A mix of coriander, cumin, paprika, and ground ginger delivers warming, earthy flavors.
• Butternut squash: You can grab pre-cut chunks from your grocery store for a time-saving shortcut.
• Couscous: Quick-cooking couscous soaks up all the flavorful juices from the slow cooker, tying the dish together.

You can swap the butternut squash for sweet potato chunks or dried apricots for raisins if that’s what you have in your pantry.

Slow Cooker Spiced Turkey Breast and Couscous at a Glance

• Servings: 8 servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Spiced Turkey Breast and Couscous

• 1 whole bone-in turkey breast (about 5 pounds)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups butternut squash chunks (1 inch)
• 1/3 cup dried apricots (about 2 ounces), coarsely chopped
• 3 medium carrots (about 8 ounces), halved lengthwise, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3 large strips orange peel (removed with a vegetable peeler) plus 6 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 medium onion, thickly sliced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups couscous
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

How to Make Slow Cooker Spiced Turkey Breast and Couscous

1. Remove the skin from the turkey and trim away any excess fat.
2. Use a chef’s knife to cut out the backbone so the turkey fits into your slow cooker.
3. Mix coriander, cumin, paprika, ginger, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey breast meat.
5. Layer squash, apricots, carrots, orange peel, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.
6. Add chicken broth and 1/4 cup orange juice. Stir in 1 1/4 teaspoons salt.
7. Set the turkey breast-side up on top of the veggies; drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
8. Cover and cook on low until the internal temperature reads 165°F, about 5 hours.
9. Remove turkey to a cutting board. Rest for 10 minutes.
10. Turn slow cooker to high. Once simmering, stir in couscous. Turn off slow cooker, cover, and let sit for 7 minutes.
11. Fluff couscous with a fork, then stir in chopped cilantro. Discard cinnamon stick and bay leaves.
12. Slice turkey against the grain and arrange on a platter.
13. Mix remaining orange juice, olive oil, and salt. Drizzle over turkey.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Spiced Turkey Breast and Couscous

• Use the right size slow cooker: An 8-quart model ensures your turkey fits snugly without overcrowding.
• Trim your turkey breast: Get rid of any excess skin or fat for a cleaner, leaner finished dish.
• Check the temperature: An instant-read thermometer is your best bet for perfectly juicy turkey.
• Sauté the spice blend: Quickly blooming your spices in a skillet adds incredible depth of flavor.
• Leftovers tip: Refrigerate the turkey and couscous separately to keep them fresh.

Easy Slow Cooker Spiced Turkey Breast and Couscous Variations

• Switch the protein: Chicken thighs or a small whole chicken work beautifully here.
• Go vegetarian: Swap turkey for chickpeas or tofu as the main protein source.
• Try a different grain: Bulgur or quinoa is a great substitute for couscous.
• Boost the heat: Add a pinch of cayenne to the spice blend for a warm kick.

Slow Cooker Spiced Turkey Breast and Couscous FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast?

Yes, but bone-in turkey adds more flavor and helps retain moisture while cooking.

What should I do if I don’t have an 8-quart slow cooker?

Try splitting the recipe into two smaller slow cookers or reducing the veggie quantity to make it fit.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the turkey and refrigerate. Warm up the turkey slices with a bit of broth before serving.

Do I have to use couscous?

No, you can substitute quinoa, rice, or any grain you prefer.

How do I store leftovers?

Store turkey and couscous in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This Slow Cooker Spiced Turkey Breast and Couscous will make you feel like a dinner-time genius. Whether it’s for a weeknight or meal prep, this recipe is your shortcut to maximum flavor with minimal effort. What’s your go-to slow cooker hack? Let me know in the comments!