Crock Pot Duck Breast Recipes for Easy Gourmet Meals

Originally posted on March 15, 2020 @ 1:00 pm

If you’re looking to create a succulent, flavorful duck breast dish without the hassle of standing over the stove or oven, crock pot duck breast recipes offer a fantastic solution. Slow cooking duck breasts in a crock pot not only tenderizes the meat beautifully but also infuses it with rich and deep flavors that are hard to achieve with traditional cooking methods.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, using a crock pot makes the process easy, hands-off, and perfect for busy days when you want to come home to an impressive meal.

In this post, we’ll explore several mouthwatering crock pot duck breast recipes that bring out the best in this luxurious meat. From classic herb-infused styles to Asian-inspired sauces, these recipes transform duck breast into a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Plus, we’ll cover essential tips, equipment, and delicious serving suggestions to make your meal unforgettable. Ready to impress your family or guests?

Let’s dive into the world of crock pot duck breast cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crock pot duck breast recipes are beloved for their convenience and exceptional results. The slow cooker gently breaks down the fat and connective tissues, resulting in tender, juicy meat every time.

Unlike pan-searing or roasting, which can sometimes dry out duck breast, the crock pot method locks in moisture and allows the flavors to deepen over hours.

Moreover, these recipes are incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer a sweet glaze, savory herbs, or bold Asian spices, the crock pot effortlessly adapts.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you want to prepare ahead and let the crock pot do the work while you relax. If you’re interested in other slow cooker delights, check out our Best Vegan Slowcooker Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• 2 duck breasts (about 6-8 ounces each, skin on)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or duck broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional, for Asian-style version)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Equipment

• Crock pot or slow cooker (4-6 quart size recommended)
• Sharp knife for scoring duck skin
• Cutting board
• Small bowl for mixing marinade
• Tongs for handling duck breasts
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Skillet or frying pan for optional searing

Instructions

1. Prepare the duck breasts: Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. This helps render the fat and crisp the skin if you choose to sear later.
2. Season the duck: Rub both sides of the breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and minced garlic. Set aside while preparing the crock pot.
3. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce (if using), honey, balsamic vinegar, and fresh thyme. Stir well to blend.
4. Layer the crock pot: Place the sliced onions and rosemary sprigs at the bottom of the crock pot. These create a flavorful bed for the duck breasts.
5. Add duck breasts: Place the duck breasts skin side up on top of the onions and herbs. Pour the marinade mixture evenly over the top.
6. Cook low and slow: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare. If you prefer more well-done, cook an additional 30 minutes.
7. Optional sear for crispy skin: For a crispier skin, remove the duck breasts and pat dry. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the skin side down for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip briefly to warm the meat side.
8. Rest and serve: Let the duck rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with the cooked onions and spoon some of the crock pot juices over the top.

Tips & Variations

“Scoring the duck skin is key to releasing fat and achieving a tender, flavorful result.”

• For richer flavor: Sear the duck breasts skin side down in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes before placing them in the crock pot.
• Asian-inspired variation: Add 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 1 star anise, and replace balsamic vinegar with rice vinegar. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
• Sweet and fruity twist: Add 1/2 cup diced apples or pears to the crock pot for a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with duck.
• Low-sodium option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt.
• Leftovers: Duck breast slices make excellent sandwiches or salads the next day. Try out some Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for inspiration on how to repurpose your leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Crock pot duck breast pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its rich flavor. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a wild rice pilaf for a hearty meal.

Roasted root vegetables or sautéed green beans add a nice contrast of texture and freshness.

For a lighter option, serve duck breast slices over a bed of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette and dried cranberries. If you enjoyed this duck recipe, you might also like our A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals, which is perfect for warmer days.

To elevate your meal even further, drizzle a berry reduction or a port wine sauce over the duck before serving. This adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that perfectly balances the savory richness.

Conclusion

Crock pot duck breast recipes provide a delicious and effortless way to enjoy this luxurious meat without the stress of complicated cooking techniques. The slow cooker gently transforms the duck into tender, juicy perfection while infusing it with wonderful flavors.

Whether you stick with a classic herb and garlic profile or experiment with Asian-inspired or fruity twists, these recipes are sure to impress your family and guests.

Don’t be intimidated by duck – with a crock pot, you can achieve gourmet results with minimal effort. Plus, this method frees up your time for other activities, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

For more hearty and easy meal ideas, check out our Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy and Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious. Happy cooking and bon appétit!

More Crock Pot Duck Breast Recipes to Try

Orange-Glazed Crock Pot Duck Breast

• Ingredients: Duck breasts, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder.
• Method: Combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder for a sweet and spicy glaze. Cook duck breasts on low for 3 hours. Finish by searing skin for crispiness.

Balsamic and Rosemary Crock Pot Duck Breast

• Ingredients: Duck breasts, balsamic vinegar, fresh rosemary, garlic, shallots, honey, salt, pepper.
• Method: Marinate duck in a balsamic and rosemary mixture, cook on low for 4 hours. Serve with the balsamic reduction sauce and roasted vegetables.

Asian Five-Spice Duck Breast

• Ingredients: Duck breasts, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, scallions.
• Method: Mix sauces and spices, pour over duck breasts, slow cook for 3-4 hours. Garnish with scallions and serve with steamed rice.

For more flavorful and easy recipes, don’t miss our collection of Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals that offer fantastic plant-based inspiration alongside your duck dishes.

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