This slow cooker turkey breast recipe is an easy way to prepare juicy, flavorful turkey without using the oven. Seasoned with garlic, herbs, butter, and savory broth, the turkey cooks slowly until tender and delicious.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinner, or a smaller holiday gathering, this crockpot turkey breast is simple to prepare and requires very little hands-on cooking.
Why This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Works
- Juicy and tender: Slow cooking helps the turkey stay moist.
- Easy preparation: A simple herb butter adds plenty of flavor.
- Perfect for smaller gatherings: Turkey breast is a great alternative to cooking a whole turkey.
- Minimal effort: The slow cooker handles most of the cooking.
- Versatile: Serve it with classic holiday sides or use leftovers for sandwiches.
Ingredients
Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: Approximately 4–6 hours on LOW
Total time: About 4½–6½ hours
- 1 boneless turkey breast, about 3–4 pounds, thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Check for any packaging or gravy packets and remove them.
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Mix until a smooth herb butter forms.
Step 3: Season the Turkey
Gently loosen the skin, if present, and spread some of the herb butter underneath. Rub the remaining mixture over the outside of the turkey breast.
Step 4: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the quartered onion and smashed garlic cloves in the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the broth.
Set the turkey breast on top of the onions, skin-side up if it has skin.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 4–6 hours, depending on the size and shape of the turkey breast and your slow cooker.
Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. The thickest part of the turkey must reach 165°F (74°C) before serving. Do not rely on cooking time alone.
Step 6: Optional — Crisp the Skin
Slow cooking does not usually produce crispy turkey skin. For a golden finish, carefully transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking dish.
Place it under the oven broiler for 3–5 minutes, watching closely until the skin is golden and crisp.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. Slice against the grain and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
- Thaw completely: Always use fully thawed turkey breast for slow cooking.
- Pat dry before seasoning: This helps the herb butter adhere to the surface.
- Use a thermometer: Check the thickest part of the breast without touching bone.
- Avoid lifting the lid: Opening the slow cooker frequently releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Rest before slicing: Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Broil for crispy skin: Finish the turkey in the oven if you prefer a golden exterior.
How to Make Turkey Gravy
The cooking liquid can be turned into a simple turkey gravy.
- Strain the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan.
- Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of flour with ¼ cup cold water until smooth.
- Slowly whisk the flour mixture into the simmering liquid.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
For a gluten-free gravy, use cornstarch instead of flour.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
This turkey breast pairs beautifully with classic holiday side dishes:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Green bean casserole
- Cranberry sauce
- Sweet potato casserole
- Homemade dinner rolls
- Roasted carrots
- Stuffing or dressing
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freeze: Freeze sliced turkey in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Reheat: Add a little broth to the turkey and warm it in a covered dish in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare the herb butter a day in advance and refrigerate it in a covered container. Thaw the turkey breast completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
You can also slice leftover turkey and store it with a little cooking liquid to help keep it moist when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker turkey breast recipe is a simple, flavorful way to prepare tender turkey for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or an everyday family dinner. The combination of herb butter, garlic, and savory broth creates a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Serve it with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and homemade gravy for a comforting holiday-style dinner.
