Let me tell you about my not-so-secret weapon for fuss-free feasts: Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. Whether you’re planning a cozy holiday dinner or simply want juicy, flavorful turkey any time of year, this recipe absolutely delivers. The turkey comes out perfectly tender, with a herby aroma and savory juices you’ll want to drizzle over everything. Even busy weeknights turn special when you let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting on this classic comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful simplicity of this recipe means every ingredient serves a purpose—each one plays a unique part in bringing out the best in your turkey. From bold spices to aromatic herbs, every element helps create that ultra-moist, golden turkey breast everyone will be talking about.
- Turkey Breast (4–6 pounds, bone-in or boneless, skin on): The star of the show—choose what fits your crowd and slow cooker best, and be sure to keep the skin on for max juiciness.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps all those seasonings stick, while encouraging that gorgeous browning after broiling.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the turkey’s natural flavor and keeps every bite savory.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Add a touch of warmth and gentle spice to the blend.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): For deep, irresistible savory flavor without peeling or chopping.
- Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers a mellow sweetness and rounds out the seasoning.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): An earthy, woodsy note that instantly screams holiday comfort.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings smoky complexity and a warm hint of color to the skin.
- Chicken Broth or Water (1/2 cup): Keeps everything moist and creates plenty of delicious drippings for basting (or gravy!).
- Onion, Quartered (1): Delivers aromatic sweetness and infuses the turkey from below.
- Garlic Cloves, Smashed (3–4): For robust flavor that melts into the cooking liquid.
- Fresh Rosemary or Thyme Sprigs (2–3, optional): These bring bursts of bright, fresh flavor and look gorgeous, too.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Step 1: Prep and Season the Turkey
Start by patting your turkey breast thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is key for getting flavorful, crisped skin later! In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil or butter with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and paprika until it forms a fragrant paste. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the turkey—don’t forget to carefully slide some under the skin for max flavor infusion. This little step makes a big difference in every juicy, herby bite.
Step 2: Build Flavor in the Slow Cooker
Layer the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, and (if you’re using them) the sprigs of rosemary or thyme right at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, which will keep everything moist and turn into the most amazing base for gravy. Place the turkey breast on top, skin side up—this helps the skin get golden and lets the juices drip down and flavor every inch.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to Low. Let the Slow Cooker Turkey Breast cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part (a meat thermometer is your friend here). During this time, the house will fill with the coziest, most welcoming aroma—perfect anticipation for dinner!
Step 4: Optional—but Recommended!—Crisp the Skin
If you love a bit of crispy skin, this step is for you. Remove the cooked turkey breast and transfer it to a baking sheet. Pop it under your oven’s broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t scorch. The result: golden, irresistible crackly turkey skin that rivals any roast bird.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Resist the urge to cut right in! Let your Slow Cooker Turkey Breast rest for at least 10 minutes. This gives the juices time to redistribute, making every slice moist and flavorful. Now, slice and serve—or let the compliments roll in as your family gathers around.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Garnishes
Sprinkle the sliced turkey breast with extra fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme for a pop of color and fragrance. A spoonful of pan juices or a drizzle of quick gravy made from the slow cooker drippings brings irresistible shine and an extra burst of flavor to every plate.
Side Dishes
This tender turkey shines alongside classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or garlicky green beans. For a real holiday feel (even in the middle of July), add cranberry sauce and warm rolls. The best part? You can prep your sides while the Slow Cooker Turkey Breast handles itself!
Creative Ways to Present
Try fanning the turkey slices on a big platter with roasted lemons and herb sprigs tucked around for a showstopping centerpiece. For a fun twist, pile the turkey on toasted sliders with a spoonful of cranberry relish for an easy party spread. Leftovers are fabulous in salads, wraps, and sandwiches all week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the turkey has fully cooled, slice any remaining Slow Cooker Turkey Breast and store it in an airtight container. Pour a little of the reserved cooking liquid over the meat before sealing to keep everything extra moist. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge and makes fantastic sandwiches and salads.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance or save those extra slices for later, freezer storage is a breeze. Wrap portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months—just don’t forget to label the date!
Reheating
For the juiciest results, place sliced turkey and a splash of the cooking juices in a covered baking dish and reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F) until warmed through. You can also microwave in short bursts with a damp paper towel over the meat. Either way, you’ll have a dinner that tastes freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Both boneless and bone-in work with this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe. Bone-in tends to add a little extra flavor and moisture, but boneless is just as delicious and often cooks a bit faster, so start checking temperature early.
Do I need to brown the turkey breast first?
No browning required before slow cooking! However, broiling the turkey for a few minutes after it’s cooked gives you beautifully crisp skin, so I highly recommend it if crispy skin is your thing.
What if my turkey breast is larger or smaller than 4–6 pounds?
If your turkey breast is larger, it may need extra time—just make sure to check the internal temperature for doneness. For a smaller breast, start checking at the 4-hour mark so you don’t accidentally overcook.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Toss in chopped carrots, celery, or potatoes beneath the turkey for a full one-pot meal. They’ll soak up delicious flavor from the juices and spices while cooking alongside your Slow Cooker Turkey Breast.
How do I make gravy from the cooking liquid?
After the turkey’s done, strain the drippings into a saucepan, skim the fat, and whisk in a little flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken. Simmer for a few minutes and you’ll have a silky, savory gravy perfect for pouring over those gorgeous slices.
Final Thoughts
If you want hassle-free, wow-worthy turkey, you can’t do better than this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. It’s the kind of comfort food you’ll crave all year, and so easy anyone can pull it off. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a new favorite on your table!
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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is perfect for smaller holiday meals or easy meal prep. With a blend of aromatic spices and herbs, the turkey cooks to tender perfection in the slow cooker, ensuring a moist and flavorful result every time.
Ingredients
Turkey:
1 (4–6 pound) bone-in or boneless turkey breast, skin on,
Seasoning:
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon paprika,
Additional:
1/2 cup chicken broth or water, 1 onion, quartered, 3–4 garlic cloves, smashed, 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil (or melted butter) with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and paprika. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast, including under the skin if possible.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Place the quartered onion, smashed garlic, and herbs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth. Set the seasoned turkey breast on top, skin side up.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Crispy Skin (Optional): For crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes, watching closely until the skin is golden and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Perfect for smaller holiday meals or easy meal prep.
- Use the leftover cooking liquid to make a quick gravy or to keep the meat moist when storing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz cooked turkey
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
