When life gets busy but you still want a delicious, juicy meal on the table, this slow cooker turkey breast recipe is an absolute game-changer. Whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight dinner or need a stress-free centerpiece for your next gathering, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Imagine tender, flavorful turkey that practically cooks itself while you handle everything else — yes, it’s that easy!
Why Slow Cooker Turkey Breast?
Slow cooking turkey breast is pure magic. It locks in moisture, resulting in tender, juicy meat that doesn’t dry out like oven-roasting sometimes can. Plus, the slow simmer melds the herbs and spices beautifully, giving you rich, deep flavor in every bite. The best part? Minimal prep and virtually no hands-on cooking. Just set it and forget it!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful slow cooker turkey breast:
- Turkey breast (about 4-5 pounds, bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky depth)
- Dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper
- Large onion, sliced thick
- Fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs (optional, for that beautiful aroma and extra layer of taste)
- Chicken broth (for moisture and making gravy from the drippings)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Herb Butter
Start by mixing your softened butter with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. This herb butter paste is the secret to getting that flavorful, moist turkey breast. It’s simple but packs a punch!
2. Season the Turkey
Pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels — this helps the butter stick and the skin to crisp later on if you choose to broil it. Gently loosen the skin from the breast and spread half of your herb butter under the skin. This way, the flavors penetrate the meat directly. Then, spread the remaining butter all over the top of the skin. This keeps it moist and helps create a gorgeous golden crust.
3. Create a Flavorful Base
Place thick slices of onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. These act as a natural rack, preventing the turkey from sitting in its juices and adding a subtle sweetness to the cooking environment.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection
Set the turkey breast on top of the onions, cover, and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. It’s best to start checking the internal temperature around the 5-hour mark — it should read 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked but still juicy. Resist the temptation to rush this; slow and low is the way to go!
5. Optional Crispy Skin Finish
If you love crispy skin, transfer the turkey breast to a baking sheet after slow cooking and broil it for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and crackling. Keep a close eye on it, though — broilers can quickly burn food if you get distracted!
6. Make the Homemade Gravy
While the turkey rests (another crucial step — rest your meat for about 10 minutes to keep those juices locked in), pour the cooking juices through a strainer into a bowl. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for a minute to make a roux. Slowly whisk in your turkey drippings and chicken broth, stirring until thickened to a luscious gravy consistency. Season with salt and pepper as needed. This gravy will elevate your meal to restaurant-quality without the fuss.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker turkey breast pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. You can never go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that gravy. Roasted vegetables add vibrant colors and textures, while a crisp green salad can lighten up the plate. Stuffing or a sweet potato mash are classic choices that bring that warm, comforting holiday vibe any day of the year. Don’t forget a spoonful of cranberry sauce if you like a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
- Choose your turkey wisely: A bone-in breast delivers a richer flavor, but boneless works fine if you prefer easier slicing.
- Don’t overcrowd: Your turkey needs space in the slow cooker for even cooking — no squishing!
- Customize your seasonings: Feel free to swap out herbs or add spices like paprika, cumin, or fresh sage for your own twist.
- Use a meat thermometer: This simple tool is your best friend to avoid overcooking and dryness.
- Rest the meat: Never skip resting after cooking — it’s key to juicy, tender slices.
Storage Instructions
Got leftovers? Great! Allow the turkey breast to cool to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, slice and tightly wrap in plastic wrap or foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, do it gently in the oven with a splash of broth to keep it moist or in short bursts in the microwave.
Creative Leftover Ideas
Leftover turkey is a gift. Turn it into tasty sandwiches with mustard and greens, toss it in salads for a protein boost, stir it into soups for extra heartiness, or bake it in casseroles for a comforting meal twist. No waste, all flavor!
FAQ
Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in the slow cooker?
It’s best to thaw your turkey breast before slow cooking. Cooking it from frozen can keep the meat in unsafe temperature zones for too long.
How do I keep the turkey breast juicy?
Use a meat thermometer, add chicken broth to the slow cooker, and don’t skip resting the meat after cooking.
Can I change the seasonings?
Absolutely! The slow cooker is perfect for experimenting — try different herbs, spices, or even marinades.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers before refrigerating in an airtight container, or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
This easy slow cooker turkey breast recipe is exactly what busy cooks and home chefs need—minimal effort, maximum flavor, and a juicy, tender result every time. Whether for holidays, family dinners, or anytime comfort food cravings hit, this recipe will make your life easier and your meals more delicious. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple and tasty slow cooker turkey can be!
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 4-5 lb bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 large onion, sliced thickly
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for gravy)
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 1 cup chicken broth (plus drippings)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to form a herb butter paste.
- Pat the turkey breast dry. Carefully loosen the skin and spread half the butter mixture under the skin, and the rest over the top.
- Place the onion slices at the bottom of the slow cooker, then place the seasoned turkey breast on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Check temperature around 5 hours to avoid overcooking.
- Optional: Preheat the broiler. Transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until skin is crispy and golden.
- Remove turkey and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- To make gravy: strain cooking juices into a bowl, discard solids. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in drippings and chicken broth, cook until thickened (3-5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Slice turkey and serve with homemade gravy.
