This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is the perfect recipe for a tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey dinner without the stress of roasting a whole bird. Seasoned with garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, and butter, this easy crockpot turkey breast cooks slowly until the meat is wonderfully tender and infused with savory herbs.
Whether you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner, hosting a Christmas gathering, or simply craving a comforting family meal, this slow cooker turkey breast recipe delivers delicious results with minimal effort.
The best part is that your slow cooker does most of the work! A quick finish under the broiler gives the turkey a beautiful golden-brown exterior, while the cooking juices make a rich homemade gravy.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
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Tender and juicy: Gentle slow cooking helps keep the turkey breast moist.
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Easy preparation: Only about 15 minutes of hands-on prep.
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Perfect for holidays: An excellent alternative to cooking a whole Thanksgiving turkey.
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Flavorful herb butter: Garlic, rosemary, thyme, and paprika create a delicious savory coating.
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Frees up oven space: Perfect when preparing several holiday side dishes.
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Homemade gravy: Use the flavorful cooking juices to make an easy turkey gravy.
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Great for leftovers: Enjoy turkey sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and wraps the next day.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 4–6 hours on LOW |
| Optional Broiling | 3–5 minutes |
| Total Time | Approximately 4–6 hours |
| Servings | 6–8 |
| Cooking Method | Slow Cooker |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
Ingredients
For the Turkey Breast
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1 boneless turkey breast (3–4 pounds), fully thawed
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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½ teaspoon dried sage
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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1 medium onion, quartered
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2 medium carrots, cut into large pieces
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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½ cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
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2 sprigs fresh rosemary
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2 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Homemade Turkey Gravy
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1½ cups turkey cooking juices, supplemented with broth if needed
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast
Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
If your turkey breast has skin, leave it attached for extra flavor and moisture. Remove any gravy packet or packaging materials.
Allow the turkey to sit at room temperature only while you prepare the seasonings and vegetables.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sage, and fresh parsley.
Mix until you have a smooth, fragrant herb butter.
This flavorful mixture helps season the turkey breast and creates a delicious savory coating.
Step 3: Season the Turkey Breast
Rub the garlic herb butter generously over the entire turkey breast.
If the turkey has skin, carefully loosen it with your fingers and spread some of the butter underneath. This allows the seasonings to flavor the meat directly.
Rub the remaining butter over the outside.
For the best flavor, make sure the turkey is evenly coated.
Step 4: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the quartered onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
These vegetables create a flavorful base and help elevate the turkey slightly above the cooking liquid.
Pour in the chicken or turkey broth.
Add the fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs.
Step 5: Add the Turkey Breast
Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetables, skin-side up if applicable.
Keep the turkey in a single piece and avoid overcrowding the slow cooker.
Spoon any remaining herb butter over the top.
Cover with the lid.
Step 6: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cook the turkey breast on LOW for approximately 4–6 hours, depending on its thickness, weight, and your slow cooker.
Begin checking the internal temperature before the estimated cooking time is complete.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast without touching the slow cooker or any bone.
The turkey is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Avoid cooking the turkey longer than necessary, as turkey breast can become dry when overcooked.
Step 7: Remove and Rest the Turkey
Carefully transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking dish or cutting board.
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, helping the turkey stay moist and tender.
Step 8: Brown the Turkey Skin (Optional)
For a beautiful golden-brown finish, preheat your oven’s broiler.
Place the cooked turkey breast on a broiler-safe baking tray.
Brush the top with a little melted butter or some of the cooking juices.
Broil for approximately 3–5 minutes, watching carefully until the exterior becomes golden and lightly crisp.
If your turkey breast is skinless, this step is optional and may be skipped to prevent drying.
Step 9: Prepare the Homemade Gravy
Strain the cooking juices from the slow cooker into a bowl or measuring jug.
Skim off excess fat if necessary.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously.
Gradually pour in 1½ cups of the cooking juices while whisking.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Using a sharp carving knife, slice the turkey breast against the grain into even slices.
Arrange the slices on a large serving platter.
Spoon a little warm gravy over the turkey and garnish with fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
Serve with roasted potatoes, carrots, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or your favorite holiday side dishes.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Choose the right size turkey breast. A 3–4 pound boneless turkey breast works well in many 6-quart slow cookers.
Always thaw completely. Do not cook a frozen turkey breast in the slow cooker. Thaw it safely in the refrigerator before cooking.
Use a meat thermometer. Cooking times vary, so checking the internal temperature is the most reliable way to prevent overcooking.
Don’t add too much liquid. Turkey releases natural juices while cooking, so a small amount of broth is usually sufficient.
Use softened butter. Soft butter spreads more easily over the turkey and underneath the skin.
Avoid lifting the lid repeatedly. Each time you remove the lid, heat escapes and can extend the cooking time.
Rest before slicing. Allowing the turkey to rest helps retain moisture.
Broil for extra color. A few minutes under the broiler can create a beautifully browned exterior.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
This juicy slow cooker turkey breast pairs beautifully with traditional Thanksgiving sides and comforting family favorites.
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Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for soaking up homemade turkey gravy.
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Green Bean Casserole: A classic holiday side with a creamy filling and crispy onion topping.
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Honey Roasted Carrots: Naturally sweet carrots balance the savory turkey.
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Homemade Herb Stuffing: A flavorful combination of bread, celery, onion, and herbs.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted vegetables add delicious texture.
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Cheesy Potato Gratin: Rich, creamy potatoes make the meal extra comforting.
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Cranberry Sauce: A sweet and tangy addition to holiday turkey.
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Soft Dinner Rolls: Ideal for serving alongside the turkey and gravy.
For a complete holiday dinner, serve the turkey with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted carrots, cranberry sauce, and warm dinner rolls.
Variations
Garlic Parmesan Turkey Breast
Add ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese to the herb butter mixture for an extra savory flavor.
Lemon Herb Turkey Breast
Mix 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest into the herb butter and add lemon slices to the slow cooker.
Cajun Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Replace the rosemary and sage with a Cajun seasoning blend for a slightly spicy Southern-inspired version. Adjust the salt according to the seasoning blend.
Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
Brush the cooked turkey with 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter before broiling.
Mediterranean Turkey Breast
Use oregano, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Turkey
Refrigerator
Allow leftover turkey to cool briefly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
Store for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer
Slice the cooled turkey and place it in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Add a little gravy or cooking liquid to help maintain moisture.
Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
Reheating
Place the turkey slices in a baking dish with a few tablespoons of broth or gravy.
Cover with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through to 165°F (74°C).
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of broth, using short intervals to prevent drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook turkey breast in a slow cooker?
A 3–4 pound boneless turkey breast generally takes around 4–6 hours on LOW, but the exact time depends on the thickness of the meat and the slow cooker. Always confirm that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I cook frozen turkey breast in a slow cooker?
No. Turkey breast should be completely thawed before slow cooking to ensure it heats safely and evenly.
Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
You don’t need much liquid. Approximately ½ cup of broth is usually enough because the turkey releases juices as it cooks.
Should turkey breast be cooked on LOW or HIGH?
LOW is generally preferred for a more gentle cooking process that helps keep the turkey tender.
Can I cook turkey breast without the skin?
Yes! Skinless boneless turkey breast works well. Coat it generously with herb butter and monitor the temperature carefully.
How do I keep turkey breast from drying out?
Use enough herb butter, avoid overcooking, check the temperature with a thermometer, and let the turkey rest before slicing.
Can I make slow cooker turkey breast ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the turkey, refrigerate it safely, and reheat the slices with broth or gravy before serving.
Is slow cooker turkey breast good for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely! It’s especially convenient for smaller Thanksgiving gatherings or when you want to free up oven space for casseroles, stuffing, and other side dishes.
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is an easy, flavorful, and reliable way to prepare a delicious turkey dinner without spending hours monitoring the oven.
With its savory garlic herb butter, tender slices, and rich homemade gravy, it’s an excellent choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinner, or any special family gathering.
Serve it with your favorite comforting side dishes, save the leftovers for delicious meals throughout the week, and enjoy a juicy homemade turkey dinner with very little effort.