Garlic Herb Butter SLOW COOKER Turkey Breast

The rich aroma of herb-infused butter slowly melting into a tender, juicy Garlic Herb Butter SLOW COOKER Turkey Breast will have everyone gathering in your kitchen long before mealtime. This foolproof method delivers a succulent turkey breast that’s infused with savory garlic and fresh herbs, while your slow cooker does all the work. No more stressing over dry turkey or timing multiple dishes for the oven. You’ll learn how to create a show-stopping centerpiece that’s moist on the inside with perfectly seasoned, golden skin—all with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Herb Butter SLOW COOKER Turkey Breast will quickly become your go-to method for preparing turkey, whether for holidays or Sunday family dinners. The slow cooker method ensures incredibly tender meat that practically falls off the bone, while maintaining all the juices that are often lost in traditional oven roasting.

The contrast between the buttery, herb-crusted exterior and the succulent, flavor-infused meat creates a textural experience that’s truly satisfying. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of garlic, herbs, and natural turkey flavor.

What’s more, this recipe frees up valuable oven space for side dishes and desserts. The hands-off cooking approach means you can prepare the turkey in minutes, then walk away for hours while delicious magic happens. No basting, no temperature checking—just set it and forget it until you’re ready to enjoy perfectly cooked turkey breast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the perfect Garlic Herb Butter SLOW COOKER Turkey Breast, you’ll need:

• 4-5 pound (1.8-2.3 kg) bone-in turkey breast, skin on
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened
• 6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth

The fresh herbs are key to developing complex flavors. While dried herbs can work in a pinch (use 1/3 the amount), fresh herbs create that vibrant, aromatic quality that makes this herb butter turkey breast exceptional. The chicken broth creates steam in the slow cooker, ensuring your turkey stays moist throughout the cooking process.

Pro Tips

Use Room Temperature Butter: Allow your butter to soften completely at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing with herbs. Room temperature butter will blend more evenly with the herbs and garlic, creating a smooth compound butter that spreads easily under the turkey skin.

Season Under the Skin: Don’t just add the herb butter on top of the skin. Carefully separate the skin from the meat using your fingers or the back of a spoon, then massage about two-thirds of the garlic herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin. This technique ensures the flavors penetrate deep into the turkey breast while cooking, resulting in flavor-infused meat rather than just a seasoned exterior.

Create a Flavor Platform: Before placing your turkey in the slow cooker, create a “platform” using large pieces of onion, carrot, and celery. This elevates the turkey slightly, allowing more even cooking while the vegetables infuse additional flavor into the meat and drippings. These drippings can later be transformed into a delicious gravy.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, chopped sage, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. The butter should be fragrant and speckled with herbs. Set aside while you prepare the turkey breast.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Breast
Remove the turkey breast from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels, ensuring the skin and cavity are completely dry. This helps the herb butter adhere better and promotes browning. Gently loosen the skin from the meat by inserting your fingers between the skin and flesh, being careful not to tear the skin.

Step 3: Apply the Herb Butter
Take about two-thirds of your prepared herb butter and spread it underneath the loosened skin, directly onto the meat. Massage it in, making sure to distribute it evenly across the entire breast. Spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey breast. Drizzle the olive oil over the turkey and season the exterior with the remaining salt and pepper, rubbing it in to ensure even coverage.

Step 4: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place chopped onions, carrots, and celery stalks at the bottom of your slow cooker to create a rack for the turkey. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a moist cooking environment and will become the base for your gravy later if desired.

Step 5: Cook the Turkey
Place the prepared Garlic Herb Butter SLOW COOKER Turkey Breast on top of the vegetables, skin side up. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, depending on the size of your turkey breast. The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Crisp the Skin (Optional)
For crispy, golden skin, carefully transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet. Brush with a little melted butter and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This extra step transforms the exterior into a beautiful golden brown with a slight crispness that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat.

Variations

Lemon Garlic Herb Turkey Breast: Intensify the citrus notes by adding the juice of half a lemon to the herb butter mixture and placing lemon slices in the slow cooker beneath the turkey. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and complements the herbs beautifully, creating a lighter flavor profile perfect for spring and summer meals.

Mediterranean Style: Transform your Garlic Herb Butter SLOW COOKER Turkey Breast with a Mediterranean twist by substituting the herbs with 2 tablespoons of oregano, 1 tablespoon of thyme, and adding 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta to the butter mixture. The tangy tomatoes and salty feta infuse the turkey with robust Mediterranean flavors.

Spicy Cajun Turkey Breast: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, replace the herbs with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the butter. This variation creates a warm, spicy profile that’s perfect for those who like their turkey with a kick. Serve with cooling sides like coleslaw or potato salad to balance the heat.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Garlic Herb Butter SLOW COOKER Turkey Breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice the turkey, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

For an elegant presentation, slice the turkey breast against the grain and arrange on a platter surrounded by fresh herb sprigs. Drizzle with some of the cooking juices from the slow cooker for extra flavor and moisture.

Serve this succulent turkey breast with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a traditional meal. For a lighter option, pair with a crisp green salad and cranberry sauce. The turkey also makes exceptional sandwiches the next day—layer thin slices on artisan bread with avocado, arugula, and a light spread of mayonnaise mixed with leftover herb butter.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, boneless turkey breast works well, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Generally, boneless breasts cook faster—about 3-4 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm it’s reached 165°F.

Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker?
Yes, the 1/2 cup of chicken broth creates steam that helps cook the turkey evenly and prevents it from drying out. Don’t add too much liquid, or you’ll end up stewing rather than roasting the turkey.

Can I prep this the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the herb butter and apply it to the turkey breast, then wrap tightly and refrigerate overnight. This actually allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat. Just bring the turkey to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

How do I know when the turkey is done without a thermometer?
While a thermometer is best, you can also check doneness by piercing the thickest part of the breast—the juices should run clear, and the meat should pull away easily from the bone.

Can I make gravy from the cooking liquid?
Yes! Strain the cooking liquid, skim off excess fat, and simmer in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons each of butter and flour to make a delicious gravy that complements the herb-infused turkey perfectly.

Conclusion

This Garlic Herb Butter SLOW COOKER Turkey Breast is comfort food at its finest — tender, aromatic, and infused with buttery herb goodness that penetrates every fiber of the meat. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary meal into a special occasion, without requiring hours of attention in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a foolproof holiday centerpiece or a delicious Sunday dinner that leaves you with versatile leftovers, this slow cooker method delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Gather your loved ones around the table and watch as this herb-infused turkey breast becomes your new family favorite.

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