Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of tender, juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast filling your home while you attend to other tasks. This effortless cooking method produces succulent turkey that practically falls apart at the touch of a fork, with golden skin and perfectly seasoned meat every time. Whether you’re craving a comforting Sunday dinner or need a stress-free holiday main dish, this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss. You’ll learn how to prepare a foolproof turkey that stays moist, develops incredible flavor, and leaves you with precious hands-off cooking time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe will quickly become a family favorite for multiple reasons. First, it transforms a traditionally labor-intensive dish into a simple set-it-and-forget-it meal without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. The gentle, low-temperature cooking method ensures the meat stays incredibly moist and tender, avoiding the dreaded dry turkey that often results from oven roasting.

The contrast between the buttery, herb-infused turkey meat and the delicately crisped skin creates the perfect textural experience with each bite. You’ll appreciate how the slow cooker maintains a constant temperature, allowing the rich poultry flavors to develop fully while the meat absorbs all the aromatic herbs and seasonings.

Additionally, using the crockpot for your turkey breast frees up valuable oven space for side dishes, making it perfect for holiday meals or weeknight dinner prep when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities. The beautiful thing about this crockpot turkey breast recipe is that it’s nearly impossible to overcook, giving you foolproof results every time.

Ingredients

For this perfect Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, you’ll need:

• 1 bone-in turkey breast (4-6 pounds/1.8-2.7 kg), skin on
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves

The bone-in turkey breast is essential for maximum flavor and juiciness. The combination of fresh herbs creates the signature holiday flavor profile, but dried herbs can be substituted at a ratio of 1 teaspoon dried for each tablespoon of fresh. The aromatic vegetables form a flavorful base that infuses into the meat during the slow cooking process.

Pro Tips

Use a Temperature Probe: For perfectly cooked Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, invest in a digital meat thermometer with a probe that can remain in the meat while cooking. This eliminates guesswork and ensures you achieve the ideal internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without opening the lid repeatedly, which extends cooking time.

Create a Vegetable Rack: Elevate your turkey breast on a bed of chopped vegetables (onions, celery, carrots) to keep it from sitting directly in the cooking liquid. This improves air circulation around the meat for more even cooking and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy while creating a flavor-packed base for gravy.

Finish Under the Broiler: While the slow cooker produces incredibly juicy turkey, you can achieve that coveted golden-brown skin with a quick finishing step. After the turkey reaches the proper internal temperature, carefully transfer it to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. This creates the perfect crispy exterior while maintaining the slow-cooked moistness inside.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. This flavorful compound butter will serve as both a seasoning and a moisture lock for your Slow Cooker Turkey Breast.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure the herb butter adheres properly. Gently loosen the skin from the meat by sliding your fingers between them, being careful not to tear the skin. Take about half of the herb butter mixture and spread it under the skin, directly onto the meat. Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey breast, coating it thoroughly.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the quartered onion and chopped celery in the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a natural rack for the turkey to rest on. Pour the chicken broth around (not over) the vegetables and add the bay leaves to the liquid.

Step 4: Cook the Turkey

Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetable bed, skin side up. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours for a 4-pound breast (add approximately 1 hour for each additional pound). Avoid opening the lid during cooking as this releases heat and extends the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part without touching bone.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, carefully transfer the Slow Cooker Turkey Breast to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to let the juices redistribute. This resting period is crucial for maintaining moisture throughout the meat. Slice against the grain and serve with the strained cooking juices or use them as a base for gravy.

Variations

Herb and Citrus Turkey Breast: Enhance your Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with bright flavors by adding orange and lemon slices to the vegetable bed. Mix 1 tablespoon each of orange and lemon zest into the herb butter, and substitute half the chicken broth with fresh orange juice. This variation creates a lighter, more refreshing flavor profile perfect for spring or summer meals.

Maple Dijon Turkey Breast: For a sweet-savory twist, blend 3 tablespoons maple syrup and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard into your herb butter mixture. Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. This variation creates a beautiful glaze on the turkey and pairs wonderfully with autumn vegetables and cranberry sauce.

Italian-Style Turkey Breast: Transform your Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Mediterranean flavors by using Italian herbs (basil, oregano, and parsley) instead of the traditional herbs. Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a splash of white wine to the cooking liquid for a tuscan-inspired meal that works beautifully for everyday family dinners.

Storage and Serving

Properly stored, cooked Slow Cooker Turkey Breast will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Allow the turkey to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.

Serve your succulent turkey with classic sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green beans for a traditional meal. For a lighter option, pair with a crisp salad and roasted vegetables. The tender meat also makes exceptional sandwiches – layer thick slices between artisan bread with cranberry mayo, stuffing, and greens for an unforgettable leftover lunch.

For an elegant presentation, arrange slices on a platter surrounded by fresh herb sprigs and roasted lemon halves. Drizzle with the strained cooking juices or a simple gravy made from the rich broth created during cooking.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead?
Yes, boneless turkey breast works well in the slow cooker, but you’ll need to reduce the cooking time by about 30-60 minutes. Boneless cuts tend to cook faster, so monitor the internal temperature closely to avoid overcooking.

Do I need to brine the turkey breast before slow cooking?
While brining isn’t necessary with the Slow Cooker Turkey Breast method (as slow cooking helps maintain moisture), you can brine for extra flavor. Use a simple solution of 1/4 cup salt and 1/4 cup sugar per quart of water, and soak for 4-6 hours before cooking.

Can I stuff this turkey breast?
Traditional stuffing inside the cavity isn’t recommended for slow cooker methods. Instead, cook your stuffing separately and serve alongside your perfectly cooked turkey.

What if my turkey breast is frozen?
Always thaw your turkey completely before slow cooking for food safety. Cooking from frozen can keep the meat at unsafe temperatures for too long.

Can I make gravy from the cooking liquid?
Absolutely! Strain the cooking liquid, skim off excess fat, and simmer in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch (mixed with cold water) until thickened for a delicious homemade gravy.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is comfort food at its finest — tender, juicy, and infused with aromatic herbs that bring warmth to any table. It’s the kind of dish that simplifies special occasions while elevating everyday meals, proving that spectacular results don’t require hours of active kitchen time. Whether you’re serving a small holiday gathering or preparing a weekend family dinner, this foolproof method delivers restaurant-quality turkey with minimal effort. The gentle, slow cooking process ensures meat so moist and flavorful that you’ll wonder why you ever prepared turkey any other way.

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