Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Name: Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pound boneless turkey breast, skin-on; 2 tablespoons butter, softened at room temperature; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1/2 tablespoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 onion, chopped in half; 1 head of garlic, chopped in half horizontally

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This easy and juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is the ultimate stress-free way to make turkey that's perfectly tender, flavorful, and moist every time. With just a few simple ingredients, your crockpot turkey turns out golden and delicious - no oven required! It's the easiest way to cook a turkey this holiday season.

Juicy slow cooker turkey breast with crispy skin, garlic, and fresh herbs. An easy crockpot recipe for tender, flavorful turkey every time. | aheadofthyme.com

Slow cooking locks in the juices, infuses the meat with fresh herbs and butter, and keeps your kitchen cool and mess-free. It's ideal for smaller gatherings, easy weeknight dinners, or as a foolproof Thanksgiving turkey breast recipe when you don't want to roast a whole bird. Perfect for a smaller, more intimate Thanksgiving dinner. The best part? It takes just 10 minutes to prep.

If you liked this recipe, you should try our Instant Pot Turkey Breast or Easy Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast next. Pair this with Classic Turkey Gravy, Creamiest Mashed Potatoes, and Roasted Fall Vegetables for the ultimate holiday spread.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Juicy and tender. The slow cooker method ensures your turkey stays moist from edge to center without any risk of drying out.
Hands-off cooking. Once the turkey is seasoned and in the crockpot, your slow cooker does all the work, freeing up oven space for side dishes.
Full of flavor. Fresh herbs, garlic, and butter infuse the turkey with rich, aromatic flavor that tastes like it came straight from the oven.
Perfect for small gatherings. No need for a whole turkey - a boneless turkey breast feeds a small crowd beautifully.
Easy to crisp up. A quick broil at the end gives you golden, crispy skin for that perfect finishing touch.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients and Substitutions
Equipment
Instructions
Expert Tip: Use a Thermometer for Perfect Results
More Tips and Tricks
Recipe Variations
Storage
How to Use Turkey Leftovers
How to Serve
Thanksgiving Side Dishes
FAQ
More Turkey Breast Recipes
Tried this recipe?
Recipe
Comments

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, you will need the following ingredients (see recipe card below for quantities):

turkey breast - Use a 4-pound boneless, skin-on turkey breast (perfect for a smaller crowd!). Bone-in works too but will need 1-2 extra hours of cooking time.
butter - Softened butter helps the herbs stick and keeps the turkey rich and juicy. Substitute with olive oil for a lighter version.
vegetable oil - Combined with butter for even browning and crisp skin.
fresh herbs - Thyme, rosemary, and sage are the classic herb trio for turkey. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch (use 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon fresh).
paprika - Adds color and mild smoky flavor to the spice rub. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the spice rub for an extra savory kick.
salt and pepper - Season generously to bring out the turkey's natural flavor.
onion and garlic - Placed at the bottom of the crockpot for extra flavor and aroma as the turkey cooks.

Equipment

You'll also need measuring cups and spoons, a slow cooker or crockpot, tongs, a meat thermometer, and a baking sheet for broiling.

Instructions

Make the herb butter. In a small bowl, combine butter, oil, thyme, rosemary, sage, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to form a smooth paste.
Prep the turkey. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up. Use a knife or spoon to gently loosen the skin, then spread about 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture evenly under the skin.

Season generously. Rub the remaining herb butter over the entire turkey breast, coating both the skin and the meat underneath. Wearing disposable gloves make cleanup easier.

Assemble the slow cooker. Place the chopped onion and halved garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker and spread out evenly. Set the turkey breast on top, skin side up.
Slow cook until tender. Cover and cook on High for 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Depending on your slow cooker, this may take anywhere from 4½ to 6½ hours.

Broil for crispy skin. Carefully transfer the turkey breast to a baking sheet. Turn on the broiler to high and broil for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Rest and serve. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing into ½-inch thick pieces. Serve warm with homemade turkey gravy or your favorite sides.

Expert Tip: Use a Thermometer for Perfect Results

The secret to perfectly juicy turkey is not overcooking it. Every slow cooker runs slightly differently, so start checking for doneness around the 4½-hour mark. Use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F. This ensures the turkey stays tender, moist, and flavorful.

More Tips and Tricks

Pat dry for crispy skin. Removing excess moisture before seasoning helps the butter and herbs stick and creates that golden, crisp finish under the broiler.
Don't skip the broil. Even a few minutes under the broiler transforms your turkey skin from soft to beautifully browned and crisp. After slow cooking, transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. It's the secret to getting that perfect contrast of tender, fall-apart turkey with irresistibly crispy skin.
Check doneness with a thermometer. The easiest way to know when your turkey is perfectly cooked is to use a digital meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast - once it reaches 165°F, your turkey is done. This ensures juicy, tender meat every single time without guessing or overcooking.
Rest before slicing. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking (before carving) so the juices redistribute.
Save the drippings. The juices at the bottom of the slow cooker make an amazing base for homemade gravy. Strain the juices and use them to make your own homemade turkey gravy. Try our Easy 2-Ingredient Turkey Gravy or Classic Turkey Gravy for the perfect finishing touch.
Make it ahead. Cook the turkey breast a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge with some of the slow cooker juices. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. The rest overnight deepens the flavor and makes your holiday prep so much easier.

Recipe Variations

Add vegetables to the slow cooker. For a one-pot meal, add chopped carrots, potatoes, and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker with the onions and garlic. They'll cook in the turkey drippings and soak up all the herby, buttery flavor. The veggies turn out tender, savory, and perfect for serving alongside the sliced turkey.
Use bone-in turkey breast. If you prefer more traditional flavor and juiciness, you can use a bone-in turkey breast instead of boneless. It takes about 1-2 extra hours to cook but stays wonderfully moist. Be sure to check with a thermometer, as it's done when the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F.
Make it spicy. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your herb butter for a subtle kick.
Try different herbs. Swap the classic thyme, rosemary, and sage for other fresh herbs like tarragon, parsley, or dill for a lighter, more aromatic twist. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or zest to the butter mixture for brightness.
Add broth or wine. For extra flavor, pour ½ cup of chicken broth or dry white wine into the slow cooker before adding the turkey. It creates a flavorful steam environment that keeps the turkey extra juicy and makes the drippings even richer for gravy.

Storage

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat sliced turkey in the microwave with a splash of gravy or broth to keep it moist, or warm gently in the oven at 300°F.

How to Freeze

Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Use Turkey Leftovers

Slow cooker turkey breast is also great to use in sandwiches and soups, or top on salad and pizza. They make the perfect leftovers. Some of my favourite ways to use it are:

How to Serve

Slow cooker turkey breast is perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to easy Sunday meals. Serve it alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. For a lighter meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Don't forget to drizzle everything with that rich, herby slow cooker gravy for the ultimate comfort food experience.

These are my favorite dishes to serve with turkey breast:

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

If serving this as part of your Thanksgiving feast, explore our collection of classic and creative sides. From creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables to savory stuffing, vibrant salads, and flavorful casseroles, these recipes perfectly complement any main course.

50 Thanksgiving Side Dishes

FAQ

Can you cook turkey breast in a slow cooker? Is it safe?

Yes! Cooking turkey breast in a slow cooker is perfectly safe when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F as read on a meat thermometer. The low, steady heat keeps it moist and flavorful.

Is it better to cook turkey in the oven or a slow cooker?

For convenience, the slow cooker wins. It's hands-off and foolproof. For crispy skin, you can broil at the end to mimic oven-roasted results.

Can you put raw turkey in the crockpot?

Yes, place the raw turkey breast directly into the slow cooker with the onions and garlic. It will cook evenly and safely.

How much liquid do I need for crockpot turkey breast? Do I add water?

You don't need to add extra liquid - the turkey releases its own juices as it cooks, creating a natural broth that keeps it moist.

How do you keep turkey breast from drying out?

Butter, herbs, and the enclosed steam of the slow cooker keep the turkey juicy. Don't overcook so always check with a thermometer.

Is it better to cook on low or high?

Cooking on high works best for turkey breast, keeping it juicy while ensuring it reaches 165°F efficiently.

How long to cook turkey breast in a slow cooker?

A 4-pound turkey breast takes roughly 4½ to 6½ hours on high. Always rely on the internal temperature, not just time.

Will turkey breast continue to cook after being removed from the slow cooker?

Yes, it will rise a few degrees while resting. Removing it right at 165°F ensures it stays juicy.

What happens if you overcook turkey breast in the slow cooker?

Overcooking can make the meat dry or stringy. Check the internal temperature early to avoid this.

More Turkey Breast Recipes

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Recipe

This post was originally published in 2020. It has since been updated with new content.