Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Meat

This slow cooker turkey breast is rubbed with a seasoned herb butter and cooked slowly in the crock pot until tender and juicy. It’s an ideal way to free up oven space for holiday sides while still serving a beautiful, flavorful main course.

I often make this crock pot turkey when I want a fuss-free, elegant centerpiece. It pairs well with classic sides such as Thanksgiving stuffing, cranberry sauce, Jello salads, and roasted Brussels sprouts, and finishes perfectly with desserts like pecan pie bars or pumpkin meringue pie.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Ingredients

To make a juicy slow cooker turkey breast you’ll need a thawed, bone-in, skin-on turkey breast, softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, an onion, and fresh herbs for garnish (optional). For the gravy, use butter, flour, and about a cup each of strained drippings and turkey or chicken broth.

How Do You Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast?

Mix the softened butter with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly combined. Loosen the turkey skin and rub about half of the butter mixture underneath the skin and the remaining half over the top of the breast. Line the bottom of a large oval slow cooker with thick onion slices (they act as a flavor base and a rack), spray the cooker lightly with cooking spray, and place the turkey breast on the onions.

Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). When the turkey is done, transfer it to a baking sheet and broil for 4–5 minutes to crisp and brown the skin.

While the turkey broils, strain the liquid from the slow cooker into a bowl and discard the solids. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat, whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for about a minute. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of the strained drippings and 1 cup of chicken or turkey broth, simmering until the gravy thickens. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Slice the turkey, serve with the gravy, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips For The Perfect Turkey

• To get crispy, golden skin, broil the turkey briefly after slow cooking.
• Use a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast to help prevent dryness and keep more flavor.
• Make spreading the butter easier by using very soft butter. Let the turkey sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before seasoning if possible.
• If using a whole turkey breast for more servings, double the butter mixture and increase the cook time as needed.
• Onion slices under the turkey elevate it above the cooking liquid and add flavor.

Flavor Variations

This basic recipe is highly adaptable. Try these simple swaps to change the profile:

• Seasoning: Mix different spice blends into the butter, such as fajita seasoning, Cajun, or Jamaican jerk for a bolder flavor.
• Herbs: Add minced dried or fresh rosemary, sage, or extra thyme to the butter for a more herb-forward result.
• Protein: You can adapt the same method for a whole chicken—just adjust cook time accordingly.
• Vegetables: For a one-pot meal, add 1-inch pieces of carrots, celery, or halved small potatoes to the slow cooker beneath the turkey.

Once you try turkey in the slow cooker, you may prefer it to oven roasting for smaller gatherings.

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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Video