Name: Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (4 to 5-pound) bone-in or boneless turkey breast (skin on); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 onion (quartered); 3 cloves garlic (smashed); Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water for thickening gravy

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If you’re in search of a show-stopping centerpiece for your next meal without all the fuss of roasting, look no further than this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. It’s juicy, full of flavor, and remarkably easy to prepare, making it the perfect answer for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners alike. With a blend of herbs and spices, a silky homemade gravy, and an effortless cooking method, this recipe ensures that serving up a tender, mouthwatering turkey breast is possible any day of the week.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is how much flavor you can coax out of such a simple ingredient list. Each element has been carefully chosen to add depth, moisture, or a burst of color and aroma—and you’ll probably have most of them on hand!

Turkey Breast (4 to 5 pounds): Bone-in or boneless, but skin on for the best flavor and extra juiciness.
Olive Oil: Helps lock in moisture and helps the seasoning adhere to the turkey skin.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural savoriness of the turkey breast.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and classic bite to every tender slice.
Garlic Powder: Lends a mellow, savory garlicky aroma that infuses into the meat.
Onion Powder: Subtle sweetness and depth that rounds out the spice blend.
Paprika: For a gorgeous golden color and just a hint of earthy spice.
Dried Thyme: Brings woodsy freshness and a traditional turkey flavor profile.
Dried Rosemary: Elevates the aroma and adds tiny bursts of citrusy flavor.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps your turkey breast moist and forms the base for a wonderful gravy.
Onion (quartered): Turns meltingly soft beneath the turkey, lending sweetness to the juices.
Garlic (smashed): Richens the broth and infuses the turkey with a deep, savory complexity.
Cornstarch + Water (optional, for gravy): Whisked together, they thicken the juices into a dazzling gravy to pour over every slice.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prep Your Turkey Breast

Start by patting the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure the rub sticks and helps the skin crisp up during broiling. Removing excess moisture is key for both flavor and texture, so don’t skimp on this step.

Step 2: Mix the Herb & Spice Rub

In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. This aromatic blend becomes your secret weapon for a beautiful crust and savory complexity in every bite.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

Rub the turkey breast all over with olive oil, making sure to coat every bit of the skin. Then massage in your spice mixture, taking care to get it into every nook and cranny for maximum flavor impact.

Step 4: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Scatter the quartered onion and smashed garlic across the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a fragrant bed that lifts the turkey and infuses the cooking juices. Pour in the chicken broth, which will help keep the meat juicy and later transform into delicious gravy.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Place the seasoned turkey breast, skin side up, atop the veggies. No flipping or fiddling needed—simply cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours until the turkey registers 165°F inside. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible during this wait!

Step 6: Finish for Crispy Skin

If you crave a golden, crackling finish, move the turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for just 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely, as the skin transforms into a beautifully crisp, irresistible layer.

Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this locks in the juices and ensures the meat stays tender. Slice thick or thin, arrange on a platter, and get ready for compliments all around!

Step 8: Make the Gravy (Optional)

For a luscious finishing touch, strain the slow cooker juices, simmer them in a saucepan, then whisk in your cornstarch and water mixture. Stir as it thickens into a silky, savory gravy that’s perfect drizzled over turkey and sides.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Garnishes

Dress up your Slow Cooker Turkey Breast platter with a scattering of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for brightness. A few lemon wedges or some jewel-like pomegranate seeds add a pop of color and a festive touch, especially for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a hearty green bean casserole are always welcome partners for turkey breast. Don’t forget a tangy cranberry relish or stuffing to complete your cozy feast, whether for a holiday or any night you want a little extra comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the turkey breast beautifully and fan it out on a platter with the golden skin on display. Drizzle with gravy just before serving, or serve the gravy in a little pitcher for guests to pour themselves. Leftovers make fantastic turkey sandwiches, tossed in salads, or even diced into soups and wraps.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is a gift that keeps on giving. Once cooled, store slices (and any extra gravy) in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the meat lightly moistened with a bit of the cooking juices will help it stay succulent.

Freezing

Turkey breast freezes wonderfully! Allow it to cool, then wrap slices tightly or store them in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. If you have leftover gravy, freeze it separately in a small container for an instant flavor boost when you reheat.

Reheating

For best results, reheat turkey slices gently in a covered dish with a splash of chicken broth or leftover gravy in the oven or microwave. This helps keep the meat tender and restores that freshly-cooked taste. Frozen turkey should be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead?

Absolutely! Both bone-in and boneless options work well for Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. Bone-in tends to be juicier and a bit more flavorful, but boneless will cook a little faster and is easier to slice.

How do I know when the turkey is done?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The turkey is perfectly cooked when the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F. This guarantees juicy, safe-to-eat results every time.

Do I have to crisp the skin under the broiler?

Broiling is optional but so worth the extra few minutes if you love crispy, golden skin. If you’re short on time or prefer a softer skin, you can skip this step and still enjoy a fabulously moist Slow Cooker Turkey Breast.

Can I add vegetables or aromatics for even more flavor?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in carrots, celery, or even leeks to the bottom of the slow cooker along with the onions and garlic. They’ll infuse the turkey and gravy with extra depth, and the veggies themselves make a delicious bonus side.

What’s the best way to use leftovers?

Slice leftover Slow Cooker Turkey Breast for sandwiches, chop it into salads, or add to soups, quesadillas, or casseroles. Turkey salad with celery and mayo is a timeless favorite, and don’t forget leftover gravy for smothering potatoes or rice!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, now is your perfect opportunity. This recipe is simple, full of flavor, and guaranteed to impress—making it a go-to for special occasions and lazy Sundays alike. Grab your slow cooker and enjoy every tender, juicy bite!

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy a tender turkey dinner. With a simple spice rub and slow cooking, this dish is perfect for holidays or weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey Breast:

1 (4 to 5-pound) bone-in or boneless turkey breast (skin on)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 onion (quartered)
3 cloves garlic (smashed)
Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water for thickening gravy

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Instructions

Prepare Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry and season with a spice mixture.
Slow Cooker Setup: Place onion and garlic in slow cooker, add chicken broth, then place turkey on top.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Crisp Skin: For crispy skin, broil turkey in the oven for a few minutes.
Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest before slicing. Make gravy with the cooking liquid.