This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is an easy way to make a tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey without taking up valuable oven space. With a simple blend of herbs and spices, this recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinners, or any time you’re craving a comforting turkey meal.
The slow cooker does most of the work, gently cooking the turkey in a savory broth while the seasonings infuse every bite with delicious flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 (5–7 lb) bone-in or boneless turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey Breast
Pat the turkey breast thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick to the surface.
Rub the olive oil or melted butter all over the turkey, including underneath the skin if possible.
2. Season the Turkey
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme or rosemary.
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire turkey breast, making sure all sides are well coated.
3. Set Up the Slow Cooker
Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Place the seasoned turkey breast inside, breast-side up.
4. Cook the Turkey
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for approximately 5–7 hours, depending on the size and whether the turkey breast is bone-in or boneless.
Start checking the internal temperature toward the end of the cooking time. The turkey is ready when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
Avoid relying solely on cooking time because slow cookers and turkey breasts can vary in size and temperature.
5. Rest the Turkey
Carefully remove the cooked turkey breast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
Loosely tent it with aluminum foil and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices time to redistribute and helps keep the meat moist.
6. Optional: Brown the Skin
If you’re using a bone-in turkey breast with skin and want a crisp, golden finish, transfer it to a baking sheet after slow cooking.
Place it under a preheated broiler for a few minutes until the skin becomes beautifully golden and crisp. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
7. Slice and Serve
Remove the skin if desired, then slice the turkey against the grain.
Serve warm with your favorite Thanksgiving or holiday side dishes.
⭐ Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Don’t skip the thermometer: The safest and most reliable way to know your turkey is done is to check that the thickest portion reaches 165°F (74°C).
Keep the lid closed: Try not to repeatedly open the slow cooker during cooking, as this allows heat to escape and can increase the cooking time.
Use butter for extra richness: Melted butter creates a wonderfully rich flavor, while olive oil provides a lighter option.
Let it rest: A short resting period makes a noticeable difference in juiciness and makes the turkey easier to slice.
Crisp the skin separately: Slow cooking keeps the turkey tender but doesn’t produce crispy skin. A quick broil at the end gives you the best of both worlds.
🥕 What to Serve with Turkey Breast
This tender turkey pairs beautifully with classic comfort-food sides such as:
- Mashed potatoes
- Turkey gravy
- Stuffing
- Green bean casserole
- Roasted carrots
- Cranberry sauce
- Sweet potato casserole
- Dinner rolls
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
Don’t forget to spoon some of the flavorful cooking juices over the sliced turkey for extra moisture and flavor.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 3–4 days.
For longer storage, place the cooled turkey in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze it for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
When reheating, add a small amount of broth or gravy to help prevent the turkey from drying out.
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–7 hours
Resting Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: About 5½–7½ hours
Yield: 6–10 servings, depending on portion size
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is a wonderfully easy option when you want a flavorful holiday-style meal without spending hours watching the oven.
The combination of garlic, onion, paprika, and herbs creates a savory, aromatic crust, while the slow cooker helps keep the turkey tender and juicy. Whether you’re preparing a holiday dinner or an easy Sunday meal, this recipe is simple enough for any occasion. 🦃🍽️