Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
This slow cooker turkey breast recipe makes a tender, juicy main dish and centerpiece that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. With just 10 minutes of easy preparation and about 7 hours of hands-off cooking time, it delivers classic roasted turkey flavor without all the fuss. The rich, buttery seasoning and simple ingredients make it ideal for small gatherings or even a weeknight meal.
I’ve been making turkey this way for years, tweaking and testing until it came out just right. It’s moist, flavorful, and never dry. It’s the kind of recipe that lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time visiting with family. Simple, comforting, and full of Southern flavor—just the way we like it around here.
| Prep Time | Cook Time/Additional Time | Servings | Prep Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 7 hours/10 minutes | 10-12 slices | Beginner + |
Julie’s Ingredient Notes
One of the things that makes this recipe so easy is that it uses simple pantry staples. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on fancy ingredients for this recipe.
Boneless turkey breast works well in this recipe, but you can also use bone-in. If you choose to use bone-in, it might take a little bit longer to cook. Boneless will be easier to slice.
Herbs: You can use dried herbs, but the fresh herbs really add a lot of extra flavor.
Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Equipment List
You only need a few things for this recipe, including a 6-quart slow cooker and a digital meat thermometer.
How to Make The Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Start by slicing the onions in half and adding them to the bottom of the Crock Pot. Add some thyme to the bottom as well.
I didn’t peel the onions because I want them to stay in shape. The turkey will rest on the onions while it cooks, keeping it off the bottom of the pot and getting soggy. You can eat the onions at the bottom of the Crock Pot. Just make sure you peel the outer layer after cooking.
Add the softened butter, garlic, onion flakes, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme to a small to medium bowl and mix well. The butter mixture adds a ton of great flavor.
Take a paper towel and dry off the turkey so the butter mixture will stick. Spread the butter mixture over the turkey. Place the turkey breast on top of the onions.
Pour the broth into the Crock Pot. Try to avoid pouring on top of the turkey. Place the lid on top and cook on low for 6.5 to 7 hours.
At the end of the cooking time, check the temperature with a meat thermometer. The turkey’s internal temperature should be 165°F at the thickest part of the breast.
Once the turkey is done cooking, spoon a little of the liquid and melted butter over the turkey breast, and then place the crock (not the entire Crock Pot) in the oven under the broiler for 5-10 minutes to get a crispy skin on top.
I usually stick it on the bottom shelf, so it’s not right by the burner. Keep a close eye on it; the cooking time is short under the broiler, as it can burn fast. If you stick it in the oven, ensure your crock will not be damaged.
Storage And Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. To reheat a slow cooker turkey breast without drying it out, follow these steps:
- Oven Method (Best for keeping it juicy):
- Preheat your oven to 300°F.
- Slice the turkey and place it in a baking dish.
- Add a few tablespoons of broth or pan drippings to keep it moist, then cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Warm for about 20–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Microwave Method (Quickest):
- Place slices on a microwave-safe plate and drizzle with a little broth or melted butter to keep it moist.
- Cover loosely with a damp paper towel.
- Heat in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Slow Cooker Method (For large portions):
- Add sliced turkey and about ½ cup of broth to the slow cooker.
- Set on LOW for 1–1½ hours, until hot and tender again.
More Delicious Turkey Recipes
- If you’re short on oven space this holiday, try this Crock Pot whole turkey recipe for a juicy, flavorful main dish.
- Craving something a little quicker? This air fryer turkey tenderloin gives you tender, crispy edges without the wait.
- For a more traditional approach, here’s the oven-roasted turkey breast that turns out golden and juicy every time.
- With just three ingredients, this 3-ingredient slow cooker turkey makes prepping your Thanksgiving dinner way less stressful.
FAQs
Make sure your slow cooker crock can go into the oven under the broiler. If not, use an oven-safe pan.
Is it better to cook a turkey breast on low or high? Low temperature is better, as it cooks more evenly and stays juicier.
Is cooking a turkey in a slow cooker safe? Yes, as long as the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How long is cooked turkey good for? Up to about 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer. If you plan to freeze it after cooking, allow it to cool before placing it in the freezer.
Can I use a frozen turkey breast? No, you will need to thaw it first. Frozen meat doesn’t heat evenly in a slow cooker.
Can I slow cook a turkey overnight? You can, if it’s set to LOW for 6–8 hours and monitored for safe temperature. I also like to place a cookie sheet underneath the slow cooker in case some of the juices run over.
If you made this recipe, leave a comment below – I love to hear from readers!
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 2 to 4 pound boneless turkey breast skin on (my turkey was 2.5 pounds)
- 2 yellow or white onions
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ Tablespoon minced onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Spray the inside of the Crock Pot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Slice the onions in half and place them face down on the bottom of the slow cooker. They will help hold the turkey up out of the liquid.
- Add a few sprigs of thyme on the bottom.
- Add the butter, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and rosemary to a small or medium-sized bowl and mix well.
- Place the turkey in the slow cooker and dry off with some paper towels to help the butter stick.
- Spread the butter over the top of the turkey.
- Pour the chicken broth into the side of the Crock Pot, being careful not to pour it on the turkey.
- Place the lid on top and cook for 7 hours on the low setting.
- Once the turkey is done cooking, check the temperature with a meat thermometer. The temp should be at least 165 degrees in the thickest part of the turkey breast.
- Place the turkey under the oven broiler for 5 to 10 minutes (in the crock only) until the top is crispy. (Watch it close; it can burn fast, and make sure you remove the Crock Pot lid).
Your awesome post is featured on Full Plate Thursday, 669 Thanksgiving Edition. Thanks so much for sharing at the party with us, we will hope to see you again real soon! Wishing you and your family a bountiful Thanksgiving!
Miz Helen
Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday, 721, we appreciate you! Wishing you and yours abundant blessings this Thanksgiving! Miz Helen
Thank you so much, Miz Helen! Happy Thanksgiving!