Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

There’s nothing quite like juicy turkey breast for Thanksgiving dinner.

But if you’re having a smaller crowd this year, the best way to serve a spectacular holiday meal is by slow-cooking turkey breast tenderloin. 

Turkey for Thanksgiving Day

It’s the hands-off way to reclaim time for yourself and ensure your turkey has the perfect texture and flavor in every bite for Thanksgiving dinner.

If everyone fights over the turkey breast meat and skips the dark meat, this is a surefire way to make all your guests happy. And the best part is that you’ll do so in the most effortless way!

Why Make the Whole Bird When You Can Make Crock Pot Turkey Breast?

This slow-cooker turkey recipe is just what you need for your Thanksgiving dinner or special meal during the holiday season.

Even an ordinary family dinner can become something extraordinary with tender turkey breast at any time of year.

A slow cooker recipe like this allows you to cook turkey breast in a flavorful and juicy way. There’s no wasting time basting over here.

Simply pop it into your slow cooker and let it do all the hard work. 

A Year-Round Meal

I have to admit that I just love making this turkey breast recipe throughout the year. The comforting aroma in my home lifts my spirits.

Serving and eating it is just as easy, too, and my husband and kids love it when there’s plenty of gravy to pour on top.

I’ve made this for weekend dinners when we’ve had company in town, and I’ve even surprised everyone with this for a weeknight meal, too.

Turkey takes a lot of time in the oven and requires basting. When you’re making the whole bird, it’s an ordeal.

But when you make turkey breast in your slow cooker, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding meals you’ll ever make. 

Ingredients for Crock Pot Turkey Breast

• Boneless turkey breast
• Yellow or white onions
• Softened butter
• Minced garlic
• Onion flakes
• Salt and black pepper
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Chicken broth

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

How to Make This Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

I made this recipe using boneless turkey breast, though you can use bone-in turkey breast. It’s just easier to slice up at the end. 

I have a slow cooker whole turkey recipe if you’re interested in making enough for a little bit larger of a crowd.

If this is your first time making the recipe, you will love it. It only takes a few minutes of prep, and you can go do other things while it cooks.

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 them because I wanted the onions 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.

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 1/5 to 7 hours.

At the end of the cooking time, check the temperature with a meat thermometer.

The internal temperature of the turkey should be 165 degrees 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 it 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. Ensure your Crock Pot will not be damaged if you stick it in the oven.

Making Gravy With the Drippings

When it was finished, I made gravy with the drippings. You could also use a gravy packet if you’d rather do that.

Depending on the size of your crowd and the size of your turkey breast, you may have some of this leftover turkey to enjoy the next day!

Side Dishes For Thanksgiving or Christmas

• Baked corn casserole with cheese
• Cheesy bacon ranch potatoes from Savor the Best
• Copycat Ruth’s Chris sweet potato casserole
• Jiffy cornbread dressing
• Jiffy corn pudding
• Homemade dinner rolls
• Moist Jiffy cornbread
• Homemade canned cranberry sauce

This Crock Pot turkey breast recipe is one of the easiest ways to have delicious turkey for a small gathering.

You’ll have plenty of time to spend with your family and friends while it cooks. This is the perfect recipe for a small family, and the cooking process is so easy.

Plus, using the slow cooker will free up some oven space for delicious sides.

The recipe card below gives you the full details on how to make this tasty turkey breast! It’s such a simple recipe, and I know you will love it.