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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast 🦃✨

A cozy, fool-proof holiday favorite — without the hassle!

Introduction

If you love the smell of a slow-roasted turkey but don’t want the stress of wrestling with a whole bird, this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is the perfect solution.
It’s tender, juicy, buttery, and full of classic herb flavor — everything you love about a Thanksgiving turkey, but made effortlessly in your crockpot.

Whether it’s a holiday meal, a Sunday dinner, or meal prep for the week, this recipe gives you beautifully moist slices every time. One taste of that melt-in-your-mouth turkey with rich, slow-cooked juices, and you’ll never go back to the oven-only method again. 💛

Ingredient Overview

  • 1 (3–4 lb) boneless or bone-in turkey breast
    Perfectly sized for smaller gatherings and cooks evenly in the slow cooker.

  • 1 packet onion soup mix (or 1 tbsp poultry seasoning)
    Adds savory depth with minimal effort.

  • ½ cup chicken broth
    Keeps the turkey moist and creates delicious drippings.

  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
    Adds richness and enhances browning.

  • ½ tsp garlic powder
    Provides warm, aromatic flavor.

  • ½ tsp black pepper
    Balances the seasoning and adds a subtle kick.

  • Fresh herbs (optional: thyme, rosemary, parsley)
    Takes the flavor to a whole new level with classic holiday aromas.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Turkey

Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels.
Place it inside the slow cooker skin-side up for the juiciest results.

Step 2 — Season Generously

Sprinkle the onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper all over the turkey.
Pour in chicken broth around (not on top of) the turkey.
Drizzle melted butter over the top.
Add fresh herbs to the slow cooker for extra aroma.

Step 3 — Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook:

  • LOW for 6–7 hours, or

  • HIGH for 3–4 hours

Turkey is ready when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Step 4 — Optional: Crisp the Skin

Place turkey on a baking sheet and broil 3–5 minutes until golden and crisp.
Watch closely — it browns fast!

Step 5 — Rest & Serve

Let turkey rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Spoon slow-cooker drippings over each slice for extra flavor.

Serve warm and enjoy tender, buttery turkey every time.

20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Boneless or bone-in — which is better?
Both work! Bone-in is juicier, boneless is easier to slice.

2. Can I use frozen turkey breast?
Yes — thaw completely before cooking.

3. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Add carrots, onions, and celery under the turkey.

4. Can I use water instead of broth?
Yes, but broth adds more flavor.

5. Can I make gravy with the drippings?
Yes — whisk with flour or cornstarch on the stove.

6. Can I add more herbs?
Yes — sage, thyme, and rosemary are wonderful.

7. Can I cook it on HIGH the whole time?
Yes — 3–4 hours works well.

8. Can I use ranch seasoning instead of onion soup mix?
Yes, it gives a zesty flavor.

9. How do I keep turkey from drying out?
Slow cook on LOW and don’t open the lid often.

10. Can I add lemon?
Yes — a few slices brighten the flavor.

11. Can I use butter with herbs?
Yes — herb butter adds amazing richness.

12. What if I want it spicy?
Add paprika, chili flakes, or Cajun seasoning.

13. Can I double this recipe?
Only if your slow cooker is large enough.

14. Can I use turkey tenderloins?
Yes — cook 2.5–3 hours on LOW.

15. Can I brown the turkey before slow cooking?
Yes, sear it for deeper flavor.

16. Can I cook stuffing underneath?
Not recommended; stuffing gets too wet.

17. Can I meal prep this?
Yes — it reheats beautifully.

18. Can kids eat this?
Absolutely — mild and delicious.

19. Can I leave the skin on?
Yes — it protects the meat and browns nicely under the broiler.

20. Can I skip the butter?
You can, but butter makes it richer and more tender.

20 Helpful Tips

1. Dry the turkey well for better browning.
2. Put broth around—not on top of—the turkey.
3. Add herbs under the turkey for deeper flavor.
4. Slow cook on LOW for maximum juiciness.
5. Don’t open the lid — heat escapes fast.
6. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
7. Let turkey rest before slicing.
8. Broil briefly for crispy skin.
9. Use bone-in turkey for more moisture.
10. Add a bit of butter before broiling for extra golden color.
11. Add garlic cloves for richness.
12. Place turkey on a rack of onions for even cooking.
13. Save drippings for gravy.
14. Add fresh parsley for brightness.
15. Choose a tight-fitting slow cooker for even heat.
16. Add rosemary for holiday aroma.
17. Use leftover turkey for sandwiches or casseroles.
18. Taste broth before serving — adjust salt as needed.
19. Add celery for added savory depth.
20. Spread herb butter under the skin for next-level flavor.

10 Storage & Reheating Tips

  1. Store sliced turkey in an airtight container.

  2. Refrigerate up to 4 days.

  3. Freeze up to 2 months.

  4. Add a bit of broth before storing to keep it juicy.

  5. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

  6. Microwave in short intervals to avoid drying.

  7. Add butter when reheating for moisture.

  8. Freeze in meal-prep portions.

  9. Store drippings separately for gravy.

  10. Keep skin separate if crisped — re-crisp under broiler.

20 Recipe Secrets

  1. Rub turkey with herb butter before cooking.

  2. Add lemon slices under the turkey for brightness.

  3. Use garlic cloves instead of powder.

  4. Add fresh herbs halfway through cooking.

  5. Place turkey breast on top of halved onions.

  6. Add one bay leaf for depth.

  7. Use smoked paprika for warm color.

  8. Broil with extra butter for crisp skin.

  9. Use homemade broth for richer flavor.

  10. Add a splash of white wine to the broth.

  11. Add thyme stems for rustic aroma.

  12. Rub seasoning directly under the skin.

  13. Stir in a tablespoon of dijon mustard for complexity.

  14. Add a few garlic cloves inside the cavity (bone-in).

  15. Use sea salt flakes for the final sprinkle.

  16. Let turkey rest wrapped in foil.

  17. Add a drizzle of pan juices before serving.

  18. Serve with mashed potatoes for the perfect pairing.

  19. Turn leftovers into turkey noodle soup.

  20. Always broil for color — it transforms the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast gives you all the cozy flavors of a holiday roast without any of the stress. Tender, juicy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned — it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Simple enough for weeknights, special enough for celebrations, and always delicious. 🦃💛