This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is perfect for a small family or Thanksgiving dinner and the easiest way to make a juicy turkey with minimal prep and flavors of garlic, onion, and herbs.
Serve it alongside Stuffing, Corn Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, and Yeast Rolls for a delicious dinner feast!
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is the easiest way to prepare juicy, tender turkey for a cozy, intimate dinner.
And, might I add, Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! I love the idea of making Crock Pot Turkey Breast for smaller holiday celebrations.
If you’re hosting a few loved ones, why wrestle with a huge turkey and spend hours and hours cooking it?
Or perhaps you want your house filled with the aroma of roasted turkey before or after the big day. If you’re not hosting the holiday but you want leftovers, make this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast to enjoy all week!
I know that’s what I like to do — after all, leftovers are the best part of Thanksgiving, right?! Luckily, this recipe is as simple as it is flavorful, so you can make it anytime you want.
How To Cook Turkey Breast in a Crockpot:
- First, the meat is brined in a Turkey Brine that has notes of orange, cinnamon, bay leaves, and pepper.
- Next, the meat is then rubbed under and above the skin with a savory Herb Butter (add a bit of garlic powder to the butter for even more flavor!) to add flavor and tenderness.
- Then, line the bottom of the slow cooker with sliced white onions and crushed garlic cloves and place the turkey breast in the slow cooker on top of them.
- Finally, cover and cook and enjoy a moist, delicious turkey breast made from the easiest recipe ever! Seriously… this is a foolproof way to cook a turkey breast, so it’s perfect for first-timers.
How long does it take to cook a turkey in a slow cooker?
This depends on the size of your turkey breast and whether or not it’s boneless or bone-in, a 5 lb boneless turkey breast should take between 4 and 5 hours to cook on low heat.
Slow cooking a smaller turkey breast will take less time and a larger one will take more. A bone-in turkey breast will take more time. Usually about 1 hour per pound of turkey.
The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Tips For Making Slow Cooker Turkey Breast:
- Use bone-in turkey breast if possible, this will yeild a juicier turkey after cooking.
- Broil for a few minutes after the turkey is done in the crockpot for a crispy skin.
- Use a large oval shaped crockpot for best results.
How Much Turkey Per Person?
The standard rule is 1 pound of turkey per person.
Everyone will love how tender and juicy this turkey breast is and you’ll love how easy it is to make!
The flavors of fresh herbs and warm onion and garlic will have you salivating before the turkey is even done!
Can You Freeze Slow Cooked Turkey?
Absolutely! We love making this and freezing it and using it in everything from soups to quesadillas!
If you’re using a bone-in turkey breast, remove all of the meat from the bones before freezing.
You can slice, dice, or shred your meat before freezing. Then place it in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing and freezing for up to 6 months.
To thaw, simply transfer to the refrigerator to thaw for a few hours before use.
Aside from inspiring a mini holiday meal, Crock Pot Turkey Breast tastes delicious in pot pies, salads, and soups.
In fact, with a bit of mayo and a spoonful of zesty Cranberry Sauce, this turkey makes an amazing sandwich.
Turkey is associated with big holiday meals, but with this Crock Pot Turkey Breast recipe, prep doesn’t have to be a production.
Make it for a small Thanksgiving gathering, a big Sunday dinner, or just because you have a hankering!
More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes:
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 1 Turkey Brine Recipe
- 1 Herb Butter Recipe
- 1 large white onion
- 8 garlic cloves
- 5 lbs boneless turkey breast
Instructions
- Brine the turkey for 8 to 12 hours using my Turkey Brine recipe. I recommend doing this the night before and letting it sit in the fridge overnight. You can also prepare the Herb Butter in advance so it’s ready to go when the bird is.
- Slice the onion and arrange the slices on the bottom of the slow cooker. Crush the garlic and add it to the slow cooker as well.
- Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Use your hands to rub the herb butter under the skin and all over the turkey. Place the turkey in the slow cooker over the top of the onions and garlic.
- Cook for 4 to 5 hours on low heat or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Baste the turkey with the melted butter from time to time.
- Optional Step: If you want a golden and crisp skin, once the turkey breast is done cooking in the slow cooker, transfer it to a baking dish and broil on low for a few minutes until desired coloring and crispiness is reached.
Video
Notes
- This recipe actually only uses a half turkey breast, if using a full turkey breast, you will want to cut it in half and add additional butter. The turkey breast halves will need to be slightly layered to fit in the crockpot and will take additional cook time. Just monitor your temperatures to know when it’s done.
- A 5lbs boneless turkey breast should take between 4 and 5 hours to cook on low heat. Slow cooking a smaller turkey breast will take less time and a larger one will take more. A bone-in turkey breast will take more time. The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Use bone-in turkey breast if possible, this will yeild a juicier turkey after cooking.
- Broil for a few minutes after the turkey is done in the crockpot for a crispy skin.
- Use a large oval shaped crockpot for best results.
Rebecca Hubbell says
Yes, you can bake this recipe instead of slow cooking. Bake at 350 degrees. Time will vary depending on the size of your turkey but it usually takes about 1.5- 2 for a 3 pound boneless turkey breast. Check for an internal temperature of 165 for doneness.
Teresa H says
Can I try this recipe with 2 breasts in an oven roaster? Any adjustments?
Lindsay Cotter says
So perfectly cooked in the slow cooker! Definitely need to try this soon!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
I love that idea! Perfect for a small family!
Alida says
This turkey is SO juicy! Wowza.