Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe for Effortless Meals

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker turkey breast can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Juicy meat practically falls apart with minimal kitchen effort.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver maximum flavor.

Tender, succulent slices emerge from the slow cooker without complicated preparations.

Minimal ingredients combine to create a remarkably satisfying main dish.

Seasoning blends infuse deep, rich notes throughout the meat.

Busy individuals seeking delicious meals will love this straightforward approach.

You’ll be amazed how effortlessly this recipe produces restaurant-quality results.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast That’s Juicy and Easy

  • Hands-Off Cooking Experience: Walk away while the slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to manage other tasks or relax during meal preparation without sacrificing taste quality.
  • Time-Saving Comfort: Achieve a delicious, home-cooked turkey breast in just 5-6 hours with minimal hands-on preparation, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or weekend family gatherings.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Customize your meal by pairing with various sides or transforming leftovers into sandwiches, salads, or additional recipes, making this turkey breast a adaptable protein choice.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast What You’ll Need

Poultry:
  • Turkey Breast: Lean protein centerpiece of the dish, choose fresh or thawed breast without added solutions for best flavor.
Herbs and Spices:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall taste.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth and aromatic flavor.
  • Paprika: Adds mild warmth and subtle color.
  • Dried Thyme, Dried Rosemary: Classic herbs that complement poultry, can use either one based on preference.
Cooking Liquids and Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Melted Butter: Helps create moisture and promotes even browning of turkey skin.
  • Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth: Adds moisture and prevents turkey from drying out during slow cooking.

Turkey Breast in the Slow Cooker

Turkey Breast in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare the Succulent Turkey

Grab your turkey breast and give it a gentle pat down with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Lovingly massage olive oil or melted butter all over the turkey, making sure to sneak some underneath the skin for extra flavor and moisture.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Explosion

Mix together a magical blend of seasonings:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Dried thyme or rosemary

Generously coat the entire turkey breast with this flavor-packed mixture, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 3: Set Up the Slow Cooking Magic

Pour chicken or turkey broth into your slow cooker.

Gently place the seasoned turkey breast inside, positioning it breast-side up like a proud culinary masterpiece.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, watching for the internal temperature to hit 165°F.

The turkey will become tender, juicy, and absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Create a Crispy Golden Finish

Want that gorgeous golden skin?

Transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes.

Watch closely as it transforms into a crispy, beautiful work of art.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes – this helps lock in all those delicious juices.

Slice with pride and serve alongside your favorite sides.

Get ready for a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Slow Cooker Turkey Tips for Tender, Juicy Results

  • Pat the turkey breast completely dry before adding oil to ensure a perfectly crisp exterior and juicy interior.
  • Experiment with different herb combinations like sage, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to create your unique flavor profile.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee the turkey reaches exactly 165°F without overcooking.
  • Transfer turkey to a hot broiler for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking to achieve a golden, restaurant-quality skin finish.
  • Smaller turkey breasts might cook faster, so start checking doneness around 4.5 hours to avoid potential dryness.

Store Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

  • Store leftover turkey in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap turkey slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Properly stored turkey stays good for up to 4 months.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey slices in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Arrange turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate. Drizzle with broth or gravy. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, checking moisture and temperature to avoid toughening the meat.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Matches

  • Sip Chardonnay Companion: A buttery, lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the turkey's rich, tender meat with its smooth, creamy texture and subtle fruit notes.
  • Pair with Roasted Vegetables: Garlic-roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes add earthy sweetness and balance the savory turkey flavors.
  • Create Cranberry Sauce Harmony: Homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest and a touch of cinnamon provides a bright, tangy contrast to the succulent turkey breast.
  • Enhance with Herbed Quinoa: A light quinoa pilaf mixed with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme echoes the turkey's seasoning while offering a protein-packed, nutritious side.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Serving Alternatives

  • Herb-Infused Version: Swap dried thyme with fresh rosemary, sage, and parsley for a vibrant, aromatic flavor profile that elevates the turkey's taste.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace regular seasonings with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne for a bold, zesty kick that transforms the dish.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all seasonings and broth are certified gluten-free, making this recipe safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use salt-free herb blends and low-sodium broth to create a heart-friendly version without compromising on taste and moisture.

FAQs

  • Why use a slow cooker for turkey breast?

Slow cookers help keep the turkey moist and tender by cooking at a low, consistent temperature, preventing the meat from drying out like traditional oven roasting.

  • Can I use frozen turkey breast?

No, always thaw the turkey breast completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even and safe cooking throughout.

  • How do I know the turkey is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast, which guarantees the turkey is safe to eat.

  • Is it necessary to use broth in the slow cooker?

Yes, adding broth helps create moisture, prevents the turkey from sticking, and adds extra flavor during the cooking process.

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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Succulent Thanksgiving slow cooker turkey breast delivers mouthwatering comfort straight from your kitchen. Juicy meat seasoned with herbs promises a stress-free holiday centerpiece you’ll savor and celebrate.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 (5-7 lb) bone-in or boneless turkey breast

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

Cooking Liquids and Fats:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 cup chicken or turkey broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the turkey by gently patting it dry with clean kitchen towels, ensuring all moisture is removed. Massage olive oil or melted butter across the entire surface, carefully working it under the skin to enhance flavor and moisture.
  2. Create a robust seasoning blend by mixing salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme or rosemary in a small mixing bowl. Generously coat the turkey breast with this aromatic spice mixture, pressing the seasonings into the meat.
  3. Pour chicken or turkey broth into the slow cooker, creating a flavorful liquid base. Position the seasoned turkey breast in the center of the slow cooker, placing it breast-side up to ensure even cooking.
  4. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to LOW. Allow the turkey to cook slowly for 5-6 hours, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking duration may fluctuate depending on the turkey breast’s size and specific slow cooker model.
  5. For those desiring a golden, crispy exterior, carefully transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to achieve a beautifully bronzed skin without burning.
  6. Once cooking is complete, remove the turkey from the heat source. Let it rest undisturbed for 10-15 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Slice and serve with complementary side dishes of your choice.

Notes

  • Use skinless turkey breast for a leaner option, reducing overall fat content without compromising flavor.
  • Swap dried herbs with fresh ones like rosemary or thyme for a more vibrant, aromatic profile that elevates the dish’s taste.
  • Adding root vegetables like carrots and onions around the turkey breast creates a delicious one-pot meal with minimal extra effort.
  • For gluten-free diets, ensure the broth is certified gluten-free and double-check all seasoning ingredients for potential cross-contamination.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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