Tender Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe for Family Joy

Weeknight dinners demand simple, delicious solutions that don’t compromise on flavor or quality.

This succulent slow cooker turkey breast delivers mouthwatering comfort without hours of complicated preparation.

Home cooks seek effortless meals that taste like they’ve been crafted with professional skill.

The tender slow cooker turkey breast method ensures juicy, perfectly cooked meat every single time.

Herbs and seasonings infuse each bite with rich, homestyle goodness.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making this recipe a true weeknight hero.

You’ll love how this simple technique transforms an ordinary turkey breast into a memorable meal that everyone will request again and again.

What Goes In Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps spread herbs evenly across the turkey.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, aromatic background notes without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Delivers subtle sweetness and complex savory undertones.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a gentle smoky essence and warm color.
• Thyme: Brings earthy, woodsy herbal notes perfect for poultry.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and subtle spiciness.

• Turkey Breast: High-protein lean meat that absorbs herb butter beautifully.
• Onion Slices: Creates moisture barrier and adds subtle sweet aromatics during cooking.

• Butter: Creates smooth roux base for thickening sauce.
• Flour: Helps create silky, consistent gravy texture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional depth and liquid for gravy consistency.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and refines gravy's final flavor profile.

Tools You’ll Want For Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

• Slow cooker: Essential for cooking the turkey breast evenly and keeping it moist.
• Baking sheet: Used for optional broiling to crisp up the skin.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing herb butter ingredients.
• Whisk: Necessary for creating smooth gravy and mixing butter mixture.
• Saucepan: Required for preparing the delicious homemade gravy.
• Strainer: Helps separate solids from cooking juices.
• Paper towels: Used to pat the turkey breast dry before seasoning.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring herb and spice quantities.

Steps To Cook Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

• Whip Up Herby Butter

Grab softened butter and blend in garlic, onion, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until it transforms into a delectable paste.

• Prep the Turkey

Gently blot the turkey dry, tenderly separate the skin, and massage half the butter mixture underneath while spreading the remaining on top.

• Create a Cozy Cooking Base

Layer onion slices at the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a flavorful foundation for the turkey to nestle into.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let the turkey simmer on low heat for 5-6 hours, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F. Keep an eye on it to prevent drying out.

• Optional Golden Finish

For crispy skin lovers, transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and broil briefly until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown.

• Craft Luxurious Gravy

Strain the cooking juices and transform them into a rich sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually incorporating drippings and broth until it thickens beautifully.

• Serve and Enjoy

Allow the turkey to rest briefly, then slice and serve with your freshly made gravy, ready to impress everyone at the table.

Helpful Hints For Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

• Slow Cooker Mastery: Ensure your turkey stays incredibly moist by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, preventing any dry or overcooked meat.
• Crispy Skin Secret: For extra-golden skin, pat the turkey breast completely dry before applying herb butter and consider using a broiler for those final caramelized moments.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a lactose-free version. Use plant-based butter alternatives to maintain rich flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the herb butter mixture up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. This technique saves time and allows flavors to meld beautifully before cooking.
• Low-Sodium Option: Reduce salt in the recipe by using salt-free herbs and spices, and opt for low-sodium chicken broth when making gravy to control sodium intake without compromising taste.

Ways To Plate Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Arrange the sliced turkey on a large platter surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs, whole roasted garlic cloves, and tiny cranberries for a stunning presentation that screams special occasion.
• Comfort Meal Pairing: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots, and the rich homemade gravy for a classic comfort food experience that warms the soul.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Shred remaining turkey and create delicious sandwiches, stuff into quesadillas, toss into salads, or mix into a hearty turkey pot pie for easy next-day meals that reduce food waste and maximize flavor.
• Wine and Dine Companion: Pair this herb-infused turkey with a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir to complement the butter's richness and enhance the meal's overall delicate herbal notes.

Store Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Safely

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover turkey breast in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Slice meat before refrigerating to maintain moisture and make future meal prep easier.
• Cooling Technique: Allow turkey to reach room temperature before storing. Place in shallow containers to help rapid cooling and prevent bacterial growth, keeping meat fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezing Method: Wrap sliced turkey tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Frozen turkey remains delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic: Revive refrigerated turkey by adding a splash of chicken broth before warming. Use microwave or oven at 325°F, covering with foil to prevent drying. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5-6 hours

Total Time: 5-6 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 9

Tender Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 5-6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker turkey breast elevates home-cooked meals with minimal effort. Home cooks can enjoy tender, flavorful meat without complex preparation, serving a delicious dinner you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4.5 lb (2 kg) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
• 1 large onion, peeled and cut into thick slices
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter, softened
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsps salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Herb Butter Preparation: Whisk softened butter with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and seasoning until smooth and fully integrated.
2. Turkey Preparation: Pat turkey breast dry, gently separate skin from meat, and massage half the herbed butter underneath, then coat exterior with remaining butter mixture.
3. Slow Cooker Setup: Spread thinly sliced onions across slow cooker base, then place seasoned turkey breast atop onion layer, ensuring stable positioning.
4. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and roast on low temperature for 5-6 hours, periodically checking internal temperature and targeting 165°F (74°C) for optimal doneness.
5. Finishing Touches: Transfer cooked turkey to baking sheet and broil briefly to achieve a golden, crisp exterior that enhances visual and textural appeal.
6. Gravy Creation: Strain cooking liquids, discard solids, and create a roux by melting butter and incorporating flour. Gradually whisk in drippings and chicken broth until sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency.
7. Serving: Rest turkey to redistribute juices, slice carefully, and serve with homemade gravy for an elegant culinary presentation.

Notes

• Prep Surface with Care: Always thoroughly pat turkey breast dry with paper towels to help butter adhere perfectly and ensure crispy, golden skin during cooking.
• Butter Massage Technique: Gently separate skin from meat and apply herbed butter underneath for maximum flavor penetration, ensuring even seasoning distribution throughout the breast.
• Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to consistently monitor internal temperature, removing turkey exactly at 165°F to prevent dryness and maintain juicy, tender meat.
• Gravy Enhancement Hack: Save and strain cooking liquid for rich, flavorful homemade gravy, using a flour-based roux to create a smooth, luxurious sauce that complements the turkey perfectly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 940 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg