Crockpot Turkey Breast

If you’re looking for a foolproof way to cook a juicy and flavorful turkey breast, this Crockpot Turkey Breast is the perfect solution! Slow cooking ensures tender, moist meat infused with rich, herby flavors, making it a stress-free alternative to roasting a whole turkey. Whether you’re preparing a holiday meal for a small gathering, a Sunday dinner, or meal prep for the week, this recipe delivers delicious, succulent turkey every time—with minimal effort!

One of the biggest challenges with turkey breast is keeping it from drying out, but the crockpot solves that by locking in moisture while infusing the meat with aromatic herbs, butter, and garlic. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, freeing up your oven for side dishes or desserts. Serve it with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or roasted vegetables for a complete and comforting meal!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Turkey Breast

• Moist, Tender, and Flavorful – Slow cooking ensures juicy, perfectly cooked turkey every time.

• Minimal Effort & Hands-Free Cooking – Just season, set, and forget it!

• Perfect for Holidays & Small Gatherings – No need for a whole turkey; this is great for 4-6 people.

• Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, salads, or soups.

• Oven-Free Cooking – Saves oven space for side dishes or desserts.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 5-6 hours (on low)

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

• Yield: 6 servings

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 6 oz Turkey Breast with Butter & Herbs)

• Calories: 280

• Carbohydrates: 1g

• Protein: 50g

• Fat: 9g

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugar: 0g

Ingredients for Crockpot Turkey Breast

• 1 (4-6 lb) bone-in or boneless turkey breast

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a golden color)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon dried sage (optional, for extra holiday flavor)

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth of flavor)

• ½ onion, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 carrot, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick. If the turkey has skin, gently lift it and rub some of the seasoning underneath for extra flavor.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, sage, and lemon zest.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey breast, covering both the skin and under the skin for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Prep the Crockpot

Place the onion slices, celery, carrot, and garlic cloves at the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavorful base. Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Turkey

Place the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up on top of the vegetables. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Broil for Crispy Skin (Optional but Recommended)

For golden, crispy skin, transfer the turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil on high for 4-5 minutes until the skin is nicely browned.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender. Slice and serve with gravy, mashed potatoes, and your favorite sides!

Ingredient Background

Turkey Breast: A Lean & Flavorful Protein

Turkey breast is an excellent source of lean protein, making it a great option for a healthy yet satisfying meal. Unlike dark meat, which has a higher fat content, turkey breast is naturally low in fat, so slow cooking helps keep it moist and juicy.

Herb Butter: The Secret to Flavorful Turkey

A mix of butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage gives the turkey an herbaceous, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the mild taste of poultry. The butter helps keep the turkey juicy, while paprika adds a beautiful golden color.

Broth and Aromatics: Adding Moisture & Depth

Cooking the turkey on a bed of onions, celery, carrots, and garlic not only prevents the meat from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot but also infuses the turkey with extra flavor. The broth and Worcestershire sauce create a delicious base for making homemade gravy later!

Technique Tips for Crockpot Turkey Breast

1. How to Keep the Turkey Moist

Turkey breast is lean, which means it can dry out if overcooked. The best way to prevent this is to cook on LOW instead of HIGH and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C).

2. Season Under the Skin for Extra Flavor

For maximum flavor, gently lift the turkey skin and rub some of the butter and seasoning mix underneath. This helps season the meat directly while keeping the skin crispy.

3. Rest the Turkey Before Slicing

After cooking, let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.

4. Use the Cooking Liquid for Gravy

The broth and juices left in the crockpot are flavor gold! Strain them and use them to make a quick turkey gravy by whisking in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water over medium heat until thickened.

5. Broil for Crispy Skin

If you prefer crispy skin, place the turkey under the broiler for 4-5 minutes after slow cooking. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Serve as a Classic Thanksgiving Turkey

Even if you’re cooking for a small group, this slow cooker turkey breast makes a fantastic holiday main dish. Serve it with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans for a complete Thanksgiving-style meal.

2. Make Turkey Sandwiches

Use the sliced turkey for sandwiches with toasted bread, cranberry sauce, and a spread of Dijon mustard. It’s a delicious way to enjoy leftovers!

3. Shred for Tacos or Salads

Shred the turkey and use it for Southwest-style tacos with avocado and salsa or as a protein-packed topping for a hearty fall salad.

Freezing and Storing Crockpot Turkey Breast

Refrigeration:

• Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Freezing:

• Slice or shred the turkey and store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet with a little broth to retain moisture.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter

For a lighter option, replace butter with extra virgin olive oil while still keeping the turkey juicy and flavorful.

2. Add More Vegetables

Add extra carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes to the crockpot for a built-in side dish that cooks alongside the turkey.

3. Low-Sodium Version

Use low-sodium broth and reduce the added salt to make this dish heart-healthier without compromising flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Thanksgiving for a Small Group

If you’re not cooking for a huge holiday crowd, this crockpot turkey breast is the perfect alternative to a whole bird. Pair it with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and homemade gravy for a traditional feast.

2. Cozy Family Dinner

For an easy Sunday dinner, serve the turkey with roasted Brussels sprouts, wild rice, and honey-glazed carrots.

3. Holiday Meal Prep

This recipe is great for meal prepping! Cook the turkey ahead of time and portion it out for sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead?

Yes! A boneless turkey breast will cook a little faster (about 4-5 hours on LOW) but still turns out juicy and flavorful.

2. How do I know when the turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s fully cooked but not dry.

3. Can I add potatoes to the crockpot?

Absolutely! Add baby potatoes or chopped Yukon gold potatoes to the crockpot with the turkey for an easy one-pot meal.

4. Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?

Yes, but it’s not recommended. Cooking on HIGH for 3-4 hours will still work, but cooking on LOW for 5-6 hours gives you juicier results.

5. What’s the best way to reheat turkey without drying it out?

Reheat sliced turkey in a covered dish with a splash of broth in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

6. Can I use frozen turkey breast?

Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking for even results.

7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and replace butter-based seasonings with extra broth.

8. How do I make a thicker gravy?

After removing the turkey, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, add it to the broth in the slow cooker, and cook on HIGH for 5-10 minutes until thickened.

9. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! Use double the amount of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage for the best flavor.

10. What’s the best way to slice the turkey breast?

Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes, then use a sharp knife to slice against the grain for the most tender bites.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Turkey Breast is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for holidays, family dinners, or meal prep. With herb-buttered, slow-cooked turkey that’s juicy and full of flavor, this recipe is stress-free, delicious, and easy to customize.

Whether you’re serving it with Thanksgiving sides, making sandwiches, or using leftovers for tacos, this turkey breast will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. So grab your crockpot, season your turkey, and get ready for the most tender, flavorful turkey ever!

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