Have you ever wondered if it is truly possible to make a tender, juicy turkey breast without spending hours in the kitchen or constantly checking the oven? Many people think that a perfect turkey requires complicated steps or special tools, but what if it could be as easy as placing everything into a slow cooker and walking away? This recipe shows how a simple Crock Pot can turn an ordinary turkey breast into a holiday-worthy main dish with almost no effort at all.
Holiday-Ready Crock Pot Turkey Breast – Minimal Effort, Perfect Results
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Turkey Breast is the easiest way to serve a tender, juicy, holiday-worthy turkey without any stress. With simple herbs, broth, and a slow cooker doing all the work, this recipe delivers perfectly moist slices every single time. Ideal for small gatherings or weeknight comfort meals, this hands-off recipe guarantees minimal effort and truly perfect results.
Ingredients
- 1 turkey breast (3–5 lbs, bone-in or boneless)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
Instructions
- Prep the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry using paper towels. Dry skin helps the butter mixture stick and creates better flavor.
- Make Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, paprika, salt, and pepper until a thick paste forms.
- Season the Turkey: Carefully lift the skin and spread some of the herb butter underneath. Rub the remaining butter all over the top and sides.
- Prepare Crock Pot Base: Add sliced onions to the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the broth over them. This keeps the turkey moist and prevents sticking.
- Slow Cook: Place the turkey breast on top of the onions. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Optional Browning: For golden, crisp skin, transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes.
- Rest and Slice: Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon cooking juices over the top for extra flavor before serving.
Notes
For the juiciest texture, avoid overcooking and always cook on LOW. To increase flavor, season the turkey the night before and refrigerate it until ready to cook.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
This Crock Pot Turkey Breast recipe stands out because it delivers slow-cooked perfection with very little hands-on time. It is ideal for small holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. The process is easy, the cleanup is simple, and the results are consistently tender and flavorful. The entire dish takes about 4 to 6 hours in the slow cooker, depending on the size of your turkey breast, and the difficulty level is low, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who wants stress-free cooking.
Essential Ingredients
Here are the basic ingredients needed to make this Crock Pot Turkey Breast:
Turkey breast
Butter
Garlic
Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage
Salt and pepper
Chicken broth or turkey broth
Onion
Paprika
Substitutions and Variations
Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option
Replace fresh herbs with dried herbs if needed
Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth
Add lemon slices for a bright, fresh flavor
Use smoked paprika for a deeper, richer taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the turkey breast
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Dry skin allows the seasoning and butter to stick better and helps create a flavorful outer layer.
Make the herb butter
In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and paprika. This creates a rich coating that melts into the turkey as it cooks.
Season the turkey breast
Gently lift the skin and spread some of the herb butter underneath. Rub the rest over the top of the turkey breast and on the sides.
Prepare the Crock Pot
Place sliced onions at the bottom of the Crock Pot. Pour in the broth. This creates moisture and prevents the turkey from sticking.
Add the turkey
Set the turkey breast on top of the onions. Cover the slow cooker.
Cook on low
Cook for 4 to 6 hours depending on the size. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F.
Optional browning step
If you want golden, crispy skin, place the cooked turkey breast under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.
Assembly
To serve the Crock Pot Turkey Breast, allow it to rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices settle so each slice stays moist. Slice the turkey breast into even pieces and arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon some of the cooking juices over the top for added flavor. Add fresh herbs for a simple, elegant presentation. For a complete holiday plate, pair the turkey with mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, or cranberry sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the sliced turkey for up to three months. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven with a splash of broth to keep it moist. You can also prepare the herb butter a day ahead and season the turkey the night before to save time.
Recipe Variations
Lemon Herb Turkey
Add lemon zest and juice to the herb butter for a bright and fresh flavor.
Honey Garlic Turkey
Add honey and extra garlic for a sweet and savory twist.
Smoky Barbecue Style
Rub the turkey with smoked paprika and a little brown sugar before cooking.
Creamy Herb Turkey
Stir in a splash of cream to the cooking juices to make a rich gravy.
Herb-Only Turkey
Skip butter and simply season with herbs and broth for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Making Crock Pot Turkey Breast is an easy way to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you prepare it for a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal, this recipe gives you juicy turkey every time. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and reliable results make this dish one you will want to come back to throughout the year. Feel free to try different flavors and make this recipe your own.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook turkey breast in a Crock Pot?
Most turkey breasts take 4 to 6 hours on low, depending on size.
Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in the Crock Pot?
It is best to thaw the turkey breast first for safe and even cooking.
Does the turkey skin get crispy in the Crock Pot?
Crock Pot cooking makes the turkey tender but not crispy. For crispy skin, broil it for a few minutes after cooking.
Can I use boneless turkey breast?
Yes, boneless turkey breast cooks well in the Crock Pot and may cook slightly faster.
Is Crock Pot Turkey Breast healthy?
Yes, turkey breast is a lean protein and slow cooking avoids extra oils.
How do I keep the turkey breast moist?
Using broth, butter, and cooking on low helps keep the turkey tender and juicy.
