Let’s be honest: cooking a turkey can be intimidating. We all have that lingering fear of spending hours on a beautiful bird, only to have it turn out dry and disappointing. What if I told you that you could have the most tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey breast of your life… with almost zero effort? Enter the magic of this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe. This is the “set it and forget it” method that guarantees a perfectly moist, fall-apart tender turkey every single time. It’s not just for the holidays; this easy crockpot recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a celebration. Say goodbye to dry turkey forever.
- What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
- Recipe Timing
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the Turkey Dry
- Step 2: Mix Your Spice Rub
- Step 3: Season the Turkey Generously
- Step 4: Create the Aromatic Bed
- Step 5: Place the Turkey and Add Broth
- Step 6: Cook to Perfection
- Step 7: Let the Turkey Rest (The Crucial Step!)
- Step 8: Slice and Serve
- Nutritional Information (Estimate)
- Healthier Alternatives
- Serving Suggestions
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- The Easiest, Juiciest Turkey You’ll Ever Make
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1. Can I use a bone-in turkey breast?
- Q2. Can I make gravy from the drippings?
- Q3. Do I need to sear the turkey breast first?
- Q4. What size slow cooker is best?
- More Turkey Recipes to Make Your Holiday Table Shine
- Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast (Juicy & Flavorful!)
- Leftover Turkey Dinner Muffins (Savory & Delicious!)
- Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs (Thanksgiving in a Bite!)
- Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Brie (Thanksgiving Recipe!)
- Homemade Turkey Gravy (Easy & Flavorful!)
- Open Faced Turkey Cranberry Provolone Sandwich Melt
- Classic Turkey Goulash Recipe (Budget-Friendly & Delicious!)
- Green Chile Turkey Melt Sliders (Leftover Turkey Idea!)
- Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (The Only Recipe You Need)
What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
This recipe relies on a simple, powerful spice rub and aromatic vegetables to create a self-basting, flavorful environment for the turkey.
| Amount | Ingredient |
| 1 (3-4 lb) | Boneless turkey breast |
| 2 tsp | Garlic powder |
| 2 tsp | Onion powder |
| 1 tsp | Paprika (use smoked paprika for extra depth!) |
| 1 tsp | Kosher salt |
| 1/2 tsp | Ground black pepper, freshly ground |
| 2 Tbsp | Olive oil |
| 1 cup | Chicken broth (low-sodium is best) |
| 1 head | Garlic, cloves peeled and smashed |
| 1 large | Yellow onion, sliced |
You will also need a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
Recipe Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 3-4 hours (on High) or 5-6 hours (on Low)
- Total time: Approximately 3.5 to 6.5 hours
- Note: The active preparation time is incredibly fast—less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite show. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Pat the Turkey Dry
First, remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Don’t skip this! A dry surface allows the olive oil and spice rub to stick properly and helps the exterior brown slightly, even in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix Your Spice Rub
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk them together with a fork until the spice blend is evenly mixed. This simple rub creates a savory crust that is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Season the Turkey Generously
Drizzle the olive oil all over the turkey breast. Use your hands to rub it in, coating every side. Now, sprinkle the spice blend all over the oiled turkey. Be generous and press the rub into the meat. Pro Tip: If your turkey breast has skin, gently loosen it and rub some of the spice blend under the skin for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Create the Aromatic Bed
Place the sliced yellow onion and the smashed garlic cloves in the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread them out evenly to create a “rack” for the turkey to sit on. This not only prevents the turkey from sticking but also infuses the broth (and the meat) with incredible flavor as it cooks.
Step 5: Place the Turkey and Add Broth
Carefully place your seasoned turkey breast on top of the onions and garlic. Pour the 1 cup of chicken broth around the turkey, not over the top of it. You want to keep that beautiful spice rub intact.
Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. You have two options:
- HIGH for 3-4 hours
- LOW for 5-6 hours
The turkey is done when it is tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F (74°C). This is the magic number for perfectly cooked, safe poultry.
Step 7: Let the Turkey Rest (The Crucial Step!)
Once the turkey reaches 165°F, turn off the slow cooker. Carefully remove the turkey breast from the pot and place it on a clean cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This step is essential! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing every slice is moist.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
After resting, use a sharp knife to slice the turkey breast against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers and makes the meat even more tender. Serve the sliced turkey immediately, drizzled with some of the flavorful juices and onions from the bottom of the slow cooker.
Nutritional Information (Estimate)
Please note this is an estimate for a 4-ounce (112g) serving and can vary.
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
This dish is a fantastic source of lean protein, making it a healthy and satisfying main course.
Healthier Alternatives
This recipe is already quite healthy, but you can adjust it further:
- Lower Sodium: Use a low-sodium or unsalted chicken broth. You can also make your own salt-free spice blend using herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage in place of some of the salt.
- Add Vegetables: Bulk up the meal by adding more vegetables to the bottom of the slow cooker. Sliced carrots, celery, and potatoes work wonderfully and will cook in the flavorful broth.
- Leaner Cut: A boneless, skinless turkey breast is the leanest option available. If you use a skin-on breast, you can remove the skin after cooking to reduce the fat content.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile turkey breast pairs beautifully with almost anything!
- Holiday Style: Serve it with classic mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. Don’t forget to use the drippings from the pot to make a delicious gravy!
- Weeknight Simple: Pair it with roasted sweet potatoes and a simple side salad for a quick and healthy dinner.
- Leftovers: This turkey is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or for adding to soups and casseroles throughout the week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Rest: If you slice the turkey immediately, all the juices will run out onto the cutting board, leaving you with dry meat. Solution: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. It’s the most important step for a juicy turkey.
- Overcooking: Even a slow cooker can overcook turkey. Solution: Use a meat thermometer! Check the turkey at the low end of the cook time (3 hours on High, 5 on Low) and stop cooking as soon as it hits 165°F.
- Slicing With the Grain: Slicing with the grain (parallel to the muscle fibers) will make even the most tender turkey feel tough and chewy. Solution: Identify the direction of the muscle fibers and slice against (perpendicular to) them.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- To Store: Let the turkey cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To Freeze: This turkey freezes wonderfully. Store sliced turkey in a freezer-safe bag or container with a splash of the cooking broth or gravy to prevent dryness. It will keep for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Reheat slices gently in the microwave with a splash of broth, or place them in an oven-safe dish with broth, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.
The Easiest, Juiciest Turkey You’ll Ever Make
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe is a true game-changer. It takes all the guesswork and stress out of cooking turkey, leaving you with a delicious, protein-packed main course that is perfect for any occasion. It’s simple, reliable, and ridiculously flavorful.
We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know in the comments how it turned out for you. Did you add any different spices to the rub? We’d love to hear your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use a bone-in turkey breast?
Absolutely! A bone-in breast will work wonderfully and may be even juicier. You will need to add extra cooking time, likely 1-2 hours, so rely on your meat thermometer and cook until it reaches 165°F.
Q2. Can I make gravy from the drippings?
Yes, and you absolutely should! The liquid at the bottom of the slow cooker is pure gold. Strain the liquid into a small saucepan. You can thicken it by bringing it to a simmer and whisking in a “slurry” (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) until it thickens.
Q3. Do I need to sear the turkey breast first?
You do not need to. This recipe is designed to be a one-pot, “dump and go” meal. Searing the turkey in a hot, oiled pan before placing it in the slow cooker will give you a crispier, browner skin, but it’s an optional step that adds extra dishes. The flavor will be fantastic either way.
Q4. What size slow cooker is best?
A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for a 3-4 pound turkey breast. You want it to fit comfortably with a little space around it. If you have a much larger turkey breast (6-8 lbs), you will need a larger slow cooker (8-quart) and will need to double the onions, garlic, and broth.
More Turkey Recipes to Make Your Holiday Table Shine
Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast (Juicy & Flavorful!)
This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. By slow-cooking a boneless turkey breast with aromatic spices, cranberry sauce, and apple cider, you get an incredibly juicy and flavorful main course that practically cooks itself. Whether you’re hosting a small holiday gathering or just craving a comforting turkey dinner, this easy recipe delivers all the taste of Thanksgiving without the stress.
Leftover Turkey Dinner Muffins (Savory & Delicious!)
These Turkey Dinner Muffins are the ultimate post-holiday hack. They’re savory, moist, and incredibly easy to whip up, transforming your leftovers into a brand-new meal that’s perfect for a quick breakfast, lunch, or snack. Each bite is a mini-feast containing tender turkey and rich gravy flavor, complete with a surprise dollop of cranberry sauce on top.
Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs (Thanksgiving in a Bite!)
These Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs are the ultimate holiday hack! This ingenious recipe combines lean ground turkey with classic stuffing ingredients right in the meatball, creating a dish that tastes like a full turkey dinner rolled into one. Perfect for a festive appetizer, a meal prep lunch, or a simple weeknight dinner when you’re craving comfort food.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Brie (Thanksgiving Recipe!)
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Brie are the ultimate way to enjoy holiday flavors any time. We’re taking soft Hawaiian rolls, layering them with roasted turkey, savory stuffing, and tart cranberry sauce, then elevating it all with creamy, melted brie. Topped with a brown sugar Dijon butter glaze, these sliders are baked until golden, sticky, and absolutely irresistible.
Homemade Turkey Gravy (Easy & Flavorful!)
Is a holiday feast truly complete without a boat brimming with rich, velvety gravy? This Easy Turkey Gravy recipe debunks the myth that gravy is complicated. It’s incredibly simple, requires just three main ingredients, and tastes infinitely better than anything from a jar. Using the flavorful drippings from your roasted turkey as the base, we create a sauce that is smooth, deeply savory, and the perfect consistency.
Open Faced Turkey Cranberry Provolone Sandwich Melt
This Open Faced Turkey Cranberry Provolone Sandwich Melt is the ultimate comfort food upgrade. It takes crusty French bread and layers it with creamy mayonnaise, bright cranberry sauce, tender shredded turkey, and savory stuffing. Topped with a generous slice of provolone and broiled until bubbly and golden, it’s a warm, open-faced hug on a plate that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Classic Turkey Goulash Recipe (Budget-Friendly & Delicious!)
This Turkey Goulash is a lighter, healthier twist on the classic American comfort food. Packed with lean protein, vibrant tomatoes, and aromatic Italian herbs, this one-pan wonder delivers all the rich, nostalgic flavor you crave without the heavy feeling. It’s the perfect budget-friendly dinner that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Green Chile Turkey Melt Sliders (Leftover Turkey Idea!)
Transform those holiday leftovers into a warm, melty, and slightly spicy meal! These Green Chile Turkey Melt Sliders combine savory roasted turkey, crispy bacon, zesty green chiles, and spicy pepper jack cheese, all nestled inside soft Hawaiian sweet rolls. They are a flavor explosion perfect for game day or a quick weeknight dinner.
Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (The Only Recipe You Need)
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 Servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Let’s be honest: cooking a turkey can be intimidating. We all have that lingering fear of spending hours on a beautiful bird, only to have it turn out dry and disappointing. What if I told you that you could have the most tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey breast of your life… with almost zero effort? Enter the magic of this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe. This is the “set it and forget it” method that guarantees a perfectly moist, fall-apart tender turkey every single time. It’s not just for the holidays; this easy crockpot recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a celebration. Say goodbye to dry turkey forever.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 lb) Boneless turkey breast
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Paprika (use smoked paprika for extra depth!)
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 cup Chicken broth (low-sodium is best)
- 1 head Garlic, cloves peeled and smashed
- 1 large Yellow onion, sliced
Instructions
- Pat the Turkey Dry: First, remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it completely dry with paper towels.
- Mix Your Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.
- Season the Turkey Generously: Drizzle the olive oil all over the turkey breast and rub it in to coat every side. Sprinkle the spice blend all over the oiled turkey, generously pressing the rub into the meat.
- Create the Aromatic Bed: Place the sliced yellow onion and the smashed garlic cloves in the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread them out evenly to create a “rack” for the turkey.
- Place the Turkey and Add Broth: Carefully place your seasoned turkey breast on top of the onions and garlic. Pour the 1 cup of chicken broth around the turkey, not over the top of it.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The turkey is done when it is tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C).
- Let the Turkey Rest (The Crucial Step!): Turn off the slow cooker. Carefully remove the turkey breast to a clean cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Slice and Serve: After resting, use a sharp knife to slice the turkey breast against the grain. Serve the sliced turkey immediately, drizzled with some of the flavorful juices and onions from the bottom of the slow cooker.
Notes
- Dry Turkey: Don’t skip patting the turkey dry! A dry surface allows the olive oil and spice rub to stick properly.
- Maximum Flavor: If your turkey breast has skin, gently loosen it and rub some of the spice blend directly under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Aromatic Rack: The onions and garlic act as a “rack,” preventing the turkey from sticking and infusing the broth (and the meat) with incredible flavor as it cooks.
- Keep the Rub: Pour the broth around the turkey, not over the top, to keep that beautiful spice rub intact.
- Resting is Essential! This 10-15 minute rest allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing every slice is moist.
- Slice Against the Grain: This shortens the muscle fibers and makes the meat even more tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (on High)
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Holiday
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
0