Soft, tender, and juicy, an Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast brings coziness and warmth to any gathering. Imagine walking into your home and being greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of herbs and spices, evoking memories of past family feasts. Cooking this turkey breast feels like wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy blanket, the anticipation only heightened by thoughts of those loved ones gathering around the table to enjoy this delicious meal. As the holidays approach, the thought of preparing a hassle-free turkey can be a game-changer. You can focus on the people you love, not just the food. This recipe celebrates those shared moments with ease and flavor—making it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Table of Contents
Why This Is The Best Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious? The beauty of this Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast lies in its straightforward preparation. With just ten minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it, allowing your slow cooker to do all the hard work. This turkey breast is infused with irresistible flavors from fresh herbs and spices, creating a beautiful golden skin that’s simply mouthwatering. It looks gorgeous on the table and works well for any occasion, from holiday feasts to casual family dinners. Best of all, it’s gluten-free and can easily adapt to various dietary preferences. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 pound boneless turkey breast, skin-on: This cut helps maintain moisture and adds flavor from the skin. Choose a fresh or thawed turkey breast for the best results.
2 tablespoons butter, softened at room temperature: The butter adds richness and helps the herbs adhere to the turkey for maximum flavor and moisture retention.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Prevents the butter from burning and creates a perfect blend for cooking.
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped: Offers an earthy, slightly minty flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey. Fresh is key, but dried can be used in a pinch—just reduce the amount.
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Delivers a fragrant, pine-like flavor that complements the turkey; it’s essential for that warm, autumnal taste.
1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped: Sage is classic for turkey; its savory, slightly peppery flavor enhances the overall dish.
2 teaspoons paprika: Not only adds a subtle warmth but also gives the skin a gorgeous color when broiled.
1/2 tablespoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors; adjust depending on your preference.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a little heat, balancing the other flavors wonderfully.
1 onion, chopped in half: Adds sweetness and depth to the cooking liquid, helping keep the turkey moist.
1 head of garlic, chopped in half horizontally: Roasted garlic makes everything more delicious. The flavor becomes silky and smooth, creating a luscious base for the turkey.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Prepare the Turkey
Begin by moistening the turkey breast. In a small bowl, combine the butter, oil, thyme, rosemary, sage, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix these until you achieve a smooth paste. This herb butter is the heart of the flavor party! Ensure the turkey breast is patted completely dry using paper towels; this crucial step helps in achieving that sought-after crispy skin. Next, take a knife or spoon to loosen the skin gently, and then spread about two tablespoons of your delicious herb butter evenly beneath the skin. The more, the merrier! Finally, rub the remaining herb butter all over the skin—this sets the stage for fantastic flavor.
Slow Cook the Turkey
Place the halved onion and garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading them out evenly to create a savory aromatic base. Now, carefully set your seasoned turkey breast on top, skin side up. Cover the cooker and set it to high for six hours. The cooking time can vary based on the specific model of your slow cooker, so keep an eye on the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F before consuming. During cooking, the house will fill with the delightful scents of turkey and herbs—an undeniable sign that something good is happening.
Broil and Serve
Once cooking is finished, carefully transfer the turkey breast to a baking sheet using tongs. Now for arguably the best part: turn your broiler to high and allow the turkey to broil for 3–4 minutes. This step creates that irresistible golden-brown, crispy skin that everyone loves. Once perfectly broiled, let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into half-inch thick pieces. Serve it warm with your homemade gravy or favorite sides—how about some roasted veggies or creamy mashed potatoes?
Tips for Success
- Always pat the turkey dry before cooking; moisture leads to soggy skin.
- Make sure your herb butter mixture is evenly spread under the skin and on the outer surface for balanced flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer to check your turkey’s doneness. Overcooking can lead to dryness—the goal is that juicy inner meat!
- Remember to let the turkey rest post-cooking; this crucial step ensures every slice stays juicy.
- For a flavor boost, let the turkey marinate with the herb butter combination overnight in the fridge.
Serve It With
To elevate your Thanksgiving or holiday dinner, consider serving your Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with some homemade turkey gravy—there’s nothing like that savory complement! Roasted vegetables, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even cranberry sauce create a delightful medley of flavors on your plate. Don’t forget some fresh baked rolls to soak up all that goodness or a seasonal salad for a fresh crunch alongside. This combo promises to leave your guests impressed!
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
Room temperature leftovers should not sit out for more than two hours. For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can freeze your turkey as well; just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When reheating, pop it in the microwave or oven until just warmed through; avoid high temperatures as they may dry the meat out. If the turkey seems a little dry upon reheating, a splash of broth can work wonders.
Tips & Variations
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the thyme and rosemary for other herbs like dill or parsley—each brings its unique flavor. For a slightly sweet note, consider adding a bit of honey to your herb butter blend; it pairs beautifully with the savory aspects of the turkey. If you’re catering to dietary modifications, this dish is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted to suit vegan preferences by using a plant-based turkey substitute. Seasonal adaptations also shine—try adding some orange zest or cranberries to the cooking liquid during the fall months to highlight those holiday flavors.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a frozen turkey breast?
While it’s advisable to thaw your turkey breast fully before cooking to ensure thorough and even cooking, you can cook directly from frozen. However, increase the cooking time by approximately 50%. If doing so, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can this recipe work with a bone-in turkey breast?
Absolutely! A bone-in turkey breast may require slightly longer cooking time—plan on around 7 hours on high. The bone adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat moist.
What can I do with leftover turkey?
Leftover turkey can be transformed into a variety of dishes like turkey soup, sandwiches, or even a turkey casserole. The options are as endless as your imagination!
How can I make my turkey breast even juicier?
For an extra juicy result, brine the turkey breast in a saltwater solution for a few hours before cooking. This step adds moisture and enhances flavor, making every bite even more delightful.
Soft, succulent, and super easy—I hope you’ll give this Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast a try. This recipe is designed not just to fill plates but to create memories shared with friends and family around the table. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy the cooking adventure! Happy feasting!
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Recipe Card
Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is perfect for gatherings, offering tender, juicy meat infused with fresh herbs and spices, creating unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 pound boneless turkey breast, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 onion, chopped in half
- 1 head of garlic, chopped in half horizontally
Instructions
- Combine butter, oil, thyme, rosemary, sage, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make herb butter.
- Pat turkey breast dry and loosen skin; spread herb butter under skin and over the turkey.
- Place onion and garlic in the slow cooker, then add seasoned turkey on top, skin side up.
- Cover and cook on high for six hours, checking internal temperature for doneness.
- Broil turkey for 3-4 minutes to achieve crispy skin.
- Let turkey rest before slicing into half-inch pieces.
Notes
Pat the turkey dry before cooking for crispy skin.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Rest the turkey for 10 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 3 oz)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
