Crock Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

Introduction

This Effortless Crock Pot Turkey Breast recipe delivers incredibly juicy, flavorful results with minimal hands-on work. It’s perfect for holiday dinners or any weeknight meal. For a complete feast, serve it alongside Crockpot Cranberry Sauce Recipe and Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe.

Ingredients

This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe yields incredibly juicy, tender meat infused with aromatic herbs and creates a rich, savory gravy from the cooking drippings.

• 2 medium onions, peeled and cut into wedges
• 3-4 pound boneless turkey breast, thawed
• 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• For the gravy: unsalted chicken stock (only if needed to make 2 cups drippings)
• 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	4-6 hours
Total Time	4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes

Context: This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes that require oven roasting and resting time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Turkey Breast

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes better browning.

Rub the entire surface with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Step 2 — Prepare the Slow Cooker

Create a flavor base by placing chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your crockpot.

Add a cup of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking and create delicious juices for basting or gravy.

Step 3 — Position the Turkey

Place the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up on top of the vegetables in the crockpot.

For extra flavor, tuck fresh herb sprigs and garlic cloves around the turkey.

Step 4 — Cook the Turkey Breast

Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Do not open the lid during cooking as this releases heat and moisture.

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey breast and your specific crockpot model.

Step 5 — Check for Doneness

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast. It should register 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

The juices should run clear when the turkey is properly cooked. If using a bone-in breast, ensure the temperature is taken away from the bone.

Step 6 — Rest Before Serving

Transfer the cooked crockpot turkey breast to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil.

Let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.

Step 7 — Make Gravy (Optional)

Strain the cooking liquid from the crockpot into a saucepan. Skim off excess fat if desired.

Bring to a simmer and thicken with a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup cold water) for delicious homemade gravy.

Step 8 — Carve and Serve

Slice the turkey breast against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy your perfectly cooked crockpot turkey breast.

Nutritional Information

Calories	165
Protein	31g
Carbohydrates	0g
Fat	4g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	65mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Chicken breast — Lighter protein option with similar cooking time and texture.
• Turkey tenderloins — Quicker cooking cut with identical flavor profile.
• Cauliflower rice stuffing — Low-carb alternative to traditional bread stuffing.
• Coconut aminos — Gluten-free, lower-sodium substitute for soy sauce.
• Nutritional yeast — Dairy-free option for adding cheesy, savory notes.
• Avocado oil — Neutral-flavored oil with higher smoke point than butter.
• Mushroom broth — Rich umami flavor with significantly less sodium than stock.
• Zucchini noodles — Fresh, low-carb base instead of pasta or potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your Crockpot Turkey Breast with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or cranberry sauce for a traditional holiday meal.
• Serve shredded Crockpot Turkey Breast over rice or quinoa with steamed vegetables for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
• Use the tender Crockpot Turkey Breast in sandwiches, wraps, or salads for delicious next-day lunches.
• Create a festive platter by slicing the Crockpot Turkey Breast and arranging it with roasted root vegetables and fresh herbs.
• Turn your Crockpot Turkey Breast into a comforting soup by adding the shredded meat to broth with noodles and vegetables.
• For special occasions, garnish the Crockpot Turkey Breast with fresh rosemary and serve with a side of gravy made from the cooking juices.

This versatile Crockpot Turkey Breast adapts beautifully to various meals, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and holiday gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a frozen turkey breast directly in the slow cooker. Fix: Always thaw it completely in the refrigerator first to ensure even, safe cooking.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of patting the skin dry before seasoning. Fix: Blot it thoroughly with paper towels so your rub adheres properly and the skin isn’t soggy.
• Mistake: Not adding any liquid to the crockpot. Fix: Pour in at least half a cup of broth or water to create steam and prevent the meat from drying out.
• Mistake: Overcooking the turkey on a high heat setting. Fix: Cook it on Low for 5-7 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for the most tender result.
• Mistake: Placing the turkey breast skin-side down in the pot. Fix: Position it skin-side up so the fat can baste the meat as it renders during cooking.
• Mistake: Lifting the lid frequently to check on progress. Fix: Keep the lid closed to maintain a consistent temperature and cooking time.
• Mistake: Relying solely on cooking time instead of a meat thermometer. Fix: Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness at the thickest part of the breast.
• Mistake: Not letting the cooked turkey rest before carving. Fix: Allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes so the juices can redistribute throughout the meat.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Crockpot Turkey Breast within 2 hours, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Place cooled turkey in a freezer-safe bag or container; it will keep well for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm turkey slices in a covered dish with a splash of broth until it reaches 165°F for food safety.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your reheated Crockpot Turkey Breast reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Turkey Breast is a simple, flavorful main dish perfect for any occasion. Serve it with Easy Crockpot Cranberry Sauce Recipe or Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe for a complete meal. We hope you love this recipe! Please leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more easy recipes.

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Crock Pot Turkey Breast

Print Recipe

A simple slow cooker recipe for juicy, flavorful turkey breast made with onions, butter, and a blend of herbs and spices, optionally served with gravy made from drippings.

• Author: Dorothy Miller
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium onions, peeled and cut into wedges
• 3–4 pound boneless turkey breast, thawed
• 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• For the gravy: unsalted chicken stock (only if needed to make 2 cups drippings)
• 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Peel 2 medium onions and cut them into wedges. Place them into the bottom of a 6-8 quart slow cooker.
2. Pat the 3-4 pound boneless turkey breast dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, stir together 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme.
4. Rub the butter and herb mixture all over the turkey breast.
5. Place the turkey breast on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Remove turkey from slow cooker and let rest before slicing.
8. For the gravy, pour drippings into a saucepan and add chicken stock as needed to make 2 cups.
9. Whisk together butter and flour in a separate pan over medium heat until bubbly and smooth to form a roux.
10. Slowly whisk in the drippings and cook until thickened, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

1. Make sure to pat the turkey dry to help the butter mixture adhere well.
2. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
3. Using onions under the turkey adds flavor and prevents sticking.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

FAQs

How long does it take to cook a turkey breast in a crockpot?

It typically takes 4 to 6 hours on low heat for a Crockpot Turkey Breast to cook thoroughly. The exact time depends on the size of the turkey breast and your specific slow cooker. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Do I need to add liquid to the crockpot for turkey breast?

Yes, adding about 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid like broth or water helps keep the Crockpot Turkey Breast moist during cooking. The turkey and vegetables also release juices as they cook. This creates a flavorful base for gravy.

Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in the crockpot?

No, you should always thaw your turkey breast completely before cooking it in a crockpot. Cooking a frozen Crockpot Turkey Breast can result in unsafe temperatures and uneven cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator for the best results.