This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is ideal for a small family or Thanksgiving dinner — an easy way to get juicy, tender turkey with simple prep and savory notes of garlic, onion, and fresh herbs.
Serve it with classic sides like Stuffing, Corn Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, and Yeast Rolls for a comforting holiday meal.
This slow cooker method delivers a moist, flavorful turkey breast with almost no fuss. It’s perfect for smaller gatherings when you don’t want to wrestle with a whole bird.
Whether you want to enjoy roasted turkey aromas before the holiday or you need a smaller roast for an intimate dinner, a Crock Pot turkey breast is quick, reliable, and great for leftovers.
Leftovers from this recipe are especially useful — slice or shred for sandwiches, soups, salads, pot pies, and more. The simple seasoning and herb butter keep the meat versatile and delicious.
How To Cook Turkey Breast in a Crockpot:
- Start by brining the meat to add flavor and moisture. A brine with citrus, cinnamon, bay leaves, and pepper works beautifully.
- Rinse and pat the turkey dry, then spread herb butter under and over the skin for richness and extra flavor. Garlic powder in the butter is a nice touch.
- Line the bottom of the slow cooker with sliced white onions and crushed garlic cloves, then place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The result is a tender, juicy turkey breast with minimal hands-on time.
How long does it take to cook a turkey in a slow cooker?
Timing depends on size and whether the breast is bone-in or boneless. A 5 lb boneless turkey breast usually needs 4–5 hours on low. Smaller breasts cook faster; larger or bone-in pieces will take longer. Generally plan about 1 hour per pound for bone-in pieces. Always use a thermometer and remove the turkey when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tips For Making Slow Cooker Turkey Breast:
- When possible, choose a bone-in turkey breast for extra juiciness.
- If you prefer crispy skin, broil the turkey for a few minutes after slow cooking to brown and crisp the surface.
- A large oval slow cooker usually offers the best fit and even cooking.
How Much Turkey Per Person?
A good rule of thumb is about 1 pound of turkey per person to allow for generous servings and leftovers.
The herb butter, onion, and garlic infuse the breast with comforting savory aromas that make this an easy, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
Can You Freeze Slow Cooked Turkey?
Yes. Slow-cooked turkey freezes well and is convenient for soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and more. For bone-in breasts, remove the meat from the bones before freezing. Slice, dice, or shred the meat, place it in freezer-safe bags, remove excess air, and freeze for up to six months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Beyond a main dish, Crock Pot turkey breast is excellent in pot pies, salads, quesadillas, and sandwiches. A little mayo and cranberry sauce turns slices into an unbeatable sandwich.
This recipe makes preparing turkey approachable — perfect for a small Thanksgiving, a special Sunday dinner, or whenever you crave roast turkey without fuss.
More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes:
- Candied Yams
- Pecan Pie
- Corn Mac and Cheese
- Yeast Rolls
- Cranberry Sauce
Let’s Connect!
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a review — feedback is appreciated!
Tag @sugarandsoulco on social media or share your photos in the community to join recipe challenges and show-offs.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 1 Turkey Brine Recipe
- 1 Herb Butter Recipe
- 1 large white onion
- 8 garlic cloves
- 5 lbs boneless turkey breast
Instructions
-
Brine the turkey for 8–12 hours and refrigerate. Preparing the herb butter in advance saves time.
-
Slice the onion and place the slices in the slow cooker. Crush the garlic and add it to the bottom as well.
-
Remove the turkey from the brine, pat dry, and rub herb butter under the skin and over the surface. Place the turkey on top of the onions and garlic.
-
Cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste occasionally with melted butter from the cooker.
-
Optional: For crisp skin, transfer the cooked turkey to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes until golden and crisp.
Video
Notes
- This recipe typically uses a half turkey breast. If using a full breast, you may need to cut it to fit the crockpot and add extra butter. Multiple halves may require slightly longer cooking; monitor temperature to confirm doneness.
- Timing: a 5 lb boneless breast usually takes 4–5 hours on low. Smaller breasts cook faster; bone-in breasts require more time. Remove from heat when the internal temperature reads 165°F.
- Bone-in turkey breast yields a juicier result when available.
- Finish under the broiler for a few minutes if you want crisp, golden skin.
- Use a large oval slow cooker for best results so the breast fits without crowding.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 3g |
Protein: 98g |
Fat: 44g
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share your results on social media and tag the account or post in the community to connect and share photos.
Pin Recipe
Share Recipe