This crockpot turkey breast is the easiest way to get juicy holiday turkey without giving up your oven. A bone-in turkey breast is rubbed with garlic herb butter, set on a bed of onions and slow cooked until it reaches 165°F. The drippings become a quick gravy while the turkey rests.
It is perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving, a Friendsgiving, or when you want a whole-turkey dinner on a weeknight.
Why You Will Love This Crockpot Turkey Breast
- Juicy every time. Low, moist heat keeps white meat from drying out.
- Oven stays free. Use it for stuffing, rolls and pie.
- Built-in gravy. The onions and butter make flavorful drippings.
- Feeds 8 to 10. Plenty for a small holiday table with leftovers.
Ingredients for Crockpot Turkey Breast
- Bone-in turkey breast: 6 to 7 lb (2.7 to 3.2 kg), fully thawed. Check that it fits in your slow cooker with the lid closed. A 3 lb boneless breast also works; see the tips for timing.
- Garlic herb butter: Softened butter mixed with garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage and paprika, rubbed over and under the skin.
- Onions and broth: The onions lift the turkey off the bottom so it does not stew, and flavor the gravy.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast
Step 1: Make the herb butter
Mix the butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, paprika, salt and pepper.
Step 2: Season the turkey
Pat the turkey dry. Loosen the skin and rub half the butter underneath, then rub the rest over the skin.
Step 3: Slow cook
Layer the onions in a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker, pour in the broth, and set the turkey on top skin side up. Cook on LOW for 5 to 7 hours, until the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Step 4: Crisp the skin (optional)
Transfer the turkey to a sheet pan and broil 4 to 6 minutes until golden. Rest 15 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Make the gravy
Strain 2 cups of drippings into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Whisk the cornstarch with the cold water, whisk it in, and simmer 1 to 2 minutes until thick. Season to taste.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Turkey Breast
- Always start thawed. A frozen turkey breast stays too long in the unsafe temperature range in a slow cooker. Thaw in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
- Trust a thermometer. Slow cookers vary. Start checking at 5 hours and pull the turkey at 165°F in the thickest part, not touching bone.
- Boneless breast timing. A 3 lb boneless turkey breast takes about 4 to 5 hours on LOW.
- Rest before slicing. Resting 15 minutes keeps the juices in the meat instead of on the board.
What to Serve with Crockpot Turkey Breast
Serve with crockpot mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans and warm rolls. Plan the rest of the menu with our Thanksgiving crockpot recipes.
Easy Variations
- Maple dijon. Brush with 2 tbsp maple syrup mixed with 1 tbsp Dijon mustard before broiling.
- Citrus herb. Add orange and lemon slices under the turkey with the onions.
- Cajun. Replace the herbs with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate sliced turkey with a spoonful of gravy for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat covered at 325°F with a splash of broth, or use leftovers for turkey soup and sandwiches.
Equipment I Used
- 6 to 7-quart oval slow cooker: the right size for this recipe. Fill it between half and two-thirds full for even cooking.
- Wooden cutting board with handle: for slicing and serving right at the table.
- 3-piece ceramic serving bowl set: takes food straight from the crock to the table.
- Large airtight food storage container: for leftovers and freezer portions.
New to slow cooking? The Easy Slow Cooker Recipes guide is a beginner-friendly collection of easy crockpot breakfasts and dinners.
Crockpot Turkey Breast
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Pat the turkey dry. Loosen the skin and rub half the butter underneath, then rub the rest over the skin.
- Layer the onions in a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker, pour in the broth, and set the turkey on top skin side up. Cook on LOW for 5 to 7 hours, until the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- Transfer the turkey to a sheet pan and broil 4 to 6 minutes until golden. Rest 15 minutes before slicing.
- Strain 2 cups of drippings into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Whisk the cornstarch with the cold water, whisk it in, and simmer 1 to 2 minutes until thick. Season to taste.
Notes
Crockpot Turkey Breast FAQ
How long does a turkey breast take in the crock pot?
A 6 to 7 lb bone-in turkey breast takes about 5 to 7 hours on LOW. A 3 lb boneless breast takes about 4 to 5 hours. Always cook to 165°F.
Do I need to add liquid to a crockpot turkey breast?
Just 1/2 cup. The turkey releases plenty of juices, and the onions keep it above the liquid.
Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in the crockpot?
No. Thaw it fully in the refrigerator first. A frozen breast spends too long in the unsafe temperature zone in a slow cooker.
Will the skin be crispy?
Slow cooker skin stays soft. A few minutes under the broiler makes it golden and crisp.
