Here’s a moist, flavorful, and easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe — perfect for a smaller holiday meal or a comforting weeknight dinner.
🍗 Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Ingredients:
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1 (4 to 6 lb) bone-in or boneless turkey breast (thawed)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup chicken or turkey broth
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Optional: chopped onion, carrots, and celery for the base
Optional Gravy:
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons flour
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1 to 1½ cups strained cooking liquid
🔪 Instructions:
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Prep the Turkey:
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Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
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In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast, including under the skin if possible.
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Layer the Slow Cooker (Optional):
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Place chopped onions, carrots, and celery at the bottom of the slow cooker for flavor and to lift the turkey out of the broth slightly.
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Cook:
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Pour the broth into the bottom of the slow cooker (not over the turkey).
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Place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables or directly in the broth.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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(Optional) Crisp the Skin:
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For crispy skin, place the cooked turkey under a broiler for 3–5 minutes until golden brown.
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Rest and Slice:
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Let the turkey rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
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🥣 Optional Gravy:
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Strain and skim fat from the cooking liquid.
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In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook 1 minute.
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Slowly whisk in 1 to 1½ cups of cooking liquid.
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Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
✅ Tips:
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Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
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Bone-in turkey breast tends to be juicier.
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Leftovers make great sandwiches, soups, or turkey pot pie.