Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe with Simple Ingredients and Big Flavor

Last Updated on December 24, 2025 by Souhail

I still remember the first time I made this crockpot turkey breast recipe. It was the middle of November, and my oven had completely betrayed me just days before a pre-Thanksgiving dinner party. I needed a solution that didn’t involve crying into pie crusts, and that’s when the humble slow cooker came to my rescue.

What came out of that Crockpot was nothing short of magic: moist, tender turkey breast, deeply infused with garlic, herbs, and buttery goodness. I’ve never looked back.

This recipe is a lifesaver, whether you’re cooking a smaller holiday meal, prepping for a stress-free weeknight dinner, or just want a no-fuss way to enjoy turkey year-round. It’s juicy, flavorful, and shockingly simple. No dry turkey here, just set it, forget it, and enjoy the aroma that fills your kitchen while you go about your day.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

There’s something really comforting about a hands-off meal that turns out restaurant-worthy. This crockpot turkey breast recipe isn’t just about convenience—it’s about big, bold flavor with zero stress. Here’s why it’s a winner every time:

• Set It and Forget It: No basting, no worrying about the oven. The slow cooker keeps the turkey moist and flavorful without any effort.
• Perfectly Juicy Every Time: The steam from the Crockpot locks in moisture, so you never have to worry about dry turkey breast.
• Ideal for Small Gatherings or Weeknight Meals: No need for a whole turkey when you’re feeding a smaller group or want leftovers for easy lunches.
• Packed with Flavor: A garlic herb butter rub seeps into every bite, giving the turkey a rich, savory taste that’s totally craveable.
• Super Versatile: Serve it up with traditional sides or slice it for sandwiches, salads, or wraps.

Want to go full turkey feast mode? Try pairing it with these turkey sausage balls or turkey stuffing balls for an easy, cozy spread.

Customize It Your Way:

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your broth and seasoning blends.
• Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or dairy-free margarine in place of butter.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and go easy on added salt if you’re watching sodium intake.

How To Make This Recipe

Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

5

hours 

Calories

310

kcal

This cozy and juicy crockpot turkey breast recipe is the perfect no-fuss dinner for any night of the week or a smaller holiday gathering.

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Ingredients

• 1 bone-in turkey breast (about 4 to 5 lbs)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (or ⅓ tsp dried)

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ⅓ tsp dried)

• 0.5 teaspoon chopped fresh sage (or ⅙ tsp dried)

• 1 onion, sliced into rings

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Directions

• Start by taking your turkey breast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This takes the chill off and helps it cook more evenly. While it’s resting, pat it dry with paper towels—this part is key! It helps the seasoning stick better and gives you a nicer crust after broiling.
• Now, in a small bowl, mix up your garlic herb butter. I like to combine softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried works in a pinch—just use about a third of the amount.
• Rub that garlicky butter all over the turkey breast, getting into all the nooks and crannies. If it has skin, make sure to lift it and get the butter underneath for maximum flavor.
• Place a bed of sliced onions and a few sprigs of herbs in the bottom of the slow cooker. This acts as a flavorful rack and keeps the turkey lifted off the bottom. Pour in a cup of chicken broth (or turkey stock, if you’ve got it!) around the sides, not over the top.
• Nestle the turkey breast right on top of the onions, cover, and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your timing. You’ll know it’s done when a thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part.
• Once it’s done, gently transfer the turkey to a baking sheet. Don’t forget the juices! I like to strain them and save them for gravy or just drizzling over the meat.
• Turn on your broiler and pop the turkey under it for about 5 to 7 minutes, watching carefully, until the skin is beautifully golden and crisp.
• Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle so every bite is moist and delicious. Slice it up and serve with a spoonful of those savory juices or a splash of gravy.

Notes

• Bone-in, skin-on turkey breast works best for flavor and moisture.
• Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but dried ones work too—just use a third of the amount.
• You can skip broiling if your turkey doesn’t have skin, but it adds great color and texture if it does.
• Save the cooking liquid—it’s packed with flavor and makes a great drizzle or base for gravy.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• Letting the turkey rest before slicing keeps it juicy and tender.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 310kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 42g

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Let Me Share a Few Pro Tips to Nail This Every Time

I’ve made this crockpot turkey breast recipe more times than I can count, and here are a few things I’ve learned that make a big difference:

• Pat the Turkey Dry: This helps the garlic herb butter stick better and gives you that gorgeous golden crust once it’s broiled at the end.
• Use Bone-In, Skin-On for Best Flavor: It keeps the meat juicier and adds rich flavor to the broth.
• Don’t Skip the Broil: Just 5–7 minutes under the broiler crisps up the skin beautifully—totally worth the extra step.
• Let It Rest Before Slicing: This gives all those delicious juices time to settle into the meat so every slice is moist and tender.
• Save the Juices: The liquid left in the Crockpot is gold! Strain it and drizzle over the sliced turkey, or use it to make a quick gravy.

Fun Ways to Mix It Up: Variants of This Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, there are so many fun directions you can take it in. Here are a few tasty twists to try:

Citrus Herb Turkey Breast

Add a sliced orange and lemon to the Crockpot along with fresh rosemary and thyme. The citrus gives the turkey a bright, zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with traditional sides.

Spicy Cajun-Style Turkey

Swap out the herbs for a bold Cajun seasoning mix, and add a dash of hot sauce to the broth. It’s perfect for spice lovers and works great sliced up for sandwiches or tacos.

Garlic Parmesan Turkey

Mix some grated Parmesan into the garlic butter rub and finish with a sprinkle of cheese after broiling. It gives the turkey a rich, slightly nutty flavor that feels extra indulgent.

Maple Mustard Glazed Turkey

Whisk together 2 tbsp maple syrup and 2 tsp Dijon mustard, and brush it over the turkey in the last hour of cooking. It adds a sweet-and-savory glaze that’s perfect for fall dinners.

Mediterranean-Style

Use olive oil instead of butter, and season with oregano, basil, and lemon zest. Add kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes around the turkey for a fresh, Mediterranean vibe.

What to Serve with Your Crockpot Turkey Breast (You’ll Want the Full Spread!)

This turkey breast is comforting, cozy, and totally deserves a plate full of delicious sides. Here are some pairing ideas that are easy yet impressive:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic! Use some of the Crockpot drippings to make a simple pan gravy.
• Roasted Veggies or Green Beans: The freshness balances the richness of the turkey. Try garlic-roasted green beans for a crowd-pleaser.
• Cranberry Sauce: The tangy, fruity bite is a must—whether it’s homemade or from a can.
• Buttered Rolls or Stuffing Balls: These turkey stuffing balls make an epic addition and soak up those juices like champs.
• Light Soup Starter: Start the meal with a cup of vegetable soup for a cozy, complete dinner.

Storage & Reheating Tips (So You Can Enjoy It All Week!)

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This recipe stores and reheats like a dream.

• Fridge: Store sliced turkey in an airtight container with a bit of the juices to keep it moist. It’ll stay good for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze leftovers in freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. I like portioning it into smaller servings for easy lunches.
• To Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or microwave, covered with foil or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Add a splash of broth if it’s looking dry.

Turn Leftovers Into Something Totally New: Creative Uses for Crockpot Turkey Breast

Leftover turkey is a blessing—especially when it’s this flavorful. Here are a few fun ways to repurpose it:

• Turkey Sandwiches or Wraps: Add cranberry sauce, arugula, and cheese for a holiday-inspired lunch.
• Turkey Pot Pie: Chop it up and toss it in with frozen veggies, cream, and puff pastry for an easy pot pie.
• Quesadillas or Tacos: Use shredded turkey, cheese, and a bit of hot sauce for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Add to Soup: Throw chopped turkey into crockpot white chicken chili in place of chicken—it works so well!
• Buffalo Turkey Dip: Sub it into this crockpot buffalo chicken dip for a fun twist on game day snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping It Up

Whether you’re cooking for a small holiday gathering, doing meal prep for the week, or just craving a cozy dinner without fuss, this crockpot turkey breast recipe has you covered. It’s juicy, flavorful, and practically impossible to mess up.

If you loved this, check out my other slow cooker faves like crockpot white chicken chili or crockpot buffalo chicken dip—they’re both crowd-pleasers too.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes—I can’t wait to hear about your version!