Crockpot Turkey Breast – Tender, Juicy, No-Fail Recipe

There’s something magical about the smell of slow-cooked turkey wafting through the kitchen. I first tried this Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe when I wanted a simple holiday dinner without roasting a whole bird. What started as an experiment became my go-to recipe for Thanksgiving for two, meal prepping, or anytime I need tender, flavorful turkey without the fuss. The meat turns out incredibly moist, and the best part? The prep takes less than 10 minutes. No oven, no stress — just juicy turkey infused with savory herbs and buttery richness.

Why I Love Slow Cooker Turkey

It’s Perfect for Small Gatherings

This recipe is ideal if you’re not feeding a crowd or just don’t want to deal with a whole turkey. A 3–4 lb turkey breast feeds about 4 people generously, and the leftovers are great for sandwiches or soups. You get all the holiday vibes without the extra work.

Set It and Walk Away

One of the biggest wins with crockpot cooking is how hands-off it is. I can season the turkey, set the slow cooker to LOW, and forget about it for hours while I focus on sides or get work done. It’s honestly the easiest way to make juicy turkey breast every single time. Plus, there’s no need to babysit it or baste.

What You’ll Need

Basic Ingredients with Big Flavor

Ingredient	Amount
Turkey breast (bone-in or boneless)	3–4 lbs
Onion soup mix (dry)	1 packet
Garlic powder	1 tsp
Paprika	1 tsp
Black pepper	½ tsp
Chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)	1 cup
Butter, melted	2 tbsp

Optional Add-Ins for More Flavor

• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
• Half an onion, sliced, placed underneath the turkey
• Splash of white wine for extra depth
• Crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick

How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast

1. Place your turkey breast into the crockpot, skin-side up if using bone-in.
2. In a small bowl, mix the onion soup mix, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the turkey breast.
4. Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the turkey — not over it, to keep the seasoning in place.
5. Drizzle the melted butter on top of the turkey for extra richness.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours. Check with a thermometer — it should reach 165°F internally.
7. If you want crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet and broil for 5–10 minutes until golden.
8. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve with spoonfuls of the broth poured over the top.

Helpful Tips and Adjustments

Boneless vs. Bone-In

Both work well. Bone-in tends to retain more moisture and flavor. If you’re using boneless, reduce cooking time slightly and check doneness after 5 hours to avoid drying it out.

How to Make Gravy from the Broth

Don’t waste the flavorful broth! To make a quick gravy, transfer 2 cups of the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Whisk in 1–2 tbsp of flour or cornstarch slurry (equal parts starch and cold water) and simmer until thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Slow Cooker Size

A 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for a 3–4 lb turkey breast. If yours is smaller, make sure the lid fits tightly or reduce the size of the turkey.

Serving Suggestions

This turkey pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash
• Green beans with almonds
• Stuffing or herbed wild rice
• Cranberry sauce for a sweet contrast

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook the turkey on HIGH?

You can, but it’s not recommended. Cooking on LOW ensures tender, juicy meat. If you must, cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours and monitor the internal temperature carefully.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes! You can season the turkey the night before and store it in the crockpot insert in the fridge. The next morning, just add broth and start the cooking process.

How should I store leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze sliced turkey with some of the broth to keep it moist — it reheats beautifully.

Conclusion

Making turkey doesn’t have to be a big production. This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe is proof that a simple slow cooker meal can still taste like a special occasion. Juicy, flavorful, and practically effortless — it’s a lifesaver during the holidays, but just as good on any chilly weeknight. Give it a try, and don’t forget the gravy spoon.

If you’re looking for another effortless dinner idea packed with flavor, try this Melt-In-Your-Mouth Honey Garlic Chicken Breast recipe — it’s sweet, savory, and just as simple to prepare.

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