PERFECT Crockpot Turkey Breast - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

The Recipe Rebel / Dinner

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 118 votes

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings 8 servings

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Last updated on January 26, 2024

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This easy Crockpot Turkey Breast is juicy and tender and requires almost no prep time! It’s perfect for smaller holiday gatherings or for a weeknight meal with leftovers!

Make this a full holiday dinner with my Crockpot Stuffing and Green Bean Casserole!

PERFECT Crockpot Turkey Breast - The Recipe Rebel (2)

Table of Contents

  • Ingredients Needed:
  • How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast
  • Boneless vs Bone-In
  • Crockpot Turkey Breast FAQs
  • Tips and Notes
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Leftover Turkey Recipes
  • Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

This Crockpot Turkey Breast is one of my favorite turkey recipes. It takes just a few minutes to prep, is slathered in a flavorful garlic butter, and is slow cooked until tender and juicy!

The juices left behind by the turkey are transformed in to the most incredible gravy that can be finished up in just a few minutes on the stove or in the crockpot. This delicious meal is perfect for holidays or for any old weeknight!

If you’re looking to cook a whole turkey in the crockpot, check out my Crockpot Turkey with Garlic Butter!

We love to serve both of them with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Honey Glazed Carrots, Green Beans with Bacon or Broccoli Casserole and Garlic Bread.

Need help planning your Thanksgiving meal? Check out these 20+ Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas!

Ingredients Needed:

PERFECT Crockpot Turkey Breast - The Recipe Rebel (3)
  • Turkey: I use boneless turkey breast, but bone in will work too.
  • Unsalted Butter: soften the butter first so you can easily slather it all over the turkey.
  • Seasonings: we’re seasoning the turkey with a simple blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, and black pepper.

For the Gravy

  • Cooking Liquid: save the cooking liquid from the crockpot after the turkey is cooked. It acts as the base for the gravy.
  • Broth: you can use chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth depending on your preferences. I like to use low sodium broth so I can control the saltiness.
  • Cornstarch: whisked together with the broth to help thicken the gravy.
  • Seasonings: a simple combination of dried parsley, dried thyme, and black pepper give the gravy just the right flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast

This slow cooker turkey breast recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep!

  1. Season the turkey: Place the turkey breast into the crockpot. In a bowl, mix together butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, and pepper. Rub all over the turkey thoroughly.
  2. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours, then remove and let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked through! It should be 165 degrees F.
  3. Make the gravy: Strain the juices from the crockpot through a sieve into a pot. Whisk together broth and cornstarch, then whisk into the juices. Cook until thickened, then add the seasonings to taste.
  4. Slice and serve: Slice the turkey breast, then place back into the crockpot to keep warm or serve right away with the gravy.
PERFECT Crockpot Turkey Breast - The Recipe Rebel (4)
PERFECT Crockpot Turkey Breast - The Recipe Rebel (5)
PERFECT Crockpot Turkey Breast - The Recipe Rebel (6)
PERFECT Crockpot Turkey Breast - The Recipe Rebel (7)

Boneless vs Bone-In

I prefer to use boneless turkey breast for this crockpot recipe, but there are pros and cons to each. Feel free to go whatever route you wish. The recipe shouldn’t change!

Boneless

Boneless turkey breast is a great option because it cooks more quickly and is easier to slice and serve. However, it an be difficult to find boneless, even during the holiday season.

I usually use a boneless turkey breast roast, which comes in a mash casing and is usually rounded than regular boneless turkey breast. A breast is made with real turkey breast meat and are not pre-cooked, so you will just proceed with the recipe as instructed.

Bone-In

Bone-in turkey breast tends to be juicier. Having the skin on helps it achieve a better texture and flavor. Plus, if you like a crispy skin, you can pop it under the broiler for a few minutes for that perfect combination of juicy and crispy.

If the weight of the turkey breast is the same as the recipe requires, you don’t need to change the cook time.

Any additional weight will require more cook time.

PERFECT Crockpot Turkey Breast - The Recipe Rebel (8)

Crockpot Turkey Breast FAQs

Is it safe to cook turkey in slow cooker?

Totally! You’ll just want to use fresh or thawed turkey. Fully frozen turkey will not work, because it will sit too long at an unsafe temperature in the crockpot.

How long do you cook a boneless turkey breast in a crockpot?

You’ll cook the boneless turkey breast for just 5 hours on low in the crockpot. To double check that it’s done, use a meat thermometer. It should be 165ºF!

How much turkey per person?

If you’re cooking boneless turkey breast, you can plan on about ½ pound person. However, if you want leftovers maybe aim for ¾ pounds per person.

How to store:

Leftover turkey breast without gravy will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. The gravy will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To enjoy your leftovers, thaw the turkey overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven or in the microwave. Heat a portion of gravy up for serving, then dig in!

Tips and Notes

  • Use fresh or thaw first. If you have fresh turkey, great. If you have frozen, plan ahead and thaw it for a couple of days in the fridge before cooking.
  • Check the temp. The internal temperature of turkey should be 165ºF. Use a meat thermometer to double check before serving!
  • Let it rest. Once the turkey is cooked, pull it out and let it rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes. This gives the flavor and moisture time to settle back into the meat for the juiciest texture.
  • Save the juices! Don’t discard the cooking liquid in the crockpot after cooking. You’ll use it as the base for the gravy.
  • Make extra garlic butter. It’s great on turkey, but also delicious on Roasted Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes, chicken, or toasted French bread.

Serving Suggestions

These Crockpot Turkey Breasts are super versatile, so feel free to pair them with whatever side dishes your heart desires. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
  • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
  • Cheesy Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
  • Garlic Herb Instant Pot Potatoes
  • Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes and Carrots Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Honey Orange Glazed Carrots

Leftover Turkey Recipes

Got leftovers? Here are a few of my favorites ways to use them up!

  • Try this creamy Leftover Turkey Soup!
  • This Turkey Noodle Soup is healthy and hearty.
  • One Pot Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is an easy meal the whole family loves!
  • This One Pot Turkey Tetrazzini Soup Recipe is SO cozy!

Dinner

Dinner

Turkey Noodle Soup

Dinner

One Pot Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Fall/Winter

One Pot Turkey Tetrazzini Soup Recipe + VIDEO

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Crockpot Turkey Breast

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 118 votes

This easy Crockpot Turkey Breast is juicy and tender with almost no prep time! It's perfect for a smaller holiday gathering or a weeknight meal with leftovers!

PERFECT Crockpot Turkey Breast - The Recipe Rebel (16)

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Course Main Course

Servings 8 servings

Calories 237cal

Ingredients

  • 3-3.5 lb boneless turkey breast
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (I use Lawry's)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the gravy

  • 1 cup low sodium chicken, turkey or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 pinch black pepper

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Place turkey breast (completely thawed, if it was frozen) in a 2.5-4 quart crockpot. If you're using a turkey breast roast, be sure to leave the netting in place.

  • In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt and pepper. Rub all over the turkey breast, both sides (be sure to get under and on top of the skin if your turkey breast has skin).

  • Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches at least 165 degrees F.

  • Remove to a cutting board and let rest for 10-15 minutes while you start the gravy.

  • To make the gravy, strain the juices from the crockpot with a fine mesh sieve into a medium pot.

  • Whisk together chicken broth and corn starch. Whisk into turkey juices.

  • Cook on medium heat, whisking often, until thickened. Taste and add recommend seasonings (parsley, thyme and pepper) or adjust seasonings to your tastes.

  • Thinly slice the turkey breast, and place back into the crockpot on warm to serve later, or serve immediately with gravy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 237cal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 651mg | Potassium: 441mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 211IU | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

Keywords crockpot turkey breast, slow cooker turkey breast

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PERFECT Crockpot Turkey Breast - The Recipe Rebel (17)

Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim Porter says

    I slow cooked a 3-pound bone-in turkey breast for 4.5 hours on low. Followed the rest of the recipe exactly. Absolutely perfect for our small family’s Thanksgiving dinner. Thank you!

    Reply

  2. Susan T says

    Made this recipe last year, was perfection. I’m ready to do it again tomorrow😊

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      So happy to hear, thank you Susan!

      Reply

  3. Dave says

    Should I add any liquid to the pot before cooking?

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Dave, the only thing you’ll add is the butter mixture. Enjoy!

      Reply

  4. PJ says

    Excellent suggestion! I dislike italian blend. Thanks!!

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Enjoy!

      Reply

  5. Hilary says

    Would you cook a 7lb bone-in turkey breast for 10 hours?

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Hilary, The recipe shouldn’t change much if using bone-in. Enjoy!

      Reply

  6. Tina Rae Walker says

    I would use poultry seasoning instead of Italian seasoning

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      It would give it a different flavor profile than the one intended here but you could.

      Reply

    • Jimmie Stewart says

      Yes, poultry seasoning always puts me in a “foul” mood, lol. Good suggestion.

      Reply

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PERFECT Crockpot Turkey Breast - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to cook a turkey in a slow cooker on low? ›

For the purpose of having this turkey done fast, I cook it on HIGH heat setting, but you CAN cook it on low if you wish.

Does turkey breast cook faster than whole turkey? ›

It's way faster than a whole bird!! A turkey breast takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours and takes up less space in your oven!

How much turkey breast per person? ›

How much turkey per person do I need? Our recommendation is to plan for one pound of turkey per person, or ½ pound per person for a boneless turkey breast. If you're buying a bone-in turkey breast, figure on 3/4 pound per person.

What temperature should you cook turkey? ›

What Temperature to Cook the Turkey? Cook your turkey at 325 degrees F for most of the cook time; in the final 45 minutes, remove the cover or foil tent from the turkey, increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F and baste the bird with butter. The initial lower oven temperature cooks the turkey through evenly.

How many hours can you leave a slow cooker on low? ›

Most slow cooker meals take 8-12 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high, but there are also recipes for slow-cooked meat that take up to 24 hours. If you want to avoid overcooking your dish, follow the given guidelines as closely as possible.

How long can you leave meat in a slow cooker on low? ›

If the food has cooled, it is not safe to eat after sitting in the crockpot all day. How long is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for? It all depends what you are cooking if you are cooking soup you could put the cooker on low for 8 to 10 hours if you are cooking meat 10 to 12 hours to 24 hours .

Should a turkey breast be cooked covered or uncovered? ›

To achieve a perfectly golden, juicy turkey, let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered in the oven. We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out; then, during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking, remove the cover so the skin crisps in the hot oven.

How many people will a 7 pound turkey breast feed? ›

How Much Turkey Breast to Buy. One (3-pound) half-breast will feed two to four people. A whole (six- to seven-pound) turkey breast (two breasts, still joined at the breast bone) will feed six to eight people. This method will work for either amount of meat.

How do you not overcook turkey breast? ›

After the turkey turns golden brown, loosely cover it with an aluminum foil tent (it will help prevent over-browning) Take the turkey breast out of the oven when the meat thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the breast. Let the meat rest for ten minutes before slicing it.

How many adults will a 5 lb turkey breast feed? ›

4 people = 2 pound turkey breast. 8 people = 4 pound turkey breast. 10 people = 5 pound turkey breast. 16 people = 8 pound turkey breast.

How many people will a 3lb turkey breast feed? ›

As a rule of thumb, plan to purchase 1 ½ pounds of turkey per person with leftovers or 1 pound of turkey per person without leftovers. This recipe calls for a 3-pound turkey breast, which will easily feed two to three adults, although you can scale it up or down as needed.

How many turkey breasts do I need for 20 people? ›

For a boneless breast, you should plan for 1/2 pound (8 ounces) per person.

How do you tell if a turkey is done without a thermometer? ›

To find out if your turkey is done without a thermometer, pierce the mid-thigh muscle with a fork, explains Johnson. "When the juices run clear, and no longer reddish or pink in color, it's a good indication that your turkey is done." In most cases, the deep thigh is the last part of the turkey to be done.

Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350? ›

2- to 2½-pound bone-in turkey breast half: Roast at 325°F for 60 to 70 minutes. 2½- to 3-pound boneless turkey breast: Roast at 325°F for 40 to 60 minutes. 4- to 6-pound whole turkey breast: Roast at 325°F for 1½ to 2¼ hours. 6- to 8-pound whole turkey breast: Roast at 325°F for 2¼ to 3¼ hours.

How to season a turkey? ›

Stick with salt and pepper, put herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to work, or take spicy Cajun seasoning for a spin for some kick. Whatever blend you choose, spread it all over the turkey—on top, underneath, between the body and wings and legs, under the skin, and even in the cavity of the bird.

Is it safe to cook turkey on a low heat? ›

It is not safe to cook any meat or poultry in an oven set lower than 325 °F. At lower temperatures, meat stays in the Danger Zone (between 40 °F and 140°F for too long.

Is slow cooking a turkey safe? ›

Slow cookers are a perfectly acceptable and safe way of preparing food; however, because of the low temperatures produced, the following procedures should be observed.

What's the lowest temperature you can cook a turkey overnight? ›

When you're starting to think about going to bed, preheat your oven to somewhere between 170-180ºF. If your oven temperature does not go this low, set it to its coolest setting; anything up to 200ºF is fine.

How low is it safe to cook a turkey? ›

Set your oven temperature no lower than 325°F. Place the turkey on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. For more even cooking, it is recommended that you cook your stuffing outside the bird in a casserole dish.

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