If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that turkey shouldn’t be reserved just for Thanksgiving. And this Crockpot Turkey Breast? It’s proof that you can have juicy, tender, melt-in-your-mouth turkey any day of the week—without babysitting the oven or breaking a sweat.
Perfect for busy weeknights or small holiday gatherings, this recipe gives you all the flavor of a traditional roasted turkey with a fraction of the effort. I’m talking about a cozy, set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that fills your home with the irresistible aroma of herbs, butter, and roasted goodness.
And the best part? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you sip your coffee (or let’s be honest—your well-deserved glass of wine).
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Turkey Breast
This Crockpot Turkey Breast is a game-changer for anyone who loves the comforting taste of homemade turkey but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
- Hands-off cooking: Pop everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Perfectly tender: Slow cooking locks in moisture, so you’ll never end up with dry turkey again.
- Incredible flavor: Butter, herbs, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce come together for that savory, golden perfection.
- Holiday-worthy: Ideal for smaller Thanksgiving gatherings or Sunday dinners when you don’t need a whole bird.
Whether you’re feeding family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a comforting home-cooked dinner, this recipe has your back.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients. Everything here is simple, wholesome, and easy to find—just the way I like it.
For the Turkey Breast:
- 1 (4–6 lb) bone-in or boneless turkey breast
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (adds that beautiful golden color)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (optional but perfect for that holiday vibe)
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for a touch of brightness)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Crockpot Base:
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth and umami)
- ½ onion, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast
Here’s where the magic happens. Don’t worry—this is as easy as it gets!
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast
Pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels. This step is key—it helps the seasoning stick and gives you that flavorful crust later.
If your turkey has skin, gently lift it up and rub a little seasoning underneath. Think of it like giving your turkey a tiny spa treatment—it’ll thank you later with extra flavor.
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, sage, and lemon zest.
This buttery, herby mixture smells like Thanksgiving met a cozy Sunday dinner. You’ll want to eat it with a spoon (but try to save it for the turkey).
Step 3: Season the Turkey
Rub the herb butter all over the turkey breast—both on top of the skin and underneath. Don’t be shy! This is what gives your turkey that mouthwatering, golden glow and layers of savory flavor.
Pro tip: If your hands get messy, you’re doing it right.
Step 4: Prep the Crockpot
Place the onion slices, celery, carrot, and garlic cloves at the bottom of the crockpot. This creates a flavorful base that infuses the turkey as it cooks.
Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce—it’s like a flavor bath for your turkey.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Turkey
Set the seasoned turkey breast (skin-side up) on top of the veggies. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells so good, your family starts hovering around the crockpot asking, “Is it done yet?”
Step 6: Broil for Crispy Skin (Optional but Totally Worth It)
If you’re a crispy-skin fan (and really, who isn’t?), carefully transfer your cooked turkey to a baking sheet and broil it on high for 4–5 minutes. Watch closely—it goes from golden perfection to “oops” pretty quickly.
This extra step adds that beautiful roasted finish that makes it look like you’ve been tending an oven all day.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, let the turkey rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute—so every bite is juicy, not dry.
Slice, serve, and pair it with mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, or even cranberry sauce if you’re feeling festive.
Aneta’s Kitchen Tip
Here’s the thing about slow cookers—they’re forgiving. If your turkey breast ends up cooking an extra 30 minutes, it’ll still be juicy. The magic of slow cooking keeps it moist and tender.
And if your sauce looks a little thin, don’t panic! Strain the veggies and simmer the liquid on the stove for a few minutes to thicken it into a luscious gravy.
Fun fact: The first time I made this, I forgot to lift the skin and rub seasoning underneath. Still delicious—but when I finally tried that trick, my husband actually asked, “What did you do differently this time?” That’s how you know it’s good.

FAQs About Crockpot Turkey Breast
Can I use a frozen turkey breast?
Yes, but you’ll need to thaw it completely before cooking. Slow cookers aren’t ideal for frozen meat since it can stay in the “unsafe zone” too long before reaching a safe temperature.
What size crockpot should I use?
A 6-quart crockpot works perfectly for a 4–6 lb turkey breast. You want enough space for the heat to circulate evenly.
Can I add potatoes or other veggies?
Absolutely! You can toss in baby potatoes or extra carrots along with the aromatics. They’ll soak up all that herby, buttery flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers keep beautifully. Store sliced turkey in an airtight container with a little cooking liquid for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Can I make gravy from the drippings?
Oh yes, and you should! Just strain the cooking liquid, whisk in a tablespoon or two of flour or cornstarch, and simmer until thickened. Pure flavor heaven.
Serving Ideas for Crockpot Turkey Breast
This turkey breast is incredibly versatile. Serve it as the star of your Sunday dinner, slice it for sandwiches during the week, or pair it with your favorite sides like:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Classic stuffing
- Green bean casserole
- Or even a cozy sweet potato mash
It’s the kind of dish that fits any mood—from “I’m feeling fancy” to “I just need something comforting.”
Let’s Wrap This Up
If you’ve ever wished for the flavor of a holiday roast without the chaos, this Crockpot Turkey Breast is your answer. Juicy, flavorful, and foolproof—it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen rock star (even on a Wednesday).
I love making this when I want a little extra comfort in the middle of the week, or when family’s coming over and I don’t have hours to spare. It’s warm, homey, and just downright delicious.
So go ahead, dust off that slow cooker, grab your turkey breast, and let the magic happen. Because sometimes, the simplest meals are the ones that make the biggest impression.
More Recipes to Pair with Your Crockpot Turkey Breast
If you loved this Crockpot Turkey Breast, you’re going to adore these other cozy, flavor-packed dishes from Chicken Magic Recipes! Each one complements your slow-cooked turkey perfectly—whether you’re planning a holiday dinner spread or just need more comfort food inspiration.
- Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing – A timeless classic that pairs beautifully with turkey. Soft, herby, and golden, this stuffing brings that nostalgic Thanksgiving aroma to your kitchen any day of the year.
- Southern Green Bean Casserole – Add a comforting Southern touch to your meal with this creamy, crispy-topped casserole that’s a perfect companion to tender turkey breast.
- Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts – These caramelized sprouts with smoky bacon and sweet maple syrup add the ideal balance of savory and sweet to your dinner plate.
- Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast – If you’re craving another turkey twist, this bright and zesty version offers a holiday-worthy flavor with minimal effort.
Each of these recipes brings something special to your table—whether it’s the nostalgia of traditional sides or the irresistible aroma of modern comfort food. Mix, match, and make your own magic!
Print
Crockpot Turkey Breast
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, and full of comforting flavor—slow-cooked with buttery herbs, garlic, and a touch of lemon for a melt-in-your-mouth main dish. Perfect for holidays, cozy family dinners, or any night you crave an easy, home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Ingredients
Turkey Breast:
-
1 (4–6 lb) bone-in or boneless turkey breast
-
3 tablespoons butter, melted
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
1 teaspoon dried thyme
-
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
-
1 teaspoon dried sage (optional)
-
½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Crockpot Base:
-
1 cup chicken or turkey broth
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
½ onion, sliced
-
2 celery stalks, chopped
-
1 carrot, chopped
Instructions
-
Prepare the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. If it has skin, gently lift it and rub seasoning underneath for extra flavor.
-
Make the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, sage, and lemon zest.
-
Season the Turkey: Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey breast, including under the skin.
-
Prep the Crockpot: Place onion, celery, carrot, and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in broth and Worcestershire sauce.
-
Slow Cook: Set the turkey breast (skin-side up) on top of the veggies. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
-
Broil for Crispy Skin (Optional): Transfer to a baking sheet and broil on high for 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
-
Rest and Serve: Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with gravy, mashed potatoes, or your favorite holiday sides.
Notes
-
If your turkey breast is frozen, thaw it completely before cooking for even heat distribution.
Save the crockpot juices to make homemade gravy—just strain and simmer with a spoonful of flour or cornstarch.
Want extra color? Add more paprika before broiling for a golden, photo-ready finish.
Leftovers stay moist for up to 4 days when stored with a splash of cooking liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Holiday
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 6 oz turkey breast)
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg