PERFECT Crockpot Turkey Breast - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

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!

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:

• 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.

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.

Crockpot Turkey Breast FAQs

See Also

Rosemary Garlic Roast Beef RecipeHow to Cook a Small Prime Rib Roast RecipeLupe Tortilla's Fajitas Grandioso Copycat Recipe15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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!