Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe for Memorable Dinners

Crafting a succulent slow cooker turkey breast can elevate your weeknight dinner from mundane to magnificent.

Tender, juicy meat becomes a reality with minimal effort in this hassle-free approach.

Busy home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients blend into a remarkable main course.

Aromatic herbs and gentle heat work magic on lean poultry, infusing deep, rich flavors throughout each slice.

Seasoning techniques make all the difference between bland and extraordinary protein.

Professional chefs know that patience creates perfection when preparing this classic dish.

You’ll want to bookmark this method for future family gatherings and cozy meals.

Let’s uncover the secrets to creating a mouthwatering turkey breast that will impress everyone at the table.

Why Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Is a Holiday Saver

• Craft a delicious turkey breast with minimal hands-on time using a slow cooker, perfect for busy home cooks who want a tasty, low-maintenance meal.
• Create a mouthwatering herb butter that penetrates deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with rich, aromatic seasonings that elevate the entire dish.
• Enjoy this turkey breast for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep, with an easy-to-make homemade gravy that transforms the protein into a restaurant-quality centerpiece.
• Optional broiling technique provides a golden, crispy exterior that adds textural contrast to the tender, juicy meat, giving you a professional-looking finish with minimal extra effort.

Must-Have Ingredients for Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Main Ingredients:

Turkey Breast: A lean protein centerpiece that’s perfect for a hearty meal. Choose a bone-in turkey breast for more flavor and moisture.

Onion: Creates a flavorful base for the turkey and adds natural sweetness to the cooking liquid.

• Butter, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Thyme: A flavor-packed blend that infuses the turkey with rich, aromatic seasonings. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried herbs for a more vibrant taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Chicken Broth, Flour, Butter: Key components for creating a smooth, rich gravy that complements the turkey. Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control of salt levels.

How to Make Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Ease

Step 1: Whip Up Magical Herb Butter

• Softened butter
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix everything until it transforms into a smooth, fragrant paste.

Step 2: Pamper the Turkey

Gently dry the turkey breast with paper towels. Using your fingers, lovingly separate the skin and spread half the herb butter underneath. Massage the remaining butter over the top, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 3: Create a Cozy Bed

Layer onion slices across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful foundation. Nestle the seasoned turkey breast on top of this aromatic cushion.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic on low heat. Cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Start peeking around the 5-hour mark to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Crisp Up the Skin

Optional golden touch: Crank the broiler to high. Transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until the skin turns gloriously golden and crispy.

Step 6: Craft Luxurious Gravy

Strain the cooking juices into a bowl. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook briefly, then gradually incorporate turkey drippings and chicken broth. Stir until the gravy reaches a luxurious thickness. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Allow the turkey to rest for 10 minutes. Slice and present with the homemade gravy, ready to impress everyone at the table.

Tips to Keep Your Turkey Breast Tender and Flavorful

• Prevent Dryness: Carefully monitor the turkey's internal temperature to ensure it stays moist, checking around the 5-hour mark and avoiding overcooking.
• Enhance Flavor Absorption: Gently loosen the skin before spreading herb butter to help seasonings penetrate deeper into the meat for maximum taste.
• Crisp Up Skin Hack: Optional broiling step adds a beautiful golden color and crispy texture to the turkey breast's exterior for a more appealing presentation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the herb butter mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day, allowing flavors to meld together.
• Gravy Perfection Trick: Strain cooking juices carefully and whisk flour slowly to create a smooth, lump-free gravy that complements the tender turkey perfectly.

Reheating and Storing Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Tips

• Store leftover turkey in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap sliced turkey tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey slices in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Place turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate. Drizzle with broth or gravy. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Best Sides for Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the herb-infused turkey, cutting through the richness while complementing the delicate herb butter notes.
• Bold, medium-bodied Pinot Noir provides a robust red wine experience that enhances the turkey's savory depth and gravy's velvety texture.
• Roasted butternut squash with rosemary creates a harmonious autumn-inspired accompaniment, echoing the herb butter's warmth and adding subtle sweetness to the main course.
• Fresh cranberry relish introduces a bright, tangy element that balances the turkey's richness and adds a vibrant color pop to the plate.

Fresh Takes on Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

• Gluten-Free Turkey Delight: Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in gravy preparation, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the meal without compromising flavor.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Version: Swap thyme with oregano and rosemary, add lemon zest to butter mixture, and incorporate olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired turkey breast with bright, fresh herbs.
• Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate added salt, use salt-free herb blends, and replace chicken broth with homemade low-sodium stock to reduce overall sodium content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil, use plant-based broth, and skip gravy or create a dairy-free version using arrowroot starch as a thickening agent for individuals with dairy restrictions.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 56 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker turkey breast delivers a mouthwatering centerpiece for family gatherings, promising tender, juicy meat infused with herbal aromatics. Minimal prep and effortless cooking ensure a delightful meal that will impress guests with its rich, homestyle flavor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on turkey breast

Seasoning Blend:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Aromatic Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, peeled and cut into thick slices
• Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

Gravy Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth (plus any drippings from the slow cooker)

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Instructions

1. Create a robust herb-infused butter by thoroughly blending softened butter with aromatic spices including garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until a uniform paste forms.
2. Meticulously dry the turkey breast using paper towels, then delicately separate the skin from the meat. Generously distribute half of the herbed butter mixture underneath the skin and smooth the remaining butter across the exterior surface.
3. Create a flavorful foundation in the slow cooker by layering sliced onions across the bottom. Carefully position the seasoned turkey breast atop the onion base.
4. Securely cover the slow cooker and slow-roast on low temperature for approximately 5-6 hours. Monitor the internal temperature periodically, ensuring it reaches the safe threshold of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee complete cooking.
5. For enhanced texture, transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet and activate the broiler. Crisp the skin by broiling for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Transform the cooking liquid into a rich gravy by straining the juices and discarding solid remnants. In a saucepan, melt butter and incorporate flour, creating a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in reserved turkey drippings and chicken broth, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and develops a luxurious consistency.
7. Allow the turkey breast to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain and serve alongside the freshly prepared gravy, presenting a succulent and aromatic main course.

Notes

• Customize herb butter by swapping dried herbs or adding your favorite spice blends for unique flavor profiles.
• Prevent dryness by monitoring internal temperature carefully and not overcooking the turkey breast.
• Enhance skin crispiness by patting turkey extremely dry before seasoning and using optional broiling step.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions by using gluten-free flour for gravy or replacing butter with olive oil or dairy-free alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 56 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg