Before we dive in, let me just say thank you for being here. Whether you’re planning a cozy Thanksgiving-for-two, saving precious oven space for your casseroles, or just craving those comforting holiday flavors on a random Tuesday, this slow cooker turkey breast is about to become your new go-to. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! Anything but boring!!
This turkey stays unbelievably juicy, fills your kitchen with that irresistible holiday aroma, and still gives you drippings for gravy — all without babysitting a giant bird. Honestly, I’m kicking myself for not having photographed the very first time I made this… the smell alone could’ve been the whole blog post!
And yes — the oven can stay OFF. Let’s get into it.
What This Recipe Is All About
A slow cooker turkey breast is the answer when you want all the nostalgic, cozy Thanksgiving flavors without committing to a whole turkey. It’s simple, flexible, and nearly impossible to mess up.
You get:
- Tender, succulent meat
- A hands-off cooking process
- Aromatics that create their own flavorful cooking bed
- A kitchen that smells like the holidays — even if it’s July!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Oh, so many reasons…
- Incredibly juicy thanks to low-and-slow cooking
- Zero oven space required — save that for stuffing or pie!
- Foolproof even for beginners
- Perfect for small gatherings (or meal prep!)
- Works with boneless or bone-in turkey breasts
- Still gives you drippings for gravy
The only “cons”? The skin doesn’t crisp inside the slow cooker, and the turkey can dry out if left on warm — but a quick broil solves the first, and checking the temp early solves the second. Easy fixes!
What Does Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Taste Like?
Imagine the juiciest Thanksgiving slice you’ve ever had — tender, buttery, herb-infused, and deeply flavorful. The seasoning paste gives it incredible depth, while the garlic and onion underneath perfume the meat from within. The broth absorbs all the drippings, which means… glorious gravy potential!
Benefits of Making Turkey Breast in a Slow Cooker
- Hands-off cooking: Prep it, set it, forget it.
- Consistent moisture: The slow cooker environment keeps the meat from drying out.
- Budget-friendly: Turkey breast is affordable, and leftovers turn into sandwiches, soups, or salads.
- Perfect year-round: Not just for holidays — think easy Sunday dinner!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (3–4 lb) boneless turkey breast
- 1 head garlic, sliced in half crosswise
- 1 yellow onion, peeled and halved
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Small bowl for mixing the seasoning paste
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (a must!)
- Baking sheet + wire rack (optional for crisping the skin)
Additions & Substitutions
Additions
- Add sliced lemons for a brighter flavor.
- Toss in baby carrots around the turkey for a built-in side.
- Add sage for a stronger Thanksgiving vibe.
Substitutions
- Use bone-in turkey breast — just increase cook time slightly.
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth if preferred.
- Replace olive oil with melted butter for richer flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
1. Make the seasoning paste
Combine garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir until a paste forms.
2. Season the turkey
Rub the paste generously all over the turkey breast — don’t be shy!
3. Build the flavor base
Place the halved onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over them.
This keeps the turkey elevated and adds moisture + flavor.
4. Add the turkey
Place the seasoned turkey on top of the onion/garlic. Tuck rosemary and thyme around it.
5. Cook
- Low: 7–8 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
Start checking early — when it reaches 160–165°F, it’s done.
6. Optional: Crisp the skin
Place turkey on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
Broil 5–8 minutes on low until golden.
7. Slice & enjoy
Use the drippings for gravy if you’d like — highly recommended!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
This turkey plays well with all the classics:
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Stuffing
- Roasted veggies
- Cranberry sauce
- Dinner rolls
- Sweet potato casserole
Or keep it simple with a fresh salad and roasted potatoes for everyday dinners.
Tips for the Best Results
- Start temp-checking early. Slow cookers vary widely.
- Paprika is non-negotiable — it gives color the slow cooker won’t.
- Don’t skip broiling if you love crispy skin.
- Avoid the “warm” setting — turkey dries quickly once fully cooked.
- Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices in.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: 4 days in an airtight container
- Freeze: Up to 3 months (slice before freezing for easy reheating)
- Reheat: Microwave gently with a splash of broth, or warm in a covered dish at 300°F
General Info
- Yield: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time:
- 3–4 hours on high
- 7–8 hours on low
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bone-in turkey breast?
Yes! Just add a bit more cooking time and check temperature early.
Will the skin get crispy in the slow cooker?
No — but broiling fixes this in minutes.
Can I cook vegetables with the turkey?
Absolutely. Carrots, celery, and potatoes work beautifully underneath or around the breast.
Can I make gravy with the drippings?
You SHOULD! The broth + turkey drippings make a gorgeous base.
Can I cook it on warm instead of low?
No — warm is too low to cook the turkey safely and will dry it out.
Conclusion
If you want a meal that feels like the holidays without the stress (or the oven takeover!), this slow cooker turkey breast is your new weeknight or holiday hero. It’s juicy, flavorful, low-effort, and always a crowd-pleaser — even when the “crowd” is just you and someone lucky enough to share dinner.
Craving more cozy comfort? Check out my other peach-forward favorites:
- Peach Cobbler
- Peach Crisp
- Baked Peaches with Cinnamon
- Peach Butter (slow cooker!)
Let’s Make This Fun!
Tried this recipe? Leave a review, and absolutely share your photos on Pinterest — I LOVE seeing your creations!
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~42g
- Fat: ~10g
- Carbs: ~4g
- Fiber: ~0g
- Sodium: ~420mg
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