Crockpot Turkey Breast

This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender, succulent turkey that has been slow cooked to perfection. Incredibly flavorful, this slow cooker turkey breast recipe is so easy to make with just minutes of work! It’s a simple, hands-off recipe that brings gourmet flavor with minimal effort – perfect for the holidays!

Complete your meal with this incredible Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Sauce and these amazing Dinner Rolls!

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Whether you’re dreading the thought of cooking a whole turkey or are just having a smaller gathering this year, cooking a turkey breast in a slow cooker is the answer to your problems. I have been know to make two or even three for the holidays in lieu of a whole turkey just because everyone loves this crockpot turkey breast so much.

The good news is that you can enjoy a perfectly juicy and flavorful turkey breast with this easy slow cooker turkey breast recipe with hardly any work! Infused with fresh citrus, thyme and rosemary, this turkey is juicy, flavorful and incredibly tender! Just a few minutes of prep, and then let your slow cooker do the rest for a stress-free, delicious dish that’s perfect for holidays or any cozy family dinner.

The oranges and herbs hold the turkey in place while providing incredible aromatics to the meat. It takes all of three minutes to get the turkey into the slow cooker, turn it on, and walk away. Now that is definitely cause for celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

This Crockpot Turkey Breast brings big flavors without big effort! Loaded with citrus, fresh thyme, and rosemary, it’s a tender, juicy main dish that practically makes itself. Perfect for a holiday feast or whenever you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal.

Incredibly Easy and Hands-Off: With just a few minutes of prep, this recipe allows your slow cooker to do all the work. There’s no need to monitor the oven or worry about basting, simply set the slow cooker and go about your day. Perfect for both busy weeknights and holiday gatherings when you have lots of other dishes to prepare.

Juicy, Flavorful Results Every Time: Crockpot cooking ensures the turkey breast stays tender and juicy, as it cooks slowly in its own juices with a little added broth. The citrus and herbs infuse the turkey with a delicious herbal and citrus notes, making each bite deliciously moist and packed with flavor.

Great for Small Gatherings: This turkey breast is an ideal main dish for smaller holiday celebrations or family dinners, delivering all the classic turkey flavor without cooking a whole bird.

If you don’t have a slow cooker and want to make a recipe that will have similar flavor, try my roast turkey breast recipe – it’s amazing!

How To Make Crockpot Turkey Breast

I’m just going to come right out and say this…this crockpot turkey breast recipe will produce THE BEST turkey you’ve ever eaten in your life. Like EVER. I wish I could hand each of you a slice of this turkey right now so you could experience how moist and delicious it is for yourself.

So here’s the deal with turkey, most families make it once a year. We’re not most families 🙂 I love turkey, like really, really love it. This crockpot turkey breast recipe was adapted from my favorite roast turkey recipe. I love a good brine and the one I have used for over a decade is incredible: oranges and lemons, brown sugar and fresh herbs – divine! I wanted the results of a brine without the fuss and this slow cooker turkey breast version was born.

Let’s take a quick look at how to make this recipe and, as always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Place quartered oranges and sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary into the slow cooker .
2. Add turkey breast in slow cooker and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle with chopped thyme, rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Rub into the skin.
4. Pour chicken broth (or chicken stock or apple cider) around the turkey.
5. Place lid on slow cooker and cook on low for 5-7 hours or until turkey reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer.
6. Remove turkey from slow cooker and tent with foil for 20 minutes.
7. Cut breasts from bone and place under broiler for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and then tent with foil.
8. Slice and serve.

Storage Information

• Refrigeration: Leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked turkey breast in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Variations to Try

• Try using a mix of oranges and lemons for a brighter flavor or even grapefruit for a unique twist.
• Experiment with fresh sage or parsley along with thyme and rosemary.
• For a bolder taste, add a few cloves of crushed garlic to the slow cooker.
• This recipe works for a whole chicken too! Makes for a great weeknight dinner!

What Size Crockpot Will I Need?

It really depends on the size of your turkey breast but I’ve found a 6 or 7 quart, oval shaped slow cooker really works best. Always check to make sure your turkey breast fits before starting the recipe.

How Many People Will a Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Feed?

This easy slow cooker turkey breast is great for small gatherings or family dinners. It feeds about 8 to 10 people give or take. It also is the perfect way to add extra turkey to your big family gatherings on Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’ve never had luck roasting those giant turkeys – NEVER. I try to keep my whole turkeys below 18 pounds.

How To Cook a Turkey Breast in a Crockpot

I recommend cooking the turkey breast on the low setting of your slow cooker for best results. You will need about 5 to 7 hours. If you are in a hurry and decide to cook the turkey breast on high, it will take about 3 to 4 hours depending on the size of your turkey breast.

Can I use a boneless turkey breast?

Yes, you can! Boneless turkey breast will cook a bit faster, so start checking the temperature around 4 hours.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Cooking on low ensures the turkey stays moist and tender. If needed, cook on high for about 3-4 hours, but watch closely.

How can I make the turkey even more flavorful?

Consider adding an extra layer of flavor by marinating the turkey breast overnight with the herbs and a little olive oil. You could also brine the turkey breast. But, try it as written first because I think you will be very impressed with the flavor of this turkey.

Can I make gravy from the drippings?

Absolutely! The juices from the slow cooker make a delicious base for turkey gravy. Follow my easy turkey gravy recipe for the best turkey gravy ever!

Do I Need To Brine My Turkey?

There is no brine in this recipe – thank goodness! The slow cooker does all the work that the brine normally would, keeping this turkey breast incredibly moist and flavorful.

Trish’s Tips

• Make sure to safely thaw your frozen turkey.
  • Thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator – this is my preferred method. Make sure to allow at least 24 hours of thaw time in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. So about two days for a turkey breast.
  • Thaw the turkey in cold water  – if you’re in a hurry, this is what you’re going to do. You’ll need to allow for 30 minutes for each pound of turkey. You have to make sure the turkey is completely submerged in very cold water, changing out the water every 30 minutes. The turkey breast will need to be cooked immediately after thawing.
• I like to use a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast because it’s much harder for the meat to dry out. (You can a boneless skinless turkey breast if that’s what you have on hand.)
• Place your turkey breast under the broiler for a few minutes after it’s done and crisp up the skin before serving. So good!
• Use a meat thermometer to determine when the turkey is done. Check the thickest part of the turkey breast for best results. You’re looking for 160°F 165°F. Remember that you will have carry-over cooking after you remove the turkey so definitely aim for 160°F.
• Let the turkey breast rest for a good 20 minutes before carving. You can tent the turkey with foil to keep it warm.
• Don’t forget the gravy! This is the BEST turkey gravy recipe and I provide lots of great tips so you have the very best results. Crockpot turkey breast and gravy is where it’s AT this holiday season!
• Before you start, ensure your slow cooker is large enough to fit the turkey breast comfortably for even cooking.

More Holiday Favorites

1. Turkey Gravy
2. Mashed Potatoes
3. Cranberry Sauce
4. Cornbread Dressing
5. Dinner Rolls
6. Sweet Potato Casserole
7. Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Recipe

Originally published November 13, 2014.