Best Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Make the Best Slow Cooker Turkey Breast ever! No oven needed. This recipe is perfect for small holidays gatherings or to have homemade turkey for lunches and meals all week. For a tender, juicy turkey breast cook it in the Crock Pot!

We are hosting a smaller Thanksgiving this year than usual. I decided that I was going to make a Bone-In Turkey Breast instead of an entire turkey in the oven. This way we can still have the delicious turkey but we can use our oven for other delicious side dishes!

However, if you have more than one Crock Pot break it out! You can use it to make all the sides you can think of. You can actually make an entire Thanksgiving Meal in the Crock Pot. My favorite sides to make are this Creamy Corn and Garlic Mashed Potatoes in the Crock Pot!

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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

This turkey breast turned out amazing! It was so juicy and filled with flavor. I think it might have been the best turkey I ever made. This way was so easy and moist that unless I need to make a big turkey I’m always using this recipe!

You won’t miss the oven at all with all of the spices and veggies that are included! I think the slow cooker also allows for there to be less chance of drying your turkey out. The slow cooker keeps all the steam and heat in such a small area. This recipe is perfect for beginners and pros!

How Long Do You Cook for the Best Crock Pot Turkey Breast?

The most important thing to know is that the internal temperature of your turkey breast should be 165 degrees. This is the hard rule to follow and it will turn out perfect! Some turkeys come with thermometers already in them that will pop out when the internal temperature reaches 165F / 75C.

However, when I removed the skin off my turkey breast I removed the thermometer too. I use the iGrill meat thermometer but it’s a little pricey. This regular meat thermometer will get the job done too. I highly recommend investing in a meat thermometer not only for turkey but for all your meat recipes!

The amount of time it will take for your turkey breast to cook will depend on the size of your turkey. Also, I feel like different crockpots cook hotter than others so keep that in mind. I cooked my 5 pound thawed bone-in turkey breast for 5 hours on low.

Bone In or Boneless Turkey Breast

I like to use a bone-in turkey breast because I think it adds a lot of flavor to the breast. Since there is no dark meat in this recipe I think the bone adds back in flavor! But you can totally use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe interchangeably.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Step 1. Completely thaw your turkey breast. This can take up to two days so prepare ahead of time for this step! Cut skin off turkey breast if desired.

Step 2. Layer celery, carrots and 1/2 of the onion on bottom on crockpot. Pour chicken broth over the vegetables.

Step 3. Place the turkey breast, BREAST DOWN on top of the vegetables.Take the remaining half of the onion and 4 tablespoons of butter and put them inside the turkey.

Step 4. Mix all the spices together in a bowl and stir to combine. Pour all the spices over the entire turkey. Make sure to get the underside.

Step 5. Take remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it. Pour it over turkey. Place turkey breast down if moved while putting spices on.

Step 6. Cook on low for 5 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Step 7. Remove turkey from slow cooker and flip turkey over.

Step 8. Make gravy and carve! (See notes on both below)

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Tips

Skin on or off– I took the skin off of the turkey breast because it doesn’t really crisp up in the crock pot. However, if you love the skin you can absolutely keep the skin on. Just crisp it under the broiler for a few minutes when you are finished. But keep an eye on it because it will crisp fast!

Making Gravy from the Juices– Don’t forget to use your delicious juices for gravy! All you need to do is pour the liquid through a small colander. Take the liquid and put it on the stove and heat to a simmer. Make a cornstarch slurry( 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water mixed together). Add cornstarch to turkey liquid and simmer until thickened!

Single or Double Breast– You can use either… just make sure it fits in your crock pot. I did a double breast and it was a tight fit. I have this 6 qt crockpot for reference.

How To Carve A Turkey Breast

If you want your turkey breast to look show stopping for Thanksgiving or a holiday make sure to cut the breast correctly. My husband is a pro turkey carver so I made sure to take a few pictures while he cut.

Step One- Cut down the middle of the turkey breast.

Step 2. Turn the breast on its side and cut right below the bone.

Need A New Crock Pot?

My favorite is this Crock Pot 7 quart Programmable Slow Cooker. First and foremost, I love being able to set the timer in case I’m not home when the food is finished cooking and it just switches to warm. Plus you can lock the lid and just carry it to a party. Not only is it easy to carry but also you will never lose another Tupperware or serving dish again at a potluck party!