5 Star Reader Comment
Seriously, best turkey I have ever cooked..super moist and yummy. My go to for cooked poultry in soooo many ways! Thank you so very much for sharing.
Darli
How I Learned to Let the Slow Cooker Do the Work
When the holidays roll around, my kitchen becomes the heart of the house — full of so many of our favorite recipes, laughter, and plenty of good food. But even though I love preparing a big meal, I’m all about finding ways to make things simpler so I can actually enjoy the day. That’s where this Easy Crock Pot Turkey Breast comes in.
Perfectly seasoned with butter, herbs, onions, and garlic, this turkey turns out juicy, tender, and full of flavor every single time. And…this recipe is a lifesaver, freeing up precious oven space! Add a few of my go-to sides like Homemade Turkey Gravy, Orange Cranberry Sauce, and Baked Potato Casserole for a complete meal that feels both classic and easy.
Turkey 101: How I Prep It for Perfect Results
When I’m cooking a turkey breast, I start with the basics: safe thawing and proper temps. A frozen breast always goes into the refrigerator — never on the counter — and it needs about a day of thaw time for every four pounds.
Both bone-in and boneless work well in the slow cooker. Bone-in gives a deeper flavor, while boneless slices beautifully, so I choose based on what I need. Once I’ve picked the cut, I rub the turkey with softened butter and herbs. It seasons evenly, keeps the meat moist, and gives you better drippings for gravy.
For planning a holiday meal, I stick with ¾ to 1 pound of turkey breast per person. It’s reliable, generous, and makes sure I have what I need without guessing.
Love turkey? Then try my turkey noodle soup, perfectly roasted turkey or air fryer turkey breast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe couldn’t be easier. You’ll create a built-in “roasting rack” using veggies that flavor the turkey as it cooks.
- Turkey breast – thawed completely (bone-in or boneless both work)
- Butter – adds richness and helps the seasoning stick
- Seasonings – kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried sage
- Vegetables – celery, carrots, onion, and garlic to line the bottom of the slow cooker
Flavor Variations
- Garlic-Lover’s Version: Double the garlic and add a few smashed cloves directly under the turkey breast while it cooks. The aroma fills the kitchen, and the flavor seeps into every bite.
- Cajun-Style Turkey: Add a spoonful of Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika to the butter mixture for a little Southern spice and rich color.
- Citrus & Herb Turkey: Add a few slices of orange or lemon on top of the turkey before cooking. The citrus brightens the flavors and pairs perfectly with the herbs.
How to Make Crock Pot Turkey Breast
See the full recipe card below for detailed instructions and exact measurements!
- Season the turkey. Mix softened butter with herbs, salt, pepper, and spices, then spread it all over the turkey breast.
- Layer the veggies. Add chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
- Add the turkey. Place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables, breast-side down.
- Slow cook. Cover and cook on Low until the turkey is tender and fully cooked through.
- Crisp the skin. For that golden finish, transfer the turkey to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes.
- Serve and enjoy. Slice and serve with homemade gravy and your favorite sides.
How Long to Cook Turkey Breast in the Crock Pot
Always cook turkey breast on LOW heat so it stays juicy. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F before serving.
Weight
2 pound
3 pound
4-5 pound
6-7 pound
Time
3 hours
4 hours
5 – 5 ½ hours
5 ½ – 6 ½ hours
Ready to find the perfect slow cooker for your kitchen? You’ll love my comprehensive Crock Pot buying guide to help you choose.
The Perfect Pairings for Crock Pot Turkey
This juicy slow cooker turkey breast is right at home on any holiday table, but it’s just as wonderful for an easy Sunday dinner. I love pairing it with a mix of comforting Southern side dishes – candied sweet potatoes, green beans, pineapple casserole and butternut squash casserole are family favorites.
More Thanksgiving Classics
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-3 whole carrots
- 2-3 stalks celery
- ¼ quartered onion
- 1 bulb garlic cut in half
- 1 4-5 pound bone-in turkey breast
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, slightly melted
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
Instructions
- Lightly coat the crock pot with cooking spray. Place the carrots, celery, onion and garlic in the bottom of the pot.
- Place the softened butter in a small bowl, then add garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix everything, then slather on the turkey breast. Place the turkey, BREAST SIDE DOWN in the crock pot.
- Set the heat to LOW and the timer to 5 hours. At the end of cooking time, use an instant-read thermometer to test to ensure the turkey is done. It should read 165 degrees. Cook for an additional 30 minutes if needed.
- After the turkey is done, remove it from the Crock Pot and place it in a baking dish. Set the oven to broil. Place the turkey under the broiler to crisp up the skin for 5-6 minutes.
- Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes, then carve and place it on a serving platter. Serve with homemade turkey gravy.
Nutrition
Donya’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Turkey
- Grease the crock lightly before adding the veggies.
- Mix butter with seasonings and spread it evenly over the turkey.
- Place the turkey breast-side down so it stays moist as it cooks.
- No extra liquid needed — the turkey’s juices and butter create the perfect base for gravy.
- Don’t skip this! For crispy skin, broil the turkey for 5–6 minutes after slow cooking.
- Save the good stuff—use those flavorful drippings to make a rich, homemade gravy.
People Often Ask Me
Yes! Boneless or bone-in both work beautifully in this recipe. Just check the internal temperature early — boneless turkey may cook a little faster.
No extra liquid is needed. The butter and natural juices from the turkey create plenty of moisture, giving you tender meat and flavorful drippings for gravy.
I don’t recommend it. Cooking on low heat keeps the turkey juicy and prevents it from drying out. It’s worth the wait!
After the turkey is done, place it on a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for 5–6 minutes. It gives that golden, crisp finish we all love.
Always use a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the turkey breast should reach 165°F before serving.
Store sliced turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm the turkey gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a spoonful of broth or gravy to keep it moist and flavorful.
If you tried this Crock Pot Turkey Breast Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
My New eBook!
Top 25 Viral Recipes
Whether you’re cooking for two, feeding a busy family, or filling your home with friends, I’m cheering you on from my kitchen. I hope this eBook brings you comfort, creativity, and plenty of delicious moments around your table.
Southern Recipes That Taste Like a Road Trip
GET THIS FREE GUIDE: Big flavor, simple ingredients, and pure Southern comfort!
We have a breast that is about 7 and a half pounds. I hope it fits in my crockpot. Should I double the ingredients since it’s bigger. Will it take longer to cook?
Absolutely — since your turkey breast is a bit larger, you might want to slightly increase the other ingredients. And yes, it will likely take a bit longer to cook, so just keep an eye on the internal temperature. Hope it turns out great! ~Donya
I will make this one tomorrow and update the rating if it’s not a 5, but Does the turkey breast need to be thawed first. I bought a Butterball turkey breast and it says “no thaw” on the packaging.
Thanks!
Great question! If your Butterball turkey breast says “no thaw”, that means it’s designed to go straight from the freezer to the crock pot — no thawing needed. Just be sure to follow any cooking time adjustments on the packaging for frozen meat, and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Can’t wait to hear how it turns out — but I have a good feeling that 5-star rating will hold up!
~Donya
Looks delicious but how do I make the gravy
I have a recipe for Turkey Gravy on my website as well! Check it out!
~Donya
What size crockpot is ideal for this recipe?
For a typical 4 to 6 pound boneless or bone-in turkey breast, a 6-quart crockpot is ideal. It gives enough space for the turkey to cook evenly and allows room for any added broth, veggies, or seasonings.
If you’re using:
• A 3-4 pound turkey breast – a 4-quart slow cooker can work, but it may be snug
• Anything larger than 6 pounds – you’ll want a 7-8 quart slow cooker if possible
How long should it cook for in the crockpot?
Hey there! Low for 5 hours and then check the temperature! Some more tips are in the post directions. Happy cooking! ~Donya