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
Why I Let The Crock Pot Handle The Turkey
When I’m making a holiday meal, oven space disappears fast. That’s exactly why I started cooking turkey breast in the Crock Pot. It gives me one less thing to juggle and still puts a juicy, tender turkey on the table.
The butter, herbs, onion, and garlic do all the heavy lifting while it cooks low and slow. And yes, I still finish it under the broiler for that golden skin. I serve it with Homemade Turkey Gravy and a few family-favorite Southern sides, and dinner is in very good shape.
Turkey 101: What To Know Before It Goes In The Crock Pot
Start with a fully thawed turkey breast. I thaw mine in the refrigerator, never on the counter. A good rule of thumb is about 24 hours for every 4 pounds.
Bone-in or boneless both work. Bone-in gives you a little more flavor; boneless is easy to slice and serve. Either way, rub the turkey with the seasoned butter before it goes in so those herbs have plenty of time to work.
Plan on ¾ to 1 pound per person if this is the main dish. And for a typical 4- to 6-pound turkey breast, a 6-quart Crock Pot is usually a good fit.
What You’ll Need For Crock Pot Turkey Breast
The vegetables do double duty here: they keep the turkey lifted off the bottom of the Crock Pot and flavor those drippings for gravy.
- 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 Cook A Turkey Breast In The Crock Pot
The full measurements are in the recipe card below, but here’s the game plan before you get started:
- 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
Cook turkey breast on LOW and use the weight as your starting point. A 3-pound turkey breast takes about 4 hours, while a 4- to 5-pound breast usually needs about 5 to 5 ½ hours. Always check the thickest part with a meat thermometer and cook until it reaches 165°F.
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
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What To Serve With Crock Pot Turkey Breast
For Thanksgiving, I like to build the plate with a mix of rich and fresh sides. Southern Green Beans, Brown Butter Butternut Squash Casserole, and Boursin Mashed Potatoes all work beautifully here. You can find the whole lineup in my Southern Thanksgiving Menu.
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 And Things To Know
- Start with a little grease in the crock. It makes cleanup easier, and I’m all for that on a holiday.
- Mix butter with seasonings and spread it evenly over the turkey.
- Put the turkey breast-side down. It may look backwards, but it helps keep that breast meat nice and moist while it cooks.
- Don’t add extra liquid. The turkey, butter, and vegetables make plenty of flavorful juices all on their own.
- Give it the broiler finish. Five or six minutes under the broiler takes the skin from slow-cooker soft to golden and crisp.
- Save every drop of those drippings. That’s where your gravy starts, and you’ll be glad you did.
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!
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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
Can I use a turkey thigh for this recipe?
Absolutely! A turkey thigh will work beautifully in the crock pot. It is a bit richer and more flavorful than the breast so you are in for a treat. Just check for doneness and make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Enjoy!
XO,
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