The Juiciest Slow Cooker Turkey Breast – 5 Easy Wins

Have you ever sliced into a turkey breast expecting juicy perfection… only to end up with something dry and disappointing? You’re not alone. In fact, turkey breast is one of the most overcooked proteins in home kitchens. That’s exactly why The Juiciest Slow Cooker Turkey Breast deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation.

Using the slow cooker takes all the stress out of cooking turkey breast. No basting, no oven babysitting, and no guessing. This method creates tender, flavorful meat every single time. Whether you’re planning a small holiday meal, a cozy Sunday dinner, or easy meal prep for the week, this slow cooker turkey breast delivers juicy results with minimal effort.

If you’re searching for reliable crockpot turkey recipes that actually work, this one is a keeper.

The Juiciest Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

This slow cooker turkey breast is tender, juicy, and nearly foolproof. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s perfect for small holiday meals, cozy family dinners, or weekly meal prep.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3–4 lb turkey breast boneless or bone-in
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth low sodium
• 1 onion sliced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme or dried rosemary
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 1 lemon sliced, optional
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme optional

See also  5 Easy Steps to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy – A Comfort Food Favorite

Equipment

• Slow Cooker

Method

 

1. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub all over with olive oil or butter, then season evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Place sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the broth.
3. Set the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onions. Add lemon slices and fresh herbs if using.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove the turkey from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Avoid cooking on HIGH, as this can dry out the turkey. Resting before slicing is essential to keep the meat juicy. Leftovers are excellent for sandwiches, salads, or wraps.

Ingredients for The Juiciest Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

The Juiciest Slow Cooker Turkey Breast keeps things simple so the turkey flavor truly shines.

• 1 turkey breast (boneless or bone-in), 3 to 4 pounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth (low sodium)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or dried rosemary)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Optional (but recommended):

• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme

These pantry staples are all you need for a foolproof turkey breast crockpot recipe.

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW
• Total Time: About 5 hours

Compared to roasting, slow cook turkey methods reduce active cooking time by nearly 70%, making this ideal for busy days.

Compared to roasting, slow cook turkey methods reduce active cooking time by nearly 70%, making this ideal for busy days or easy weeknight dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub it all over with olive oil or butter, then season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.

Tip: Drying the turkey first helps the seasoning stick and enhances flavor during slow cooking.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Place sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the broth to create moisture and prevent sticking.

This base acts as a natural flavor bath for your crockpot turkey.

Step 3: Add the Turkey

Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onions. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.

Important: Avoid cooking on HIGH. Low heat is the secret to the juiciest slow cooker turkey breast.

Step 4: Rest Before Slicing

Once cooked, remove the turkey and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Resting allows juices to redistribute this step alone can improve moisture by up to 20%.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per serving:

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

This slow cooker turkey breast is naturally lean, high-protein, and perfect for balanced meals.

Why This Recipe Works

The slow cooker creates a moist, closed environment that prevents evaporation one of the main causes of dry turkey. Unlike oven roasting, slow cooker turkey cooks evenly from edge to center.

This method is especially effective for:

• Smaller households
• Holiday meals without a whole turkey
• Meal prep

It’s one of the most reliable crock pot slow cooker techniques for poultry.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

• Low Sodium: Use unsalted broth and reduce added salt
• Dairy-Free: Stick with olive oil instead of butter
• Herb-Forward: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage
• Citrus Twist: Add orange or lemon slices

If you like customizable dishes, check out our dump-and-go teriyaki chicken for similar flexibility.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your slow cooker turkey breast with:

• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Steamed green beans
• Roasted carrots
• Cranberry sauce for holidays

Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, salads, or wraps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking on HIGH

High heat tightens turkey fibers, leading to dryness.

Skipping the Rest Time

Cutting too early releases juices onto the cutting board instead of your plate.

Too Little Liquid

A small amount of broth is essential for moisture in turkey crockpot recipes.

Storing Tips

• Refrigerate: Store sliced turkey in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Warm gently with a splash of broth

This makes it ideal for weekly meal prep and quick dinners.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever struggled with dry turkey, The Juiciest Slow Cooker Turkey Breast will change everything. It’s simple, reliable, and delivers tender, flavorful meat every time. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this recipe proves that slow cooker turkey breast can be both easy and impressive.

Try it once, and it will quickly become your go-to for family dinners, holidays, and stress-free cooking.

Explore More

For more kitchen inspiration and holiday meal ideas, check out Healthy Magic Recipes on Pinterest:
👉 pinterest/healthymagicrecipes

FAQs for The Juiciest Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Can I cook a frozen turkey breast?

It’s best to thaw first for even cooking and food safety.

Should I add vegetables?

Yes! Carrots and celery work well underneath the turkey.

Can I crisp the skin?

If using skin-on turkey, broil briefly after cooking.

Is this good for holidays?

Absolutely perfect for smaller gatherings.

Can I use this method for other cuts?

Yes, this approach works for most slow cooker turkey recipes.