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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Turkey » Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

by Sarah Olson on January 3, 2022 | Updated November 8, 2022 46 Comments

9872 shares
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Collage of turkey breast images with text of ingredients.
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Need just enough turkey for a small gathering? Then this juicy and buttery Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is the recipe for you. No one will notice that it wasn’t cooked traditionally in the oven!

We love making the turkey breast, stuffing, and green bean casserole in different slow cookers. Who needs an oven? Try my slow cooker turkey and gravy or my lemon herb turkey breast if you are looking for a turkey breast recipe without bones.

turkey breast slices in slow cooker

Can I cook turkey in a crockpot?

Yes! It’s similar to cooking a whole chicken in the slow cooker. The turkey turns out tender as can be, and the drippings can be made into gravy!

We use this recipe for when we have a smaller Thanksgiving or Christmas, or we are craving turkey sandwiches.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Turkey Breast – Frozen and thawed Bone-in turkey breast. Both sides of the breast are on the bone. This almost has the shape of an entire turkey.
  • Melted Butter – Pour over an entire stick of melted butter. This will flavor the turkey and the gravy if you decide to make gravy with the drippings. You can use olive oil here if you prefer.
  • Seasonings – Sprinkle the buttered turkey with thyme, sage, paprika, salt and pepper. The paprika will give the turkey a browned look and also will give the gravy (if you decide to make gravy) a darker color.
ingredients for turkey breast on table

Step-by-Step Directions

how to put topping on raw turkey breast in slow cooker

Step One – Remove the thawed turkey from its packaging. Rinse off any liquids that are in the cavity—Pat dry with paper towels. Place the turkey in the slow cooker. I usually have to place the turkey on its side for it to be able to fit.

Step Two – Season the turkey breast with sage, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 7 hours.

2 images of cooked turkey breast

Step Three – After the cooking time is up, turn off the slow cooker and let the turkey sit for 20 minutes before slicing.

Step Four – Serve and enjoy! You can keep the turkey on the warm setting in the slow cooker for about 2 hours. Be sure to use some of the drippings to keep the turkey moist. If you are worried that your turkey isn’t done, it should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer.

What to serve with this recipe?

The sides are just as important as the turkey! Here are my favorite sides to make with turkey breast.

  • Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
  • Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
  • Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
  • Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • Slow Cooker Homemade Stuffing or Stove-Top Stuffing
cooked turkey breast in slow cooker with sides around it

Recipe FAQs and Variations

How much turkey per person?

Since this is only the breasts and breast bones, there is quite a bit of meat on the bones. You can get away with about 3/4 pound per person, especially if you serve a few sides.

How to store leftovers

Turkey does not last long before starting to taste off. Place your extra turkey in a ziplock bag for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.

Should I thaw my turkey breast before cooking in the slow cooker?

Yes, it is crucial to thaw your turkey before cooking in the slow cooker. If not thawed the turkey temperature can stay in the “danger zone” and possibly make someone sick. Thaw your turkey breast about 36-48 hours before needed.

Turkey breast variations

Cajun – Skip all the other seasonings and use a cajun seasoning like Tony Chachere’s Cajun Seasoning which has cayenne, onion powder, and garlic powder already mixed in!
Apricot – Add a jar of apricot preserves on top of the butter and seasonings.
Cranberry Onion – Skip the butter and seasonings and instead mix a can of whole cranberry sauce and Lipton onion soup mix and pour over the turkey.

What’s the best way to slice turkey breast?

First, cut the turkey off the bone, and place the breasts on a cutting board. Slice the turkey against the grain using a bread knife or a very sharp kitchen knife. We often use an electric knife if we want very thin slices.

What if my turkey breast is boneless?

If your turkey breast is boneless, you will only need to cook low for 5-6 hours.

Will there be enough dripping for gravy?

There will be about 1- 1 1/2 cups of drippings from this turkey breast. If you desire more, be sure to have some broth or stock on hand.

plated turkey dinner

What can I make with turkey leftovers?

  • Slow Cooker Turkey Stock
  • Slow Cooker Turkey Chowder
  • Slow Cooker Cajun 15 Bean Turkey Soup
  • Slow Cooker Turkey Noodle Soup
  • Slow Cooker Turkey and Brown Rice Soup

What is great about this recipe is if we are craving turkey, it’s not a big ordeal! We can have a small turkey dinner then have leftovers for turkey sandwiches. I hope you give this recipe a try to have a great week, even though I know it will be a busy one.

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

cooked turkey breast in slow cooker with sides around it

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

4.92 from 25 votes
Great recipe for when you need a smaller amount of turkey. Perfect for small Thanksgiving or Christmas get togethers.
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 393kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 5 lb. bone-in turkey breast This should have both sides of the breasts, which looks similar in shape to a very small turkey. (this recipe will work with a 5-8 lb turkey breast)
  • 1/2 cup salted butter melted (1 stick) OR olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. dried rubbed sage use oregano if you don't have sage
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • THAW: Be sure to thaw your turkey breast ahead of time. This can take about 36-48 hours.
  • Remove the thawed turkey from its packaging. Rinse off any liquids that are in the cavity. Pat dry with paper towels. Place the turkey in the slow cooker. I usually have to place the turkey on its side for it to be able to fit.
  • Pour over the melted butter, then sprinkle over the seasonings.
  • Cover and cook on low for 7 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
  • Let the turkey rest for about 20 minutes before carving. You can use a bread knife, a sharp kitchen knife, or an electric knife.
  • If you are going to carve this, then keep it warm in the slow cooker, leave some of the drippings with the meat, or chicken broth to keep it moist. You can keep the turkey on the warm setting for about 2 hours if you add drippings to keep the turkey moist. If you are worried that your turkey isn't done, it should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer.
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How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

Should I thaw my turkey breast?
Yes, it is very important to thaw your turkey before cooking in the slow cooker. If not thawed the turkey temperature can stay in the “danger zone” and can possibly make someone sick. Thaw your turkey breast about 36-48 hours before needed.
What if my turkey breast is boneless?
If your turkey breast is boneless you will only need to cook on low for 5-6 hours.
Will there be enough drippings for gravy?
There will be about 1- 1 1/2 cups of drippings from this turkey breast. If you desire more, be sure to have some broth or stock on hand.
How much turkey breast per person?
Since this is only the breasts and breast bones, there is quite a bit of meat on the bones. You can get away with about 3/4 pound per person, especially if you serve a few sides.
How to store leftovers:
Turkey does not last long before starting to taste off. Place your extra turkey in a ziplock bag for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.
Turkey Breast Variations:
  • Cajun – Skip all the other seasonings and use a cajun seasoning like Tony Chachere’s Cajun Seasoning which has cayenne, onion powder, and garlic powder already mixed in!
  • Apricot – Add a jar of apricot preserves on top of the butter and seasonings.
  • Cranberry Onion – Skip the butter and seasonings and instead mix a can of whole cranberry sauce and Lipton onion soup mix and pour over the turkey.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 393kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 184mg | Sodium: 805mg | Potassium: 705mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 756IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

Need a ham recipe for the holidays too? Here are my ham recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham
  • Slow Cooker Ham Steaks and Pineapple Rings
  • Slow Cooker Jalapeno Ham
  • Slow Cooker Apple and Clove Ham

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    9872 shares
    • 1846

    Filed Under: Dinner, Holidays, Turkey

    Comments

    1. Liz P says

      November 24, 2022 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this today and it was my first time cooking a turkey breast in the crockpot. It was amazing!!! Extremely flavorful and tender. Thank you for the recipe!!!

      Reply
    2. Anonymous says

      November 20, 2022 at 6:47 am

      What setting do you cook the turkey on low med or high?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 20, 2022 at 8:31 am

        On, low. See the recipe card for all the info.

        Reply
    3. David says

      November 6, 2022 at 6:31 pm

      Should the turkey breast be on a vented/slotted platform rather than on the floor of the slow cooker so as to allow the drippings to accumulate?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 6, 2022 at 6:41 pm

        I prefer not to do that. With the turkey sitting in the juices, it stays moist.

        Reply
      • Sharon H. says

        November 19, 2022 at 5:04 am

        It’s ok to place the turkey in your slow cooker but I use a disposable plastic crockpot liner. They’re very similar to oven roster bags. You can find them at Dollar Tree or your neighborhood grocery store. They hold in the juices and it’s a much easier cleanup too.

        Reply
    4. Rebecca says

      April 15, 2022 at 9:46 pm

      Can you do this with a precooked turkey breast?

      Reply
    5. Linda H says

      January 13, 2022 at 3:03 pm

      5 stars
      Favorite of mine. I use same one for whole chicken.
      Changes: large sliced onion under bird, mix spices with soft butter and massage onto bird, add a bit of stock for extra flavor while cooking. I only cooked for 6 hours on low. Delicious with turkey breast or organic chicken. Yum

      Reply
      • Terri says

        December 8, 2022 at 9:48 am

        WOW that sounds delish….thank you for sharing. I’m going to try both recipes :=)

        Reply
    6. Jessica M. says

      November 24, 2021 at 6:08 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for sharing this!! I made it last year and it was a hit. This year the smallest breast I could find was 8 lbs should I adjust the seasonings?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 24, 2021 at 8:32 am

        You can add more seasonings for sure!

        Reply
    7. CECILIA CLOONAN says

      November 21, 2021 at 9:38 am

      5 stars
      The turkey you showed did not have bones in it when it was carved. Did you debone if before or after cooking? I’d love to try this recipe and if you deboned it either before or after, please show how you did it. Thanks for your help.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 21, 2021 at 11:04 am

        It had bones, I cut the turkey breasts off the bones.

        Reply
    8. KAY says

      November 14, 2021 at 10:52 am

      5 stars
      I bought a breast this year but then wondered if it has giblets or neck-a necessity for my gravy and dressing! ACK
      If not, do you know if you can buy giblets separately?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 14, 2021 at 11:26 am

        I don’t think it comes with them.

        Reply
      • Kristy says

        November 21, 2021 at 2:42 pm

        I bought giblets separately -I asked the butcher at the grocery store (Hy-Vee_. Can buy a turkey neck separately too, if you use that for dressing and/or gravy like I do!

        Reply
    9. E. Gayle Schild says

      November 13, 2021 at 11:30 am

      5 stars
      Perfect meal plan for small gathering! Love that I can use my oven for other items!! Thanks, for a real keeper, I love turkey!

      Reply
    10. D. Potter says

      November 27, 2020 at 7:23 pm

      5 stars
      Just the 2 of us for Thanksgiving this year – so I just picked up a frozen breast / thawed it, and made this exactly the way it was written – my husband RAVED about it! After years of brining and marinating and huge pans to clean… He was delightfully surprised at how moist and flavorful this simple recipe in a crock pot was! And he made gravy with the drippings that was the best he’d every attempted! Easy to cook – easy clean up – It was truly the best recipe and I’ll use it throughout the year! Thank you!

      Reply
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