If you’re hunting for a hands-off, impress-everyone centerpiece, this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set‑and‑Forget!) Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love how tender and flavorful this turkey turns out, and the best part? You can literally walk away while it cooks low and slow—easy as pie! Whether you’re prepping for a holiday dinner or just craving juicy turkey any day of the week, stick around because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and foolproof.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set-and-Forget Convenience: Toss everything in your slow cooker and relax while it works its magic.
- Moist & Juicy Every Time: The slow cooking and simple butter seasoning keep the turkey perfectly tender.
- Simple Ingredients: No complicated sauces or secret ingredients—just wholesome, accessible pantry staples.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, this recipe fits right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The joy of this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set‑and‑Forget!) Recipe starts with simple ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Even if you grab the turkey breast from your local grocery, the rest of the ingredients are easy to find and come together effortlessly.
- Boneless Turkey Breast (skin-on): Skin-on keeps the meat juicy and adds extra flavor during slow cooking.
- Yellow Onion: Quartered onion infuses sweetness and aroma into the turkey as it cooks.
- Carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and creates a flavorful bed for the turkey to sit on.
- Melted Butter: Brushing the turkey with butter helps lock in moisture and gives a beautiful golden crust.
- Granulated Garlic Powder: For that savory, slightly pungent flavor boost without overpowering the bird.
- Poultry Seasoning: Classic herb blend that brings out the best in turkey.
- Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and lovely color.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize.
Variations
I love making this slow cooker turkey breast my own by switching up the herbs or jazzing up the base. You can easily tailor this recipe to fit dietary needs or just mix things up based on what’s in your pantry.
- Herb Swap: Sometimes I swap poultry seasoning for fresh thyme and rosemary to give it a garden-fresh vibe—adds a nice punch.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a little cayenne pepper or chili flakes gives the turkey a subtle heat that my spice-loving family devours.
- Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced salt or swap for herbs like sage and lemon zest for flavor without all the sodium.
- Make It Vegan: While not a direct swap, you could mimic this slow-cooked style with tofu or seitan and vegetable broth for a plant-based feast.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set‑and‑Forget!) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Turkey and Veggies
First things first, pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels—this step is key to keeping it juicy but also letting the butter and seasoning stick better. I like to rub the melted butter all over the skin, then sprinkle evenly with the garlic powder, poultry seasoning, paprika, and kosher salt. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it transforms the flavor wonderfully. Lay the quartered onion and carrots at the bottom of your slow cooker to create a cozy bed for your turkey—trust me, these veggies soak up all those rich drippings making them extra tasty.
Step 2: Slow Cook and Relax
Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the veggies. Cover and set your slow cooker to LOW. The magic happens over about 5 hours. Resist the temptation to peek—opening the lid lets heat escape and can mess with cooking time. Around 5 hours, your turkey will be tender, juicy, and falling-apart delicious. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how moist it stayed without drying out.
Step 3: Rest Before Slicing
Once your turkey is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute so every slice stays juicy and not dry. Meanwhile, I like to scoop out the slow cooker veggies—they’re perfect as a side or even mashed up into a quick puree.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set‑and‑Forget!) Recipe
- Room Temperature Turkey: Let your turkey sit at room temp for 20 minutes before cooking—it helps it cook more evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: That resting time is what locks in the juices and gives you tender slices.
- Veggie Bed Secret: The onion and carrots keep the meat lifted so it doesn’t stew in its own juices, which helps texture.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check for 165°F internal temp so you don’t overcook, which can make turkey dry.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set‑and‑Forget!) Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this turkey with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving. Sometimes a drizzle of a simple pan sauce made from the slow cooker drippings with a splash of white wine or broth jazzes up the presentation and flavor instantly.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this turkey are creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a classic green bean almondine. The slow cooker vegetables also make a cozy, wholesome accompaniment. For festive occasions, cranberry sauce is always a crowd-pleaser alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I like to carve the turkey breast into thick, rustic slices and fan them on a beautiful platter surrounded by rosemary sprigs and whole roasted garlic bulbs. It creates a stunning, rustic centerpiece that gets everyone excited before the meal even starts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the turkey cool completely before slicing and storing leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. This way the slices keep their moisture and flavor for 3-4 days. The slow cooker veggies store really well too and make great additions to next-day soups or sandwiches.
Freezing
I freeze leftover turkey slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in freezer bags. They keep great for up to 3 months. When I thaw them in the fridge overnight, they taste almost as fresh as the day I cooked them—perfect for quick meals later on.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming slices gently in the oven wrapped in foil at 300°F or in a covered skillet with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out. Microwaving works too if you’re short on time—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen turkey breast for this slow cooker recipe?
While it’s possible, I highly recommend thawing the turkey breast completely before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and a juicy final result. Cooking from frozen in a slow cooker can lead to uneven temperatures and risk undercooked meat.
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What if my turkey breast is bigger or smaller than 4 pounds?
If your turkey breast is larger, increase the cooking time accordingly—usually around 1.5 hours more per additional pound on low. For smaller ones, reduce cooking time by about 30 to 45 minutes. Always check with a meat thermometer for that perfect 165°F internal temperature.
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Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Root vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or celery root work wonderfully alongside the carrots and onions. Just cut them into even pieces so they cook uniformly and don’t forget to layer them at the bottom with the other veggies.
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How do I get crispy skin using a slow cooker?
Slow cookers don’t crisp skin well since they trap moisture. If crispy skin is a must, you can briefly broil the turkey breast in the oven after slow cooking to crisp up the skin beautifully—just watch it closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set‑and‑Forget!) Recipe has become my go-to when I want a comforting, no-fuss meal that still feels special. I used to stress about dry turkey and timing everything perfectly, but this method took all that worry away. I’m confident you’ll enjoy the juicy, tender results as much as my family does. Give it a try—you’ll love coming home to the smell of slow-cooked goodness and having dinner practically ready for you. Trust me on this one, it’s a game changer!
Print
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set‑and‑Forget!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (300 minutes)
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes (315 minutes)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe delivers a moist, juicy, and tender turkey breast with minimal effort. Perfect for a comforting, no-fuss meal, it uses simple ingredients and slow cooking to lock in flavor and tenderness, making it ideal for holidays or any special dinner.
Ingredients
Turkey and Vegetables
- 1 (4-pound) boneless turkey breast, skin-on
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 2 medium carrots
Seasoning and Butter
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure the seasonings stick properly and to help achieve a good texture.
- Mix Seasonings and Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with granulated garlic powder, poultry seasoning, paprika, and kosher salt to create a flavorful paste.
- Season the Turkey: Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey breast, including under the skin for enhanced flavor penetration.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the quartered onion and whole carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker; these will infuse the turkey with additional aroma and gently flavor the drippings.
- Place Turkey in Slow Cooker: Set the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up on top of the vegetables inside the slow cooker.
- Cook the Turkey: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for approximately 5 hours (300 minutes) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the turkey is safely cooked and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey breast and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist and juicy texture.
Notes
- This slow cooker turkey breast is moist, tender, and comes together with simple ingredients.
- Just set it, forget it, and enjoy a comforting, no-fuss dinner that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Using the skin-on turkey breast helps retain moisture during the slow cooking process.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/8 of the turkey breast)
- Calories: 269 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 683 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 49 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
