Crockpot Turkey Breast: 6 Easy Steps for Holiday Joy

If the thought of roasting a whole turkey sends you into a mild panic attack (or just makes you roll your eyes because who has that kind of time on a Wednesday night?), let me introduce you to your new best friend: Crockpot Turkey Breast.

It’s cozy, it’s flavorful, and it’s practically hands-off. Whether you’re hosting a small Thanksgiving, feeding picky eaters who only want white meat, or just craving that nostalgic turkey dinner without the holiday chaos, this recipe will feel like a lifesaver. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and you get to enjoy juicy, tender turkey that tastes like it’s been babied in the oven for hours—without you actually babysitting it.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Turkey Breast

  • Stress-free holiday hack – No 15-pound bird, no wrestling a roasting pan. Just pop in a turkey breast and let the crockpot work its magic.
  • Perfectly juicy every time – The slow, gentle cooking keeps the meat moist (no dry turkey disasters here).
  • Small gathering friendly – Ideal for 2-6 people, or when you just want turkey without a week of leftovers.
  • Meal prep gold – Leftovers make amazing sandwiches, wraps, or even turkey soup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this easy crockpot turkey breast:

  • 1 (4–6 lb) bone-in or boneless turkey breast
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika (adds that golden roast-y look)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried sage (optional, for that holiday vibe)
  • ½ tsp lemon zest (optional, adds brightness)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ onion, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped

Step-by-Step: How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast

1. Prep the Turkey

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels (this helps the seasoning stick). If it has skin, carefully lift it and rub some seasoning underneath—trust me, this is where the flavor party happens.

2. Make the Herb Butter

Mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, sage, and lemon zest in a small bowl.

3. Season the Turkey

Massage that glorious butter mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to get under the skin.

4. Layer the Crockpot

Add onion, celery, carrot, and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in broth and Worcestershire sauce.

5. Slow Cook to Perfection

Place turkey breast on top of veggies, skin-side up. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, or until the internal temp hits 165°F.

6. (Optional) Broil for Crispy Skin

If you love golden, crispy turkey skin, transfer the cooked breast to a baking sheet and broil for 4–5 minutes.

7. Rest & Serve

Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, or whatever sides make you happy.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Turkey Breast

  • Bone-in vs boneless? Both work! Bone-in gives extra flavor, boneless makes for easier slicing.
  • Want extra gravy? Strain the cooking liquid, simmer it on the stovetop, and whisk in a little cornstarch slurry.
  • Don’t skip resting. This is the secret to juicy turkey. Slicing too early will let all those lovely juices run out.
  • Broil with confidence. Keep an eye on it—it goes from “crispy golden” to “oops, smoky kitchen” fast.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made this crockpot turkey breast, it was on a random Wednesday when I was craving Thanksgiving dinner but definitely not in the mood to roast a full turkey. I set it up before work, and by the time I walked back into the house, the smell was so cozy it felt like the holidays had arrived early. (And yes, I ate stuffing on a Wednesday—no regrets.)

Crockpot Turkey Breast sliced and served with herb butter gravy in a white dish.
This Crockpot Turkey Breast is slow-cooked to juicy perfection and finished with a flavorful herb butter gravy

FAQs About Crockpot Turkey Breast

Can I cook it on HIGH instead of LOW?

Yes, but I don’t recommend it. LOW gives you the best juicy texture. On HIGH, you risk dryness.

How do I store leftovers?

Slice the turkey, store it in an airtight container with a bit of the cooking juices, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

What if my turkey breast is frozen?

Thaw it fully in the fridge before cooking. Slow cookers aren’t safe for frozen poultry.

Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely! Potatoes, parsnips, or even mushrooms can go in with the base veggies.

Bring the Comfort Home

This crockpot turkey breast is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s a mini-Thanksgiving, Sunday family dinner, or just a weeknight craving, it delivers all the cozy, homey vibes with hardly any effort. Let your slow cooker do the work, and you just take the credit—no one needs to know how easy it really was.

So go ahead, give it a try. Your house will smell like a warm hug, and dinner will feel like a holiday—without the stress.

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If this Crockpot Turkey Breast made your kitchen smell like pure comfort, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other reader favorites:

These recipes are all easy, family-friendly, and perfect for rounding out your dinner table—holiday or not!

Print
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Crockpot Turkey Breast sliced and served with herb butter gravy in a white dish.

Crockpot Turkey Breast


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

Description

This Crockpot Turkey Breast is juicy, flavorful, and stress-free. Slow cooked with herbs, garlic, and butter, then finished with a golden gravy—it’s perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or weeknights when you crave comfort without the hassle.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (4–6 lb) bone-in or boneless turkey breast

  • 3 tbsp butter, melted

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp paprika (adds golden color)

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 tsp dried rosemary

  • 1 tsp dried sage (optional, for holiday flavor)

  • ½ tsp lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup chicken or turkey broth

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ onion, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 1 carrot, chopped


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Turkey – Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. If skin-on, gently lift and rub seasoning underneath.

  2. Mix Herb Butter – In a bowl, stir together melted butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, sage, and lemon zest.

  3. Season the Turkey – Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey breast, including under the skin.

  4. Layer the Crockpot – Place onion, celery, carrot, and garlic on the bottom. Pour in broth and Worcestershire sauce.

  5. Slow Cook – Place turkey breast on top, skin-side up. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

  6. Optional Broil – Transfer turkey to a baking sheet and broil 4–5 minutes for crispy golden skin.

  7. Rest & Serve – Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with gravy and your favorite sides.

Notes

Bone-in turkey gives richer flavor, but boneless is easier to slice.
Use the leftover cooking liquid to make a quick gravy by simmering and thickening with cornstarch.
Always rest turkey before slicing to keep juices locked in.
Add extra root veggies like potatoes or parsnips if you want a one-pot meal.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours (on LOW)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 turkey breast with gravy
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg