Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

The Juiciest Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker turkey breast brings pure comfort to your kitchen table.

Juicy meat practically falls apart with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Tender slices promise a stress-free meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients create something extraordinary.

Seasonings infuse every fiber with rich, savory notes that make mouths water.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings become memorable with this foolproof approach.

You’ll want to savor each delectable bite and share this delightful recipe with everyone you know.

FAQs

  • How do I know if the turkey breast is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when it reaches 170ºF in the thickest part of the breast. Always ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.

  • Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried seasonings?

Yes, you can substitute dried seasonings with fresh herbs. Use about 3 times more fresh herbs compared to dried. Chop them finely and distribute evenly over the turkey breast for the best flavor.

  • What if my slow cooker doesn't have a low setting?

If your slow cooker only has high settings, cook the turkey for 3 to 4 hours instead. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 170ºF. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on your specific appliance.

Love Slow Cooker Turkey Breast’s Tender Flavor

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker with minimal effort, creating a stress-free cooking experience that saves time and energy.
  • Customize Flavor Explosion: Blend multiple seasonings to create a rich, mouth-watering profile that transforms ordinary turkey into a gourmet delight.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, gatherings, or feeding a crowd with minimal kitchen work and maximum taste satisfaction.
  • Healthy Protein Option: Provides a lean protein source that's low in fat and high in nutrients, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals.

Ingredients Needed To Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Main Protein:
  • Turkey Breast: A lean and tender cut of poultry perfect for a delicious and healthy meal.
Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Seasoned Salt, Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: A flavorful blend of spices that adds depth and complexity to the turkey.
Cooking Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the turkey and promotes beautiful browning.

Step-By-Step Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Turkey

Grab your turkey breast and gently coat the entire surface with olive oil using a basting brush. This helps the seasonings stick perfectly and creates a beautiful golden exterior.

Step 2: Creating Flavor Explosion

Combine these seasonings in a mixing bowl:
  • Garlic powder
  • Seasoned salt
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning
  • Black pepper
  • Onion powder

Mix the spices thoroughly and generously rub the blend all over the turkey breast, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 3: Setting Up the Slow Cooker

Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast into the slow cooker with the breast facing upward.

This positioning guarantees maximum juiciness during cooking. Cover with the slow cooker lid securely.

Step 4: Slow Cooking Magic

Set your slow cooker to LOW temperature and allow the turkey to cook for 5 to 6 hours. Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer – you’re aiming for 170°F in the thickest part of the breast.

Step 5: Crisping the Skin

Transfer the cooked turkey to a baking pan and slide it under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. This optional step creates a gorgeous golden and crispy exterior that adds incredible texture.

Step 6: Serving Your Masterpiece

Let the turkey rest for a few minutes after cooking. Slice and serve your perfectly tender and flavorful turkey breast to eager dinner guests.

Expert Tips To Perfect Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

  • Brush olive oil generously over the turkey breast to lock in juices and create a beautiful golden exterior during cooking.
  • Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring the turkey reaches 170ºF for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
  • Broil the turkey breast for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking to achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin that adds incredible texture and visual appeal.
  • Mix dry seasonings thoroughly before rubbing onto the turkey, ensuring an even coating that penetrates and enhances the meat's natural flavors.
  • Allow the turkey to rest for a few minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and makes slicing easier, resulting in tender, moist meat.

Creative Twists To Try With Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

  • Herb-Infused Turkey Breast: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage for a garden-fresh herb profile that elevates the classic turkey flavor.
  • Spicy Cajun Turkey Breast: Swap seasoned salt and regular spices with Cajun seasoning blend, adding cayenne pepper for a bold, zesty kick that transforms the dish into a Louisiana-style meal.
  • Gluten-Free Herb Turkey Breast: Use gluten-free seasoning mix and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free, making this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the same delicious taste.
  • Low-Sodium Turkey Breast: Replace seasoned salt with herb-based salt substitute or salt-free seasoning blend, reducing sodium content for heart-healthy dietary needs without compromising flavor complexity.

Serving Suggestions That Pair With Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Syrah to complement the turkey’s rich, savory flavors and cut through the meat’s richness.

Create a light green salad with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley to balance the turkey’s hearty profile and add a refreshing counterpoint.

Prepare a medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes to echo the turkey’s warm, earthy seasonings and provide a comforting side dish.

Whip up a tangy homemade cranberry sauce to bring a bright, acidic element that contrasts beautifully with the tender, savory turkey breast.

Best Practices To Store Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

  • Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Slice turkey and place in freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
  • Place turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth. Cover with foil to lock in moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Succulent slow cooker turkey breast brings festive comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal effort. Tender, juicy meat infused with herbs promises a delightful meal you can easily enjoy without hours of traditional roasting.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 (6 to 7-pound / 2.7 to 3.2-kilogram) bone-in turkey breast, thawed

Seasoning Mix:

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons pepper
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder

Cooking Base:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Gently massage olive oil across the entire surface of the turkey breast, ensuring complete and even coverage to enhance seasoning adherence and potential browning.
  2. Create a robust seasoning blend by thoroughly mixing garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, pepper, and onion powder in a small mixing bowl.
  3. Meticulously rub the seasoning mixture over every inch of the turkey breast, pressing the spices into the meat to maximize flavor penetration.
  4. Position the seasoned turkey breast facing upward inside the slow cooker, ensuring optimal moisture retention during the cooking process.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW temperature, allowing the turkey to cook slowly for 5 to 6 hours until the internal temperature reaches precisely 170ºF.
  6. Verify doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest portion of the breast, confirming the recommended temperature.
  7. For enhanced texture, carefully transfer the cooked turkey to a baking pan and place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
  8. Allow the turkey to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute internal juices and ensures maximum tenderness when slicing.
  9. Slice the turkey against the grain and serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and moisture.

Notes

  • Seasoning Variation: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor profile and keep the dish exciting.
  • Moisture Retention: Placing a layer of sliced onions or celery at the bottom of the slow cooker helps create a flavorful base and prevents the turkey from drying out during cooking.
  • Dietary Adaptations: For a low-sodium version, use herbs and salt-free seasoning blends, and replace seasoned salt with fresh garlic and herbs to maintain robust flavor without extra sodium.
  • Skin Crisping Technique: When broiling, watch the turkey closely to prevent burning, and rotate the pan for even browning, ensuring a golden and crispy exterior without charring.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours (or 6 hours)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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