Okay, so let me tell you—this slow cooker turkey breast? It’s the easiest thing ever. And yep, it turns out super juicy. Like, no dry meat here.

I used to think turkey was only for big holiday dinners. But nope! Now I make it all the time, right in my slow cooker.

It smells amazing while it cooks. And the best part? You barely have to do anything. Just toss it in and let it do its thing.

Wanna try it? I’ll show you how I make mine—step by step. It’s gonna be your new favorite go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-Fuss Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work—just season, set, and forget!
• Juicy Every Time: Unlike oven-roasted turkey, this method ensures moist, tender meat.
• Perfect for Small Gatherings: No need for a whole turkey—this is just the right size.
• Homemade Gravy Included: Don’t waste those flavorful drippings; we’ll turn them into a rich, velvety gravy.
• Versatile & Meal-Prep Friendly: Enjoy turkey sandwiches, salads, or wraps with leftovers!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we start, here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe effortless:

✔️ Slow Cooker (6-8 quart)
✔️ Mixing Bowl
✔️ Meat Thermometer (for perfect doneness)
✔️ Small Saucepan (for gravy)
✔️ Whisk (for smooth gravy)
✔️ Cutting Board & Knife

Ingredients

To make this flavor-packed turkey, you’ll need these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients:

For the Turkey Breast:

• Turkey Breast (Bone-In or Boneless): If using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed.
• Head of Garlic: Cut in half for aromatic flavor.
• Onion (Brown, Yellow, or White): Adds depth to the broth.
• Thyme (Fresh or Dried): Gives a warm, herby note.

For the Spice Rub:

• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For savory richness.
• Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and color.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances the natural turkey flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps the spices adhere and keeps the turkey moist.

For the Gravy:

• Turkey Drippings + Chicken Broth: Forms the rich, flavorful base.
• Butter & Flour: Creates a smooth, thick texture.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

1. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick.
2. If the turkey breast has skin, loosen it gently with your fingers. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat.
3. If using bone-in turkey, leave it as is. If using boneless, tie it with kitchen twine to hold its shape.

Step 2: Make the Spice Rub

1. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add olive oil and mix until it forms a paste-like consistency.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

1. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey breast, including under the skin (if it has one).
2. Let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 4: Assemble the Slow Cooker

1. Layer aromatics: Place the halved onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavor-packed base and prevents the turkey from sitting directly on the bottom.
2. Add thyme sprigs (or dried thyme) for extra aroma.
3. Place the turkey breast on top, skin side up. This positioning helps it self-baste as it cooks.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Turkey Breast

1. Set the slow cooker to LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The exact time will depend on the size of your turkey breast.
2. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.
3. Once fully cooked, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices.

Pro Tip: If you prefer crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil it for 5-8 minutes in the oven at 450°F (230°C). Watch it closely to avoid burning!

Step 6: Make the Gravy

A rich, silky gravy from the turkey drippings will take this dish to the next level!

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Gravy:

1. Strain the turkey drippings from the slow cooker into a measuring cup.
   • If needed, add chicken broth to make 2 cups of liquid.
2. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden (this removes the raw flour taste).
4. Slowly pour in the reserved turkey drippings, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
5. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For a creamy gravy, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream before serving.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast makes amazing leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigerator (Up to 4 Days)

• Store sliced turkey in an airtight container with some of the cooking juices to keep it moist.

Freezer (Up to 3 Months)

• Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags. Freeze in meal-sized portions for easy defrosting.

Reheating Tips

• Oven: Wrap slices in foil and bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Reheat with a splash of broth in 30-second bursts until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat with a little broth.

Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

This turkey breast is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner. Here are some great ways to serve it:

Classic Thanksgiving-Style Meal

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the homemade turkey gravy.
• Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans for a balanced meal.
• Stuffing or Dressing – Serve with a classic stuffing or cornbread dressing.
• Cranberry Sauce – The sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce complements the savory turkey.

Light & Healthy Pairings

• Crisp Green Salad – A simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Steamed Asparagus or Broccoli – Light, healthy sides that complement the rich turkey flavor.

Leftover Turkey Ideas

Got leftovers? Here’s how to repurpose turkey breast into delicious meals:

• Turkey Sandwiches: Layer turkey with lettuce, tomato, and cranberry mayo on toasted bread.
• Turkey Wraps: Roll turkey with avocado, greens, and a creamy dressing in a tortilla.
• Turkey Soup: Use leftovers to make a comforting turkey noodle soup.
• Turkey Pot Pie: Combine with veggies and a creamy sauce in a flaky crust.
• Turkey Tacos: Shred the turkey and serve in warm tortillas with salsa and cheese.

Recipe Variations & Customizations

Want to mix things up? Here are some easy ways to customize this slow cooker turkey breast:

Flavor Variations

• Herb Butter Turkey – Instead of an oil-based rub, mix softened butter with rosemary, sage, and thyme, then rub it under the turkey skin for a richer flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Turkey – Sprinkle grated parmesan into the rub for a cheesy, garlicky twist.
• Spicy Cajun Turkey – Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning for a bold, spicy kick.
• Lemon-Herb Turkey – Add lemon zest and fresh rosemary for a citrusy flavor.

Cooking Modifications

• For a Crispy Skin: Transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and broil for 5-8 minutes after slow cooking.
• For a Bone-In Turkey Breast: The cooking time may be slightly longer—plan for about 6-7 hours on LOW.
• For a Smaller Turkey Breast: Adjust the seasoning and cooking time for a smaller cut.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutrition per serving (based on a 4-ounce portion of turkey and 2 tablespoons of gravy):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250
Protein	42g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	2g
Carbohydrates	4g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	1g
Sodium	450mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on the specific turkey cut and portion sizes.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast FAQs

1. Can I use a frozen turkey breast?

Yes, but it must be fully thawed before cooking. Allow 24 hours per 4-5 lbs to thaw in the refrigerator.

2. How do I keep the turkey from drying out?

Cooking on LOW ensures a juicy turkey. Also, resting the turkey after cooking helps retain moisture.

3. Can I cook a whole turkey in a slow cooker?

No, most slow cookers aren’t large enough for a whole turkey. This recipe is designed for turkey breast only.

4. How do I make this in the Instant Pot?

Use the Pressure Cook (Manual) setting on HIGH for 35-45 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.

5. What do I do with leftovers?

Leftover turkey can be used in sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is an easy, foolproof way to make juicy, flavorful turkey without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday or a simple weeknight meal, this recipe guarantees tender turkey every time. Plus, the homemade gravy adds the perfect finishing touch!