Perfect for a scaled-down Thanksgiving celebration, this easy Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe even has drippings so you can make gravy! The slow cooker is the best way to make turkey breast if you want it to turn out perfect and juicy!

slow cooker turkey breast with carrots and celery in a slow cooker

Have you ever tried to cook turkey breast in the oven? It doesn’t always turn out great, does it? Well, I’ve got the secret to making perfect turkey breast—and it’s probably sitting somewhere in your kitchen right now.

Yep, it’s your crockpot!

Because turkey breast is lean, it’s prone to drying out in the oven unless it’s brined. A crockpot turkey breast works better because the slow cooker traps in the moisture, instead of letting it bake off. If you’re having a scaled-down Thanksgiving celebration this year, you’ll appreciate this recipe because it’s just the right size for a small gathering and you get to skip the nail-biting over whether or not your turkey will turn out well once you set it on the carving board and start slicing. A slow cooker turkey breast is perfect every time!

slice crockpot turkey breast served on a white plate with homemade gravy and rosemary

Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

The other thing I love about making turkey in the slow cooker is that the juices that collect at the bottom of the crockpot insert are a great starter for gravy—and you can grab that recipe and print it out too! Then, you only need mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and cranberries for a complete Thanksgiving spread. (Oh, and pumpkin pie—you can’t forget about that!) And if you’ve got leftover turkey from this recipe, you can make my Easy Leftover Turkey Soup or Turkey Tetrazzini!

ingredients to make slow cooker crockpot turkey breast

Ingredients

For the crockpot turkey breast:

  • Butter
  • Kosher salt – If you’ve bought a turkey that’s already brined, you can use less salt.
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Chicken broth
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Yellow onion
  • Boneless turkey breast with skin – About 2 to 2 ½ pounds will serve 8 to 10 people.

For the gravy:

  • Turkey drippings
  • Chicken broth
  • All-purpose flour
  • Pepper
  • Salt

Substitutions

  • Chicken broth – If you happen to have turkey broth on hand, that will work too.
  • Yellow onion – For a stronger flavor, you can swap the onion for 2–3 shallots.
steps to make crockpot turkey breast

How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast

1. Make the Rub

Combine the butter, salt, garlic and onion powders, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. Spread the mixture over the turkey breast.

2. Place the Ingredients in the Crockpot

Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker, then add the vegetables. Place the turkey breast in the crockpot on top of the vegetables with the skin side up.

3. Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook the turkey on low for 5 or 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.

4. Broil (Optional)

For a crispy skin, transfer the turkey breast to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil it for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the skin is nicely browned.

5. Rest and Cut

Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes, then carve it and serve.

Hint: If you’re broiling the turkey, make sure you keep a close eye on it to keep it from burning!

slice turkey breast made from a slow cooker served on a white plate with homemade gravy and rosemary

Variations

  • Herbed turkey – Add sprigs of thyme, rosemary, and/or sage to the vegetable mixture at the bottom of the crockpot to infuse the turkey with flavor.
  • Wine – You can add a splash of a dry white wine when you’re pouring the broth into the slow cooker; 1/4 cup white wine to 3/4 cup broth is perfect.

FAQ

Is it safe to slow cook a turkey?

It’s safe to cook a turkey breast in a crockpot as described in this recipe. The key is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Don’t skip this step!

How do I keep my turkey moist?

Cooking turkey breast in a crockpot is the best method I’ve found for keeping turkey moist and juicy. You are never going to want to make it any other way once you try it!

Top Tip

If you don’t have a meat thermometer at home, buy one for this recipe. There’s no way to simply look at a turkey breast and know if it’s done.

If you’re looking for more…try these recipes next!

slow cooker turkey breast with carrots and celery in a slow cooker

Crockpot Turkey Breast

Say goodbye to dry turkey and hello to this juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe! It turns out perfect every single time. So easy too!
3.85 from 19 votes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients  

  • 4 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3 stalks celery halved
  • 3 carrots quartered
  • 1 large yellow onion sliced into ½" wedges
  • 1 boneless turkey breast with skin about 2 to 2 ½ pounds

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl mix softened butter, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Spread the mixture evenly over the turkey breast.
  • Pour chicken broth in the bottom of a slow cooker and add the vegetables.
  • Place the turkey breast, skin side up, on top of the vegetables.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours – until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • If desired, place the turkey breast on a foil lined sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes or until skin is browned.
  • Allow to sit for about 10 minutes before cutting.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @kasey_allthingsmamma or tag #allthingsmamma!

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

Comments

  1. HELLO – how long would I cook a 7.65lb. boneless turkey breast on low with your recipe?

  2. Hi, you don’t give any instructions for the gravy, can you please tell us how to make it, thanks?

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