This easy Crockpot Turkey Breast is juicy and tender and requires almost no prep time! It’s perfect for smaller holiday gatherings or for a weeknight meal with leftovers!
Make this a full holiday dinner with my Crockpot Stuffing and Green Bean Casserole!
Table of Contents
This Crockpot Turkey Breast is one of my favorite turkey recipes. It takes just a few minutes to prep, is slathered in a flavorful garlic butter, and is slow cooked until tender and juicy!
The juices left behind by the turkey are transformed in to the most incredible gravy that can be finished up in just a few minutes on the stove or in the crockpot. This delicious meal is perfect for holidays or for any old weeknight!
If you’re looking to cook a whole turkey in the crockpot, check out my Crockpot Turkey with Garlic Butter!
We love to serve both of them with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Honey Glazed Carrots, Green Beans with Bacon or Broccoli Casserole and Garlic Bread.
Need help planning your Thanksgiving meal? Check out these 20+ Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas!
Ingredients Needed:
- Turkey: I use boneless turkey breast, but bone in will work too.
- Unsalted Butter: soften the butter first so you can easily slather it all over the turkey.
- Seasonings: we’re seasoning the turkey with a simple blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, and black pepper.
For the Gravy
- Cooking Liquid: save the cooking liquid from the crockpot after the turkey is cooked. It acts as the base for the gravy.
- Broth: you can use chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth depending on your preferences. I like to use low sodium broth so I can control the saltiness.
- Cornstarch: whisked together with the broth to help thicken the gravy.
- Seasonings: a simple combination of dried parsley, dried thyme, and black pepper give the gravy just the right flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast
This slow cooker turkey breast recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep!
- Season the turkey: Place the turkey breast into the crockpot. In a bowl, mix together butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, and pepper. Rub all over the turkey thoroughly.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours, then remove and let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked through! It should be 165 degrees F.
- Make the gravy: Strain the juices from the crockpot through a sieve into a pot. Whisk together broth and cornstarch, then whisk into the juices. Cook until thickened, then add the seasonings to taste.
- Slice and serve: Slice the turkey breast, then place back into the crockpot to keep warm or serve right away with the gravy.
Boneless vs Bone-In
I prefer to use boneless turkey breast for this crockpot recipe, but there are pros and cons to each. Feel free to go whatever route you wish. The recipe shouldn’t change!
Boneless
Boneless turkey breast is a great option because it cooks more quickly and is easier to slice and serve. However, it an be difficult to find boneless, even during the holiday season.
I usually use a boneless turkey breast roast, which comes in a mash casing and is usually rounded than regular boneless turkey breast. A breast is made with real turkey breast meat and are not pre-cooked, so you will just proceed with the recipe as instructed.
Bone-In
Bone-in turkey breast tends to be juicier. Having the skin on helps it achieve a better texture and flavor. Plus, if you like a crispy skin, you can pop it under the broiler for a few minutes for that perfect combination of juicy and crispy.
If the weight of the turkey breast is the same as the recipe requires, you don’t need to change the cook time.
Any additional weight will require more cook time.
Crockpot Turkey Breast FAQs
Totally! You’ll just want to use fresh or thawed turkey. Fully frozen turkey will not work, because it will sit too long at an unsafe temperature in the crockpot.
You’ll cook the boneless turkey breast for just 5 hours on low in the crockpot. To double check that it’s done, use a meat thermometer. It should be 165ºF!
If you’re cooking boneless turkey breast, you can plan on about ½ pound person. However, if you want leftovers maybe aim for ¾ pounds per person.
Leftover turkey breast without gravy will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. The gravy will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To enjoy your leftovers, thaw the turkey overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven or in the microwave. Heat a portion of gravy up for serving, then dig in!
Tips and Notes
- Use fresh or thaw first. If you have fresh turkey, great. If you have frozen, plan ahead and thaw it for a couple of days in the fridge before cooking.
- Check the temp. The internal temperature of turkey should be 165ºF. Use a meat thermometer to double check before serving!
- Let it rest. Once the turkey is cooked, pull it out and let it rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes. This gives the flavor and moisture time to settle back into the meat for the juiciest texture.
- Save the juices! Don’t discard the cooking liquid in the crockpot after cooking. You’ll use it as the base for the gravy.
- Make extra garlic butter. It’s great on turkey, but also delicious on Roasted Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes, chicken, or toasted French bread.
Serving Suggestions
These Crockpot Turkey Breasts are super versatile, so feel free to pair them with whatever side dishes your heart desires. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Cheesy Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic Herb Instant Pot Potatoes
- Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes and Carrots Recipe
- Slow Cooker Honey Orange Glazed Carrots
Leftover Turkey Recipes
Got leftovers? Here are a few of my favorites ways to use them up!
- Try this creamy Leftover Turkey Soup!
- This Turkey Noodle Soup is healthy and hearty.
- One Pot Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is an easy meal the whole family loves!
- This One Pot Turkey Tetrazzini Soup Recipe is SO cozy!
Crockpot Turkey Breast
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 3-3.5 lb boneless turkey breast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (I use Lawry's)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the gravy
- 1 cup low sodium chicken, turkey or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Place turkey breast (completely thawed, if it was frozen) in a 2.5-4 quart crockpot. If you're using a turkey breast roast, be sure to leave the netting in place.
- In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt and pepper. Rub all over the turkey breast, both sides (be sure to get under and on top of the skin if your turkey breast has skin).
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches at least 165 degrees F.
- Remove to a cutting board and let rest for 10-15 minutes while you start the gravy.
- To make the gravy, strain the juices from the crockpot with a fine mesh sieve into a medium pot.
- Whisk together chicken broth and corn starch. Whisk into turkey juices.
- Cook on medium heat, whisking often, until thickened. Taste and add recommend seasonings (parsley, thyme and pepper) or adjust seasonings to your tastes.
- Thinly slice the turkey breast, and place back into the crockpot on warm to serve later, or serve immediately with gravy.
Nutrition Information
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Theresa says
Can I make two 3 lb turkey breast roasts in the crockpot at the same time? What would be the adjustments?
The Recipe Rebel says
It’s going to depend on the size of your crockpot, but I personally don’t think they will fit.
Lynn says
Could I use chicken breasts instead? A few family members don’t like turkey.
The Recipe Rebel says
I’m sure you could Lynn! I make chicken breast all of the time in my crock pot! Hope you enjoy it!
Christine says
Just asking where do you buy a turkey roll like that our BJ’s use to sell it but no longer, just wondering what supermarkets your near?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Christine, I’m in Canada so our supermarkets tend to sell them. Hopefully you’ll find them closer to your holidays. Enjoy!
P says
The butterball boneless turkey breast are not always available year-round at all the stores. However, I have always been able to find during fall. I am already seeing them at Publix and Walmart and it is early October.
The Recipe Rebel says
Thanks for the tip P!
MissWyz says
Just put it in the crock pot now! I am not the best at cooking…so we’ll see how it goes!!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hope you enjoyed it!
Pam says
Going to try this this weekend. Just wondering if I’m supposed to remove the netting around it before placing in crockpot.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Pam! I’m not sure if you saw it in the directions but it said, “If you’re using a turkey breast roast, be sure to leave the netting in place.” Hope this helps!
Rebecca says
Yall, this recipe is Perfect! I added onions slides underneath turkey breast, and instead of butter, I used Italian dressing. I was flabbergasted with how well it turned out! Even my 90yo friend ate like 3 helpings!!! Yay!!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Rebecca! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Kathy says
This was so good. The only thing that I did different is that I brined my boneless breast. Next time I will not add season salt as it was just a hair on the salty side. I used the drippings as the “water” I needed for the gravy and it really rocked. Thank you!!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Kathy! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Jennifer Stewart says
Best turkey I’ve ever had !! So easy, tender, fell off the bone.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Jennifer! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Cheryl says
Hi! I can’t wait to try out this recipe this year! My slow cooker is bigger than 4 quarts… do you think this will affect the outcome? Thank you so much for sharing!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Cheryl! It should be fine!
Christina Rosencrantz says
Hi. Thank you for this recipe. I’m using it for thanksgiving this year and I’m super excited but I just realized I got the savory herb 3 pd. turkey breast. Do you think hashing it pre seasoned will make it too salty. I’m wondering if I should just take it back and get the regular one. Or will it make a difference. Thank you for advice. I’m new to cooking
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Christina! Would love to know what you ended up doing? Hope you enjoyed it!
Christina Rosencrantz says
I ended up keeping the savory herb. It came out great!! Thank you so much for this delicious recipe. My whole family loved it. The gravy was super yummy too! This was an easy, super delicious recipe. I definitely recommend it to everyone!!
The Recipe Rebel says
Thanks so much for the feedback and glad you enjoyed it!
Sue says
Hi Ashley,
I will be trying this recipe out for the first-time next week. I am looking forward to it.
Happy Thanksgiving
Sue
The Recipe Rebel says
Hope you enjoy it Sue!
Debbie says
I cooked this turkey crockpot recipe for thanksgiving and it was delicious, and so moist. Will use this recipe again.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Debbie! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this review!
pamela dye says
Can you cook a turkey breast with bone in in the crock pot
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Pamela! Yes! Here’s my recipe for that: https://www.thereciperebel.com/crockpot-turkey-with-garlic-butter/
Wendy says
Easy delicious recipe!! Thank you
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Wendy! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for your review!
SHARON A BENAVIDEZ says
I toss in some celery leaves & sliced onion in the bottom of the pot for a little more flavor.
The Recipe Rebel says
Sounds tasty!
Brenda says
Made the Turkey breast in our crockpot following your recipe. I made two chef salads for my husband and I and topped them with bite size pieces of this scrumptious Turkey Breast. Had enough left over, so a couple of days later I made some gravy and I sliced the rest of the Turkey breast, let it simmer on low in the gravy for a few minutes and we had open face hot Turkey w/gravy slices on bread. It was awesome! Thank you for sharing and will definitely make it again.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Brenda! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Donna D says
This was the easiest recipe and so delicious. I will be making this again and again!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Donna!
Mary says
May be silly question, but should the butter be melted?
Ashley Fehr says
Not melted, just softened enough so it can be spread
Donna D says
I just softened mine a bit (maybe 10-15 seconds in the microwave). The mixture has a paste like consistency.
Jessica says
How long should I cook a 6.35lb turkey breast with this recipe?
Ashley Fehr says
I would double the cook time
Emily says
Hello! Wondering if a smaller Turkey tenderloin could be used instead? It’s just two of us this Thanksgiving due to COVID. So we don’t want to make too much! If so, how would the cooking time adjust? 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Emily! The cook time will be mostly dependent on the thickness and weight of the tenderloin. If it is about half the size, probably 3 hours on low would be all right
Gil says
Such an easy and delicious recipe. Everyone loved it. The gravy was a big hit. I had to use flour/water to thicken it. I really love this!!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Gil!