If you’re looking for a fuss-free way to make juicy, flavorful turkey without heating up the oven or babysitting the stove, this Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—tender, moist, and packed with just the right blend of spices. Whether it’s for a small holiday dinner or just a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a foolproof turkey roast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and hands-off cooking make this incredibly easy.
- Juicy Results: Slow cooking locks in moisture, leaving you with tender turkey every time.
- Versatility: Perfect for holidays or just a comforting weeknight meal.
- Flavorful: A balanced spice blend that’s not overwhelming but adds great depth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together perfectly to create an easy, aromatic crockpot turkey breast that you’ll want to make again and again. Everything is straightforward and pantry-friendly, with a couple of butters and spices that create a rich, comforting flavor.
- Turkey Breast Roast: A 3-pound boneless turkey breast is ideal for even cooking in the crockpot.
- Onion: Using a whole small onion cut into chunks adds subtle sweetness and moisture.
- Salted Butter: Butter brings both moisture and richness, helping the spice rub stick beautifully.
- Sea Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the turkey’s natural taste.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, savory undertone without overpowering.
- Onion Powder: Deepens the flavor profile alongside the fresh onion.
- Black Pepper: Fresh cracked or ground pepper adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Sweet Paprika: Gives a hint of color and mild smoky sweetness.
- Dried Parsley Flakes: Adds a fresh herbal note to brighten up the dish.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the turkey moist without being too salty.
- Turkey Drippings: (Optional) Adds extra rich flavor if you have any saved from previous cooking.
- Butter and Flour (for gravy): A simple roux creates a delicious gravy to serve alongside.
- Water or Extra Chicken Broth: Adjusts consistency of the gravy to your liking.
Variations
I’ve played around with this Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe in a few ways, and honestly, it’s pretty flexible. Feel free to tweak the spices or broth to match seasonal flavors or your family’s preferences. Making it your own is half the fun!
- Herb Infused: I love adding fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs on top for a woodsy aroma during cooking.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder with the spices.
- Gluten-Free Gravy: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour for the gravy.
- Seasonal Twist: Swap onions for shallots or add sliced apples at the base for a subtle sweetness boost.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Turkey Like a Pro
First things first: pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels—this is key for getting that butter and seasoning to really cling and soak in. No one likes a soggy bird! While you’re at it, cut your small onion into large chunks and place them evenly at the bottom of your crockpot. This little bed of onion adds moisture and layers of flavor as the turkey roasts away.
Step 2: Butter Up and Season
Slather the turkey breast generously all over with salted butter—don’t be shy! This locks in moisture and gives you fantastic flavor. Then sprinkle your spices: sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and dried parsley. I always make sure to rub these in a little so every bite is seasoned just right.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the turkey breast on top of the onions in the crockpot, then pour the chicken broth around (not on) the bird to keep it moist but not soggy. If you have turkey drippings from a previous roast, feel free to add those in for extra depth. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or low for 4 to 6 hours. The best way to know it’s done? Use an instant-read thermometer and pull it out once it reaches 165°F. This’ll make sure you don’t overcook and dry it out. Once done, let it rest 5-10 minutes before slicing — patience here really pays off!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
- Dry the Turkey First: Patting it dry helps the butter and seasoning stick better and reduces excess moisture.
- Check Internal Temp Early: Start checking at the lower end of time ranges to prevent overcooking—it can happen faster with newer slow cookers.
- Use the Onion Bed: The onion chunks don’t just add flavor; they help keep the turkey from sticking to your crockpot.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the turkey to rest locks in juices so every slice is perfectly moist.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley over the sliced turkey—it freshens up the rich flavors and adds a pop of color. Sometimes I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if I’m feeling adventurous; it brightens the whole dish instantly!
Side Dishes
This turkey pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and green beans. I’ve also had great success serving it with cranberry sauce on the side to add a lovely tart contrast. And if you’re making gravy from the crockpot drippings, oh boy—it just takes everything up a notch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a special dinner, I like plating slices of turkey breast atop a bed of wild rice and garnishing with toasted pecans and pomegranate seeds—gives such an elegant look and a delightful crunch! You could also serve it sliced in hearty sandwiches or wraps for a wonderful leftover lunch idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays juicy for about 3 to 4 days. Be sure to keep any leftover juices or make extra gravy to drizzle over slices when reheating, which really revives the moisture and flavor.
Freezing
I’ve frozen slices of cooked turkey breast wrapped tightly in foil and placed in freezer bags. It holds up very well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out, I warm thin slices in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or reserved drippings. Alternatively, covering the turkey with foil and warming gently in the oven at 325°F works wonders too.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed turkey breast for this crockpot recipe to ensure even cooking. Cooking from frozen in a slow cooker can result in unevenly cooked meat and potential food safety issues. Plan ahead for best results.
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Can I double this recipe for a larger turkey breast?
If your crockpot is large enough to comfortably fit a bigger turkey breast or two, you can definitely scale up. Just increase the cooking time accordingly and always rely on your instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.
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How do I make gravy using the crockpot drippings?
After removing the turkey, skim excess fat from the juices, then whisk in equal parts butter and flour over low heat to create a roux. Slowly add broth or water until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Season as needed and serve warm.
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Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Definitely! Adding root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery at the bottom along with or instead of the onion is a great way to make a one-pot meal. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so dependable and delicious. I love that it frees me up to focus on other things while the slow cooker does the heavy lifting. If you want juicy, flavorful turkey without the fuss or stress, I can’t recommend this recipe enough—give it a try and watch it become your new favorite!
Print
Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours on high or 4 to 6 hours on low
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (average, including resting time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe offers a foolproof way to cook a tender, juicy boneless turkey breast roast using a slow cooker. Perfect for a small Thanksgiving dinner or an easy, flavorful main dish any time of the year, this recipe infuses the turkey with aromatic spices and cooks it slowly with broth and butter for maximum moisture and taste.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasoning
- 3 pound boneless turkey breast roast
- 1 small onion, cut into large chunks
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
Broth and Gravy
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup turkey drippings
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Water or extra chicken broth as needed (for gravy consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure the butter and seasonings adhere well and help achieve a lovely crust.
- Layer the Crockpot: Place the chopped onion chunks at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will serve as a bed for the turkey and add flavor to the drippings.
- Butter and Season: Slather the entire turkey breast with the salted butter to lock in moisture. Then sprinkle evenly with sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sweet paprika, and dried parsley flakes for a balanced and savory flavor.
- Assemble in the Crockpot: Place the buttered and seasoned turkey breast onto the onion bed in the crockpot. Pour the low sodium chicken broth gently around the turkey to keep it moist throughout cooking.
- Cook the Turkey: Cover and cook on the high setting for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165℉, using an instant-read thermometer to ensure safe doneness.
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey breast from the crockpot carefully and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time allows juices to redistribute for optimal tenderness.
- Make the Gravy (Optional): Using the turkey drippings and broth, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook until lightly browned to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the turkey drippings and chicken broth, adding water or extra broth as needed. Cook until thickened and season to taste.
Notes
- This crockpot turkey breast recipe yields tender, juicy meat with minimal effort, ideal for small gatherings.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker; always rely on an instant-read thermometer for food safety.
- You can use the turkey drippings and broth to make a delicious homemade gravy to serve alongside.
- Letting the turkey rest before slicing is crucial for juicy slices.
- The recipe can be doubled if your slow cooker is large enough, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 363 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 679 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 142 mg


