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Slow Cooker Butter-Herb Turkey Breast with Crispy Top Recipe

Avatar photoByMegane
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 74 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, fuss-free way to make turkey that’s tender, flavorful, and topped with a delightful crispy crust, then you’re going to want to try this Slow Cooker Butter-Herb Turkey Breast with Crispy Top Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe lets the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you get to enjoy juicy turkey bursting with fresh herb goodness. Plus, that crispy top broiled at the end? Pure magic. Stick around—I’ll share all my insider tips to help you nail it every time.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Cooking: Just set it, forget it, and come back to perfectly tender turkey after hours of slow cooking.
  • Rich, Herbaceous Flavor: The butter-herb mixture infuses the meat with mouthwatering layers of taste.
  • Crispy Top Finish: That final broiler step adds a crispy, golden crust that’s like the cherry on top.
  • Family-Approved: My crew goes crazy for this, and I think yours will too!
A white rectangular plate holds a thick piece of roasted meat with a crispy, browned top sprinkled with herbs. The meat is sliced to show three layers: the top browned crust, the moist white inside, and a shiny brown sauce poured over the middle and bottom slices. The plate is layered with fresh green leafy vegetables under the meat, with whole red cranberries scattered around. The dish is decorated with sprigs of rosemary placed around the plate edges, and orange and lemon slices are arranged at the back of the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface next to a colorful striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple but pack a punch. Fresh herbs and butter make all the difference, and a few pantry staples round it out to create this gorgeous slow cooker centerpiece. When you shop, try to pick quality butter and fresh rosemary and thyme for the best flavor.

  • Boneless turkey breast with skin on: Skin adds flavor and helps keep turkey juicy during slow cooking.
  • Yellow or white onions: These act as a natural rack in the slow cooker and add subtle sweetness.
  • Softened butter: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and spreading.
  • Minced garlic: Fresh or jarred works, but fresh delivers the best aroma.
  • Minced onion flakes: Adds a touch of extra onion flavor without moisture.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it.
  • Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balance.
  • Fresh rosemary: Use fresh sprigs if you can — dried works but fresh is a knockout.
  • Fresh thyme sprigs: These join the onions at the bottom, giving off a lovely aroma.
  • Chicken broth: Adds moisture and subtle savory notes.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe straightforward, but you can absolutely personalize it based on your tastes or what you have on hand. That’s the beauty of slow cooker dishes—flexibility!

  • Use dried herbs instead of fresh: When I’m out of fresh rosemary or thyme, dried herbs work fine; just reduce the amount slightly and add them earlier for full flavor development.
  • Swap chicken broth for white wine: For a subtle depth and brightness, I’ve replaced broth with a dry white wine—it adds a nice twist!
  • Spice it up: I’ve experimented with adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a gentle smoky kick that my family loves.
  • Gluten-free or dairy-free versions: You can swap butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter and still keep the moist texture and herbiness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter-Herb Turkey Breast with Crispy Top Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker and Onions

Spray the insides of your slow cooker with nonstick spray to make cleanup easier—trust me, this helps a lot! Then slice your onions in half and place them cut-side down at the bottom of the pot. This is a neat trick I discovered: the onions act like a natural rack to keep the turkey lifted above the drippings, preventing it from stewing in liquid and helping maintain its texture. Toss in a few sprigs of fresh thyme right on the onions for that fragrant herbal base.

Step 2: Mix the Butter-Herb Spread

In a bowl, blend your softened butter with minced garlic, minced onion flakes, salt, black pepper, and fresh rosemary. I like to use softened butter because it spreads evenly over the turkey skin, helping those herbs stick really well and infuse their flavors during cooking. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Turkey

Dry your turkey breast gently with paper towels—that step makes a big difference. When the turkey’s slightly dry, the butter-herb mixture adheres better, so you get that beautiful herb crust we’re aiming for. Then spread the butter-herb mix liberally over the turkey breast, coating it evenly on the top and sides as best as you can.

Step 4: Add Broth and Cook Low and Slow

Carefully pour chicken broth into the side of the slow cooker—you don’t want to wash off your buttery turkey! The broth creates steam for moist cooking and collects delicious drippings. Pop the lid on and cook on low for 7 hours. This long, slow cook time is just perfect to break down the turkey breast for juicy tenderness without drying it out.

Step 5: Finish with a Crispy Top Under the Broiler

Once you check that the thickest part of the turkey breast has reached 165°F with a meat thermometer, it’s time for the fun part: crisping that top! Remove the slow cooker lid (careful—steam!), and transfer the turkey with the skin-side up under your oven’s broiler for 5 to 10 minutes. Watch it closely because it can go from beautifully browned to burnt in no time. This final step creates that lovely crispy, golden crust that brings the dish to life—it’s what turned me into a permanent fan of this recipe.

Serve immediately and maybe pour some of those flavorful drippings over for extra moistness. Yum.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Butter-Herb Turkey Breast with Crispy Top Recipe

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: I never skip this; 165°F ensures safety and perfect juiciness—you’ll avoid overcooking this way.
  • Don’t Skip Drying the Turkey: It’s a small step that makes a huge difference for getting that butter-herb mixture to stick.
  • Keep a Close Eye Under the Broiler: Broilers can burn food fast; trust me, I learned this the hard way, so watch every minute.
  • Check Slow Cooker Compatibility: Make sure your slow cooker insert can go under the broiler; if not, shift the turkey to a broiler-safe pan before crisping.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter-Herb Turkey Breast with Crispy Top Recipe

A large piece of cooked meat with a golden brown and slightly charred top layer is placed in the center of a white rectangular plate with a green border. The meat has been sliced partially, showing a white and juicy inside texture. Around the meat, there are bright green leafy lettuce and some red round berries scattered on the plate. Several sprigs of fresh rosemary with needle-like leaves are arranged around the meat on the plate. On the top left corner, two slices of citrus fruits, one orange and one lemon, add bright yellow and orange colors. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with a woman's hand touching a cloth in the top right part of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or extra thyme sprigs over the sliced turkey just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a lively herbal freshness that pairs beautifully with the rich butter-herb flavors.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes or roasted baby carrots, both of which soak up the turkey drippings nicely. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon works perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, try serving the turkey breast sliced on a platter surrounded by oven-roasted herbs and citrus slices—it’s not only stunning but adds subtle aroma while serving. I once did this for a family gathering and got compliments all night long!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The turkey stays juicy for up to 4 days, and I love pulling it out for sandwiches or salads. Just remember to let it cool slightly before refrigerating to preserve the best texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I slice the turkey before freezing and pack it in freezer bags with some drippings. When you want to reheat, just thaw in the fridge overnight for easy weeknight meals.

Reheating

I reheat slices gently in a skillet with a little broth or wrapped in foil in the oven at 325°F. This keeps the turkey moist and brings back some of that crispy exterior charm.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a frozen turkey breast for this Slow Cooker Butter-Herb Turkey Breast with Crispy Top Recipe?

    It’s best to thaw the turkey breast completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety. Cooking from frozen in a slow cooker can lead to uneven results and potentially unsafe temperatures.

  2. What if my slow cooker insert isn’t broiler-safe?

    No worries! After slow cooking, carefully transfer the turkey to a baking sheet or oven-safe dish that can go under the broiler. Just be gentle when moving it so you don’t lose the buttery coating.

  3. Can I add vegetables to cook along with the turkey?

    You can! Root veggies like carrots and potatoes work well around the onions. Just keep in mind they’ll cook for the full 7 hours, so cut them larger than usual to avoid mushiness.

  4. How do I know when the turkey is done?

    The safest and best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast; it should read at least 165°F. This guarantees it’s fully cooked but still juicy.

  5. Can I make this recipe without skin on the turkey breast?

    The skin helps keep the turkey moist and supports that golden crust after broiling. You can use skinless, but expect a slightly drier texture and less crispiness on top.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Slow Cooker Butter-Herb Turkey Breast with Crispy Top Recipe, I was hooked instantly by how effortlessly it transformed simple ingredients into something special. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s become one of my go-to recipes to impress with minimal stress. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in making and eating it as I do—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

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Slow Cooker Butter-Herb Turkey Breast with Crispy Top Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours
  • Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10-12 slices
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender turkey with minimal effort. The turkey cooks slowly with aromatic herbs, butter, and onions, resulting in a flavorful and moist dish perfect for a comforting family meal or special occasion.

Ingredients

Turkey and Aromatics

  • 2 to 4 pound boneless turkey breast, skin on (2.5 pounds used)
  • 2 yellow or white onions, sliced in half
  • A few sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary

Seasoning and Butter Mix

  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced onion flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Other

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Nonstick cooking spray (for slow cooker)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the Crock Pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Arrange Onions and Herbs: Slice the onions in half and place them face down on the bottom of the slow cooker; they will form a bed to keep the turkey elevated and out of the liquid. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme on top of the onions for aroma.
  3. Make Herb Butter: In a small or medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, minced onion flakes, salt, black pepper, and fresh rosemary. Mix thoroughly to blend the flavors.
  4. Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to help the butter adhere better. Place the turkey on top of the onion and thyme bed inside the slow cooker.
  5. Apply Herb Butter: Spread the prepared butter mixture evenly over the top of the turkey breast, ensuring good coverage for flavor.
  6. Add Broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth into the side of the slow cooker, avoiding pouring it directly onto the turkey to keep the butter coating intact.
  7. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 7 hours, allowing the turkey to cook gently and absorb flavors.
  8. Check Temperature: After cooking, use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature in the thickest part of the turkey reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and doneness.
  9. Crisp the Top: Remove the slow cooker lid and place the turkey under the oven broiler for 5 to 10 minutes to crisp the skin. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  10. Serve: Remove the turkey and slice into 10-12 pieces. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by saved drippings or gravy made from them.

Notes

  • You can save the drippings from the slow cooker to make a flavorful turkey gravy.
  • Ensure your slow cooker insert is oven-safe before placing it under the broiler; if not, transfer the turkey to an oven-safe pan for broiling.
  • Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly, but dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • The onions cooked at the bottom are edible; simply peel off the outer layer before consuming.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
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Hey, I'm Megan! Self-taught cook, big foodie, and lover of all things butter and garlic. I share easy, tasty recipes you’ll actually want to make. Let’s cook something awesome together!

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