Foolproof Slow Cooker Turkey Breast for Busy People Easy REcipe

This foolproof slowcooker Turkey Breast recipe comes out juicy and tender right out of the Crock Pot.  You will love this recipe so much, you might even give up the full-size bird (whole turkey) for the holidays and just go with this drama-free turkey breast recipe.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

think my mom used her vintage-looking crockpot to make a turkey breast back in the day—but honestly, it’s been so long I can’t quite remember the details. Seriously, I’ve been married, raised a child, and now that child has children of their own… so we’re talking decades ago. I remember the feel of those dinners more than the recipe itself—cozy, simple, and full of that home-cooked magic.

Before I pick up the phone to ask my mom what exactly she used on her turkey back in the ’70s or ’80s, I wanted to come up with a version of my own. One that’s simple, delicious, and doesn’t require a mile-long ingredient list. Just the basics—with flavor that feels like a warm hug.

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe uses just 5 ingredients—and yes, I’m counting the cornstarch for the gravy! I’m assuming most of us have water, salt, and pepper hanging out in the pantry. That’s it. That’s the recipe. Cozy, comforting, and beautifully simple—just how I like it.

Raw Turkey breast in slow cooker with butter and herbs
Place trimmed and cleaned turkey in slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Butter

The easiest 3-ingredient turkey breast that’s moist, flavorful, and practically cooks itself while you get other things done (like finishing that to-do list… or binge-watching your favorite show).


Ingredients

  • 1 (6-pound) bone-in turkey breast
  • 3 tablespoons Herb de Provence
  •  1 tablespoon onion powder or garlic powder (go crazy and put both!)
  • 3 tablespoons butter

For the Gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Like a Pro:
    Give your turkey breast a quick rinse and pat it dry with paper towels. If there’s any extra flappy skin hanging around, snip it off with kitchen shears—but leave the skin covering the breast. That’s where the magic happens.
  2. Herb & Butter Love:
    Sprinkle that beautiful Herb de Provence and onion/garlic powder all over the turkey—under the skin, on top of the skin, all the cozy corners. Then place one tablespoon  butter in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  3. Time to Cook:
    Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker breast-side down and top with remaining butter. Pop the lid on, set it to low, and cook for 7 hours(or until it hits 165°F on a meat thermometer).
  4. Rest & Relax:
    When it’s done, gently lift the turkey out (it’ll be super tender!), place it on a platter, and tent it with foil. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes while you whip up the gravy.
  5. Easy Pan Gravy:
    Pour the turkey juices from the bottom of the slow cooker through a mesh strainer into a saucepan. In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water until smooth.
    Pour the cornstarch mixture into the drippings and whisk over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until the gravy thickens up. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve It Up:
    Slice the turkey and drizzle that golden gravy right on top. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy every juicy, herby bite.
Juicy baked pork chop with herbs and seasoning on white plate, wooden table background.

How Long to Cook Turkey Breast in a Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are wonderfully forgiving—just one of the many reasons I love using them for turkey breast. The key is to cook it low and slow until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Resist the urge to speed things up by switching to high—it won’t save time and can dry out the meat. Trust the process! Even if it cooks a little longer than planned, your turkey will still be juicy. It might fall apart slightly when you lift it out—but hey, that just means it’s extra tender.

Here’s a quick guide based on the weight of your bone-in, skin-on turkey breast:

  • 2 lb (1 kg): 4–5 hours on LOW
  • 4–6 lb (2–3 kg): 5–6 hours on LOW
  • 8 lb (4 kg): 6–7 hours on LOW
  • 10 lb (5 kg): 8–9 hours on LOW

💧 No water needed! The turkey creates its own flavorful juices as it cooks—perfect for making rich, savory gravy afterward.

Savory herb-crusted grilled chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, served on a white plate.

Health Benefits of Eating Lean and Clean Turkey

Turkey isn’t just delicious—it packs a nutritional punch that supports your health in multiple ways:

  • Excellent source of lean protein: Turkey delivers high-quality protein containing all nine essential amino acids. These are vital for building and repairing muscles, skin, bones, and blood 
  • Lower in saturated fat: Compared to most red meats, turkey is a heart-friendlier choice. This is due to its lower saturated fat content.
  • Rich in key B vitamins: Turkey provides generous amounts of B3 (niacin), B6, and B12. These support energy production, brain function, and healthy metabolism 
  • High in selenium: This essential mineral may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and support overall immune function.
  • Supports mental wellness: Turkey is a natural source of tryptophan, the amino acid linked to increased serotonin levels. These help improve mood and emotional balance.

Busy Kitchen Tips for Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

  1. Prep the Night Before:
    Rub the turkey with your spice mix (or Herb de Provence and softened butter) the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it in the crockpot and press start—done in under 2 minutes!
  2. Use a Slow Cooker Liner:
    For quick cleanup, line your crockpot with a slow cooker liner. When dinner’s done, toss the liner—no scrubbing required. More time to relax or help with homework!
  3. Skip the Homemade Gravy (If You Want To):
    If you’re in a rush, grab a gravy packet from the grocery store and mix it with chicken broth or the drippings. It still tastes great and saves you an extra step.
  4. Double Duty with Sides:
    While the turkey slow cooks, roast a tray of green beans or sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. You’ll have fresh, easy sides ready without taking up stovetop time.
  5. Think Leftovers Ahead:
    Slice up any leftover tender turkey breast for quick turkey sandwiches, wraps, or salads for lunch the next day. It’s a great way to stretch one meal into two—or three!
Turkey Breast Mashed Potatoes
Fool Proof Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot

👩‍🍳 3 Helpful Tips If You’re New to Cooking Turkey

  • Check the Inside!
    If you’re using a bone-in turkey breast, take a peek inside the interior cavity before cooking. Sometimes there’s a packet of gravy mix, seasoning, or even the neck bone tucked inside. You’ll want to remove anything extra before adding your spice rub or placing it in the slow cooker.
  • Give Frozen Time to Thaw (Really!)
    Planning to use a frozen turkey breast? Give it at least 24–48 hours in the fridge to fully thaw, depending on size. A solid, icy turkey won’t cook evenly, and that can mess up your beautiful dinner plans. If you’re short on time, use the cold water method—but never thaw it on the counter (hello, food safety!).
  • Let It Sit Before the Slow Cooker Does Its Magic
    Before placing your turkey in the crockpot, let it rest on the counter for 20–30 minutes to come closer to room temperature. This little step helps the turkey cook more evenly and hold on to that juicy tenderness we’re going for.

🧊 How to Store Leftover Turkey Breast

  • Cool First: Let the cooked turkey cool down for about 20–30 minutes after serving.
  • Store Fast: Put leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking to keep them safe.
  • Use Airtight Containers: Slice or shred the turkey and place it in airtight containers or zip-top bags.
  • Fridge Life: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer Life: You can freeze turkey for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container.

🔥 How to Reheat Turkey Breast

  • Microwave (Quick & Easy):
    Place turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of chicken broth or water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second bursts until warm.
  • Oven (Best for Larger Portions):
    Preheat oven to 300°F. Place turkey in a baking dish with a little broth or water. Cover with foil and heat for 20–30 minutes, or until hot.
  • Stovetop (Great for Sliced Turkey):
    Heat in a skillet over low heat with a bit of broth, butter, or olive oil. Cover and stir occasionally until warmed through.
Yield: 12

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Turkey Breast Mashed Potatoes
No Ratings

The easiest 3-ingredient turkey breast that’s moist, flavorful, and practically cooks itself while you get other things done (like finishing that to-do list… or binge-watching your favorite show).

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Additional Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (6-pound) bone-in turkey breast
  • 3 tablespoons Herb de Provence
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder or garlic powder (go crazy and put both!)
  • 3 tablespoons butter

For the Gravy

  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Like a Pro:
    Give your turkey breast a quick rinse and pat it dry with paper towels. If there’s any extra flappy skin hanging around, snip it off with kitchen shears—but leave the skin covering the breast. That’s where the magic happens.
  2. Herb & Butter Love:
    Sprinkle that beautiful Herb de Provence and onion/garlic powder all over the turkey—under the skin, on top of the skin, all the cozy corners. Then place one tablespoon  butter in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  3. Time to Cook:
    Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker breast-side down and top with remaining butter. Pop the lid on, set it to low, and cook for 7 hours(or until it hits 165°F on a meat thermometer).
  4. Rest & Relax:
    When it’s done, gently lift the turkey out (it’ll be super tender!), place it on a platter, and tent it with foil. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes while you whip up the gravy.
  5. Easy Pan Gravy :
    Pour the turkey juices from the bottom of the slow cooker through a mesh strainer into a saucepan. In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water until smooth.Pour the cornstarch mixture into the drippings and whisk over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until the gravy thickens up. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve It Up:
    Slice the turkey and drizzle that golden gravy right on top. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy every juicy, herby bite.

Notes

I used my favorite slow cooker with the deepest crock 6 qt.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 47Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 56mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g

Nutrition in formation isn't always accurate.

What to Serve with this Delicious Turkey Recipe

When you’ve got a juicy turkey breast slow cooking away in your crockpot, it’s the perfect way to pull together a cozy meal without hogging the oven space—which, let’s be honest, is a gift during the holiday season or any busy weeknight. This slow cooker recipe is my go-to for small gatherings, family dinners, or even meal prep. The cooking process is low and slow, and the turkey practically bathes in its own juices, staying tender and full of great flavor. Whether you’re using a boneless turkey breast or a 4 to 6 lb turkey breast, this is such an easy way to enjoy turkey without fussing over a large turkey in the oven.

While your crock pot turkey breast simmers to perfection, you’ve got time to whip up all the fixings that make the table feel extra special:

  • Roasted veggies or a classic sweet potato casserole (you can even use the small saucepan for stovetop sides!).
  • Steamed green beans with a little olive oil and garlic—fresh and so good.
  • Warm dinner rolls or cornbread to soak up every drop of those turkey drippings.
  • And don’t forget the gravy—use the juices from the crockpot or, if you’re short on time, a little gravy packet with chicken broth or stock will do the trick.

Once the turkey rests, slice up that tender, flavorful white meat and enjoy it while it’s hot. And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you know what that means—turkey sandwiches the next day (my favorite!).

Whether it’s your first time making turkey in the slow cooker or you’re just looking for new recipes beyond your usual Thanksgiving Day fare, this recipe is a great way to bring a little comfort and joy to your dinner table—without the stress.

Turkey Breast Bone In Slow Cooked
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

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