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Tender and juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is the easiest way to prepare a bone-in turkey breast right in your crockpot!
Crockpot Turkey Breast
There are still some things that I am intimidated to cook and a whole turkey is one of them. I haven’t been passed that torch yet and for now, I just provide all the side dishes for holiday gatherings.
But this slow cooker turkey breast is a great baby step for me (and maybe you?).
It’s a really simple recipe that turns out beautifully – tender turkey breast that is perfect a for a small family dinner. You can use it any time you’re craving a Thanksgiving-eque dinner or make it to use for meal prep throughout the week.
If you need some spice in your life, try this cajun turkey recipe.
Why you’ll love this slow cooker turkey breast recipe
Delicious Recipe – Juicy turkey breast that is perfectly seasoned!
Perfect for small gatherings – Sometimes you don’t want to make a full turkey so a breast is a great alternative for a smaller crowd.
Free up the oven – If you need to free up oven space or it’s the middle of summer & you’re craving a turkey dinner but don’t want to heat up the kitchen, slow cooking is the way to go.
Tools you’ll need
- Slow Cooker – You’ll want at least a 6 quart slow cooker for this recipe, depending on which size turkey you have. I’ve had this one for years and recommend it.
- Whisk – To mix up the seasonings.
- Meat Thermometer – A meat thermometer helps to confirm that your meat is properly cooked.
Ingredients
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe, why you need them, and possible substitutions. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card with measurements.
Jump- Turkey Breast – A thawed 9 pound bone-in turkey breast.
- Onion – Yellow onion – the go-to cooking onion.
- Carrots – Four carrots, washed & peeled. You could also use baby carrots if that’s what you have on hand.
- Celery – Celery stalks, washed and trimmed. You’re making a mirepoix with onion, carrots, and celery, which is the base that provides a ton of flavor.
- Sage – Fresh sage is earthy and a bit peppery. It is optional here but adds great flavor.
- Butter – I personally like to use salted butter but unsalted works.
- Steakhouse Seasoning – I use Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse seasoning which is a blend of salt, onion, garlic, peppers, and butter flavors. You can find it at the grocery store or order on Amazon. Montreal chicken or steak seasoning would work as well.
- Poultry Seasoning – Poultry seasoning should give you Thanksgiving vibes. It is a usually a blend of sage, thyme, rosemary, and pepper.
- Garlic Salt – Garlic powder could also be used.
- Smoked Paprika – Smoked paprika is smoky, spicy, and a bit sweet.
- Black Pepper – I like to use freshly ground black pepper.
How to cook a turkey breast in the crockpot
This section shows you how to make this recipe, with process photos showing the steps to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Jump- STEP ONE: First, lay the onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker and place the turkey breast on top.
- STEP TWO: Next, to a small microwave safe bowl, melt the butter and then whisk in the seasonings. Pour the mixture over the turkey.
- STEP THREE: Then, cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours of HIGH for 4-5 hours. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165° F.
- STEP FOUR: Finally, remove the turkey from the slow cooker and let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Every slow cooker runs differently. Times given are a general recommendation and should be tested in your own slow cooker and adjusted as needed.
Side dishes to serve with it
- Turkey Gravy
- Homemade Gravy
- Traditional Herb Stuffing
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Potatoes
- Baked Sweet Potato Casserole
- Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
- Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
- One Hour Dinner Rolls
- Cranberry Sauce
- If you can’t find Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse seasoning, your favorite all purpose seasoning will work (Montreal steak or chicken, etc.).
- You can save the drippings in the slow cooker to make gravy.
- Try adding garlic, lemon, or different fresh herbs to the slow cooker to switch up the flavors.
- If you like crispy skin, after removing the turkey from the slow cooker, place it on a baking sheet and briefly broil it to crisp and brown the skin.
How to store leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to reheat
Place leftover meat (either sliced or shredded) into a baking dish and add some chicken broth or chicken stock (or gravy) to help create steam/moisture. Cover with foil and warm it in the oven on a low setting until heated through. If you try to reheat it quickly, it will likely dry out.
Can I freeze it?
My favorite way to save leftover turkey for another meal is to shred it, add it to a freezer bag, squeeze out the air, and store it in the freezer. It will keep for 4-6 months and is an easy way to have protein ready for soups or casseroles. Future you will thank you!
How many will a 9lb turkey breast feed?
A bone-in 9 lb turkey breast will feed 4-6 people.
Is bone-in turkey breast better?
Bone-in turkey breast has an advantage over boneless turkey breast because the bone acts as an insulator during cooking, helping the meat to cook slower and retain moisture.
How long do you cook a boneless turkey breast in a crockpot?
Low for 6 hours or high for 4-5 hours. I like to use a meat thermometer to ensure it has hit a safe internal temperature.
Ways to use leftover turkey
If you find yourself with a lot of leftover turkey meat the next day, try making my turkey noodle soup or you my easy chicken pot pie recipe and sub in the turkey.
Another great use, that is a bit unique, are my turkey & stuffing egg rolls or these leftover turkey enchiladas. They’re so good!
Can you cook a Butterball frozen turkey breast in a slow cooker?
No. I always recommend thawing meat before adding it to the slow cooker (as does the USDA), but Butterball specifically says to not attempt it.
Further, if internal temp has not reached 140° F after four hours of cook time, it is not safe to eat.
Need more slow cooker recipes? Try these:
Slow Cooker Turkey & Stuffing Casserole
Crockpot Cornish Game Hens
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Click here for my entire collection of slow cooker recipes.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9 pound bone-in turkey breast thawed
- 1 large yellow onion roughly chopped
- 4 medium carrots peeled
- 4 medium celery stalks
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Kinders buttery steakhouse seasoning
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sprig fresh sage optional
Instructions
- To the bottom of at least an 8 quart slow cooker, add in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.1 large yellow onion, 4 medium carrots, 4 medium celery stalks
- Place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables.9 pound bone-in turkey breast
- In a small bowl, melt the butter and add the steakhouse seasoning, poultry seasoning, garlic salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Whisk together to combine.4 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon Kinders buttery steakhouse seasoning, 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pour the butter mixture over the turkey breast and top with the sprig of sage.1 sprig fresh sage
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the turkey from the slow cooker and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
The turkey was juicy & delicious
Thanks, Mary!
Thanks so much for posting this recipe. I really have no love for stuffing – but the turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy are always a hit with Lemon Meringue pie for 2-3 too. No Pumpkin pie lovers in this house – sorry.
I’m not a pumpkin pie lover (or even liker) either lol
I’m not sure how you got a 9lb bone-in turkey breast to fit in your 6 quart slow cooker? I used my 6qt HB slow cooker, just like the one you linked in the recipe, and could not get the lid even close to resting flat and closed, and my turkey breast was only 7 1/2 lbs.
Sorry, this one shown is an 8 quart.