If you’re looking for a meal that’s both effortless and oh-so-delicious, I have to tell you about this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set‑and‑Forget!) Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—it’s like having a juicy, tender turkey breast ready when you walk through the door with zero stress. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner, a Sunday family meal, or just because you want something comforting and hands-off, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set-and-forget convenience: You literally toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away—perfect for busy days.
- Moist, juicy turkey every time: Thanks to the slow cooking method and a simple butter and seasoning blend, the breast never dries out.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: No complicated sauces or fancy ingredients needed to impress your guests or family.
- Versatile for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or midweek dinner, this recipe fits the bill with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to infuse the turkey with flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. When I shop for this, I pick a fresh, skin-on turkey breast as the skin locks in moisture perfectly during the slow cooking process.
- Boneless turkey breast, skin-on: Skin-on is essential for retaining moisture and adding richness to the meat.
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that complements the turkey wonderfully.
- Carrots: They contribute gentle sweetness and a bit of texture in the slow cooker.
- Melted butter: This helps the seasoning stick and adds a lovely richness to the turkey breast.
- Granulated garlic powder: For savory depth without overpowering the meat.
- Poultry seasoning: Classic herb blend that brings traditional turkey flavors forward effortlessly.
- Paprika: Adds a warm color and subtle smoky undertone without heat.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the turkey.
Variations
I love how easy it is to tweak this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs — it’s really adaptable. You can keep it classic or play around with herbs and spice blends to make it your own.
- Herb infusion: Sometimes I add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs inside the slow cooker to deepen the herbaceous notes — it’s such a lovely aroma!
- Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder gave my family a nice little kick that livens up the classic flavors.
- Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect if you or your guests avoid gluten.
- Vegetable swap: I’ve swapped carrots for parsnips or celery root too and it works great, keeping things interesting.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set‑and‑Forget!) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Turkey
Start by quartering the onion and chopping the carrots into large chunks—you want them big enough to hold up during cooking and impart flavor without turning to mush. Meanwhile, pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels to help the butter and seasoning stick better. I’ve learned that moisture on the surface means your seasonings don’t cling as well, so a quick drying step really pays off.
Step 2: Season the Turkey Breast
Mix the melted butter with granulated garlic powder, poultry seasoning, paprika, and kosher salt. I like to get my hands in here and rub this flavorful blend all over the turkey skin and meat, making sure it’s evenly coated. This step is where the magic happens, because the butter bastes the meat during the long cooking time, locking in juices.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the quartered onions and carrots in the bottom of the slow cooker as a flavorful bed. Then nestle the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up on top. This layering helps the turkey elevate slightly, allowing it to steady its own juices instead of sitting directly in the vegetable juices.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for about 5 hours. When I first tried this, I checked the internal temperature at around 4.5 hours just to be sure, and it was nearly perfect. Your slow cooker might vary, so aiming for a juicy 160°F (71°C) internal temp with a meat thermometer is key. Overcooking can dry out the turkey even in a slow cooker, so keep an eye on it as you get familiar.
Step 5: Rest Before Slicing
This is a crucial step I don’t skip. Once your turkey breast reaches the right temperature, remove it carefully and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Resting gives the juices time to redistribute, keeping every bite moist and juicy. Trust me, skipping this is how dried-out turkey sneaks in.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set‑and‑Forget!) Recipe
- Use a meat thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid over- or undercooking your turkey, especially since slow cookers can vary.
- Don’t skip the skin: Leaving the skin on is your secret for juicy meat—it shields the breast during cooking.
- Layer veggies underneath: These act like a natural roasting rack and add subtle flavor to the turkey drippings.
- Let the turkey rest: Patience here pays off big time for juicy slices.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set‑and‑Forget!) Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with some fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten up the rich turkey flavors. Sometimes a little drizzle of pan juices over the slices adds extra moisture and flavor that everyone loves.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this slow cooker turkey breast are creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans. A simple cranberry sauce or a tangy apple chutney pairs beautifully for a festive touch. For weeknight dinners, steamed broccoli or a fresh salad works just fine too!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served thick turkey slices on a rustic wooden board surrounded by roasted veggies and fresh herbs — it looks stunning and invites everyone to dig in family-style. You can even shred leftover turkey for sandwiches or salads, making it a versatile centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I wrap leftover turkey breast tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days, and I’ve noticed it stays juicy even chilled. Just slice what you need and keep the rest wrapped well.
Freezing
Freezing cooked turkey breast is a lifesaver for me when I have leftovers. Slice it before freezing so you can thaw only what you need. Wrapped tightly in foil and stored in a freezer-safe bag, it freezes well for up to 3 months without losing much quality.
Reheating
I gently reheat turkey slices covered with foil in a 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. Adding a splash of broth or pan juices helps keep the meat moist. Microwaving works too but can dry it out if you’re not careful — go for shorter bursts and cover well.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen turkey breast in this slow cooker recipe?
It’s best to use thawed turkey breast for even cooking and to ensure your slow cooker can safely bring the meat through the right temperature range. Cooking from frozen might extend cooking time and could risk uneven results.
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How long does the turkey breast need to rest after cooking?
Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender.
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Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Root vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, or celery root work great. Just make sure they are cut into large pieces so they don’t turn mushy during the long cook time.
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What if I don’t have poultry seasoning?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute with dried sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary. This blend mimics the flavor profile of poultry seasoning and keeps your turkey delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set‑and‑Forget!) Recipe has absolutely become one of my staples because it’s foolproof and tastes amazingly good without much effort. I used to struggle with dry turkey breast until I discovered this slow cooker method, and now it’s my go-to whenever I want something satisfying but easy. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple it is to create a centerpiece-worthy meal without fuss, and your family will be asking for seconds. Cooking should be enjoyable, and this recipe makes it just that: delicious, stress-free, and reliable every time.
Print
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set‑and‑Forget!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe yields a moist, tender, and juicy turkey breast that’s perfect for a set-and-forget holiday meal. Using simple ingredients like garlic powder, poultry seasoning, and paprika, this easy slow cooker method ensures flavorful, hassle-free cooking that lets you focus on enjoying your feast.
Ingredients
Turkey Breast and Vegetables
- 1 (4-pound) boneless turkey breast, skin-on
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 2 medium carrots
Seasonings and Butter
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Quarter the onion and peel the carrots. Place these as a base layer inside the slow cooker; they will infuse flavor and keep the turkey elevated during cooking.
- Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with granulated garlic powder, poultry seasoning, paprika, and kosher salt. Rub this seasoning mix all over the skin-on turkey breast to ensure even flavor and a crispy exterior.
- Place Turkey in Slow Cooker: Lay the seasoned turkey breast on top of the carrot and onion bed inside the slow cooker.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low heat for about 5 hours (300 minutes). This slow cooking method ensures the turkey remains moist and tender.
- Check for Doneness: Once cooking completes, verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest and Serve: Let the turkey breast rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Notes
- This slow cooker method results in incredibly moist and tender turkey without any fuss.
- The vegetable bed not only adds flavor but also prevents the turkey from sitting in its own juices, helping to keep the skin from getting soggy.
- Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure perfect doneness.
- Leftovers can be used for sandwiches or soups the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of turkey breast)
- Calories: 269 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 683 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 49 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
