This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you are looking for the easiest way to make turkey that comes out tender, juicy, and full of flavor every time, this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is it. With just a few simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking method, you can free up oven space while still having a show-stopping centerpiece for your table. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or whenever you want extra turkey for those leftover sandwiches everyone loves.
I have been making holiday meals for over 30 years, and during that time, I have perfected just about every kind of turkey, from my foolproof oven-roasted turkey, Instant Pot turkey breast, a to-die-for fried turkey, and, of course, this slow cooker turkey breast.
One Thanksgiving Day, about 25 years ago, my oven decided the heating element would burn right in half. Needless to say, we had to improvise. Thankfully, I had a roaster and was able to save the day, but that experience reminded me how important it is to have more than one way to cook a turkey.
I also know from experience that when you are serving a crowd, there never seems to be enough breast meat for those leftover sandwiches we all love. That is when I started perfecting this slow cooker version. It gives you tender, juicy turkey every time, and with extra, there is plenty to go around.
And I have a feeling you may find yourself loving this method for the very same reasons. Maybe your oven is already packed full of holiday sides, but you want a hands-off option that allows you to focus on family instead of fussing in the kitchen. You may need extra turkey breast for those must-have leftover sandwiches, or you are simply cooking for a smaller gathering and do not need a whole bird. Whatever the case, this slow-cooker turkey breast is going to be a game-changer at your table.
What You’ll Need for this Turkey Breast Slow Cooker Recipe
- Turkey Breast: An 8 lb breast is perfect for feeding a small crowd or holiday dinner. You can use either bone-in or boneless, but bone-in usually gives a little more flavor. Make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking.
- Garlic: Two whole heads might sound like a lot, but the flavor mellows as it slow cooks. Cutting them in half exposes more surface area and infuses the turkey beautifully. Don’t worry—it won’t taste overly garlicky.
- Onion: A yellow onion adds sweetness and helps create a flavorful base for drippings and gravy.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs bring bright, earthy flavor. If using dried thyme, measure carefully since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Garlic Rub Ingredients
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These two add concentrated flavor that seasons the turkey all the way through.
- Paprika: Brings mild smokiness and a beautiful golden color to the skin. Smoked paprika is a great swap if you want a deeper flavor.
- Seasoned Salt: Adds extra layers of flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, kosher salt works just fine.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked gives the best flavor.
- Butter: Melted butter helps the rub stick to the turkey and adds richness. You could use olive oil in a pinch, but butter gives the best flavor and browning when broiling.
Variations and Substitutions
- Herbs: Swap thyme with rosemary, sage, or a mix of all three for more of a classic Thanksgiving flavor. Italian seasoning works too if that’s what you have on hand.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika gives a deeper, smoky flavor. If you like a little kick, try adding ½ teaspoon cayenne.
- Seasoned Salt: Don’t have it? Use 3–4 teaspoons kosher salt plus ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a quick DIY version.
- Butter: Olive oil or avocado oil can be used instead of butter if you prefer dairy-free.
- Dark Meat Lovers: This recipe also works with a bone-in turkey thigh or leg. Cooking time will vary based on size (generally 5–6 hours on LOW for 2–3 lb dark meat pieces).
- Citrus Twist: Add orange or lemon wedges to the slow cooker along with the garlic and onion for a bright, fresh note.
- Shortcut Option: If you’re short on time, use a premade poultry seasoning blend in place of the rub—just mix it with melted butter and rub it all over.
How To Cook a Turkey Breast in a Slow Cooker
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1: Mix up the Garlic Rub
In a small bowl, stir together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt, black pepper, and melted butter. It should form a paste that spreads easily. This is going to flavor every bite of the turkey.
Step 2: Prep the Turkey
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels (this helps the rub stick).
Rub the garlic butter mixture all over the turkey, coating the top, sides, and underneath, if you can. Don’t be shy here—this is where all the flavor comes from.
Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker
Place the halved garlic heads, onion halves, and thyme sprigs in the bottom of the slow cooker. They act as a natural roasting rack, lifting the turkey out of the juices while adding tons of flavor.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Set the turkey breast skin-side up on top of the onions and garlic. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Start checking around the 5-hour mark, since every slow cooker runs a little differently.
Important: Resist the temptation to cook on HIGH—it won’t give you the tender, juicy results you’re looking for.
Step 5: Crisp the Skin (Optional but Worth It)
If you love golden, crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey to a baking dish or roasting pan. Broil it in the oven for 3–5 minutes, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn. This quick step gives you that roasted look and flavor.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Place the turkey on a cutting board or platter and let it rest for 10–20 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute so your turkey stays moist. Don’t forget to save the drippings from the slow cooker—they make the best turkey gravy!
Cooking Times for Turkey Breast in the Slow Cooker
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey breast. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Turkey is ready when the thickest part reaches 165°F.
How Long Does Turkey Take to Cook in the Slow Cooker?
- 2-3 lb: 3-4 hours on low
- 4-5 lb: 5-6 hours on low
- 7-8 lb: 6-7 hours on low
- 9-10 lb: 8-9 hours on low
Pro Tip: Start checking the turkey’s temperature 1 hour before the lowest cook time listed for its weight. Every slow cooker cooks a little differently, and this helps prevent overcooking.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Tips for Making This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
- Foil Trick: If you do not have enough onions or garlic to lift the turkey, ball up a few pieces of foil and place them at the bottom of the slow cooker. This acts as a roasting rack.
- If Using a Boneless Turkey Breast Roast: Many turkey breast roasts are made from smaller pieces of turkey breast that are held together with trussing netting. You can leave the netting on during cooking to help it keep its shape. If your roast feels firm and solid, it is fine to remove the netting before cooking. Either way works—it just depends on how “put together” the roast feels.
- Do Not Skip Resting: Letting the turkey rest before slicing keeps the juices from running out and makes the meat more tender and juicy.
- Juicy Rescue: If your turkey cooks a little too long, spoon some of the flavorful juices from the slow cooker over the slices before serving.
- Crisp at the Last Minute: Only broil the turkey once it is fully cooked. This step is quick, usually 3 to 5 minutes, and will give you beautiful golden skin without drying out the meat.
- Save the Drippings: The liquid in the bottom of the slow cooker is perfect for gravy. Taste it first, then adjust the seasoning as needed before using.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Once your turkey has rested and is ready to slice, place it on a serving platter and arrange slices neatly. Spoon a little of the warm cooking juices over the top to keep it moist and flavorful. If you crisped the skin under the broiler, let that golden color shine and serve it as the centerpiece of your table. Do not forget to serve it with homemade gravy made from the slow cooker drippings for the best flavor.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
This turkey breast is perfect for holidays or family dinners. Here are some delicious pairings:
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or roasted baby potatoes are all great choices.
- Vegetables: Classic green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, honey-glazed carrots, or corn casserole.
- Stuffing: Traditional stuffing or cornbread dressing is always a hit.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tangy sweetness perfectly complements the savory turkey. I even have a slow cooker cranberry sauce, too!
- Dinner Rolls: Serve soft, homemade rolls or cornbread muffins for easy serving.
- Salads: A simple green salad or apple cranberry salad adds freshness to the table.
If you have leftovers, use them for turkey salad sandwiches, wraps, turkey soup, or even in casseroles the next day. Replace the chicken with turkey in my hot chicken salad casserole!
Make Ahead Instructions
- You can season the turkey with the garlic rub up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. This actually gives the flavors more time to soak in.
- You can also cook the turkey a day ahead. After cooking, let it cool, slice, and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, place slices in a baking dish with a little broth, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F until heated through.
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Keep the drippings separately if you plan to make gravy later.
Reheating: Reheat turkey gently in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil and a splash of broth to keep it moist. For smaller portions, the microwave works fine. Heat in short intervals so it doesn’t dry out.
Freezing: Cooked turkey freezes beautifully! Slice or shred the cooled turkey and place it in freezer-safe bags with some of the cooking juices to keep it moist. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs for Turkey Breast in Slow Cooker
Cooking in the slow cooker keeps the turkey moist and tender without much effort. You can set it and forget it while you prep sides or enjoy family time. It also frees up oven space, which is a huge help during the holidays.
A 6- to 7-quart slow cooker is best suited for an 8-pound turkey breast. If your turkey is larger, make sure your slow cooker has enough room for the lid to fit securely.
Always cook on LOW. Slow and steady cooking is the secret to juicy, tender turkey. Cooking on HIGH can cause the meat to dry out and become tough.
No, the turkey needs to be completely thawed before cooking for both safety and even cooking. Plan ahead, as an 8 lb turkey breast can take 2 to 3 days to thaw in the refrigerator.
Cooking on the LOW setting and using a meat thermometer are the keys. Once the turkey reaches 165°F, turn off the slow cooker to prevent overcooking. Resting the turkey after cooking also helps keep it juicy.
Yes. This recipe works well with dark meat as well. Cooking times will vary depending on size, but generally 5 to 6 hours on LOW is a good guideline for 2 to 3 lb dark meat pieces.
Yes, you can. If you are cooking two boneless turkey breasts (about 3 pounds each), cook them together on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Start checking the internal temperature around the 5-hour mark, and remove them once they reach 165°F. It will not hurt if they go the full 6 hours.
Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 pound turkey breast, skin on, bone in or boneless (if using frozen, thaw it)
- 2 heads garlic, whole, (cut half to fit if needed)
- 1 large yellow onion, cut in half
- 5 sprigs thyme, or 2 tsp dried thyme leaves
Garlic Rub
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 3 teaspoons seasoned salt, (or 3-4 teaspoons kosher salt)
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 4 tablespoons of melted butter
Instructions
- Make Garlic Turkey Rub: Combine all the rub ingredients in a bowl and mix until it forms a wet paste. This consistency makes it easy to spread and ensures that the turkey is well-coated with flavor
- Prep the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Generously slather it with the rub, making sure to coat the sides and top for full flavor coverage.
- Set Up the Slow Cooker: Arrange garlic heads, onion, and sprigs of thyme at the bottom of your slow cooker. This acts as a natural roasting rack, keeping the turkey from sitting in all the liquid.
- Cook Low and Slow: Place the turkey breast skin-side up on top of the onions and garlic. Cook on LOW for approximately or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. If possible, start checking around the 5-hour mark. (DO NOT COOK ON HIGH)
- If crisping the skin, skip to that step then rest before serving.
- Rest and Finish: Once done, remove the turkey to a serving platter and let it rest for about 10-20 minutes. Reserve the drippings for turkey gravy.
For a Golden, Crispy Skin:
- Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven broiler to high and position an oven rack about 12 inches from the top burner..
- Transfer to a Baking Dish or Pan: Carefully place the cooked turkey breast into a heatproof serving dish or roasting pan.
- Broil: Place the dish on the oven rack and broil for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during this step to prevent burning, as it can brown very quickly.
- Remove and Serve: Once the skin is golden and crispy, remove the turkey from the oven. Once it has rested for 10-20 minutes, serve.
- If you want to make gravy, try our Turkey Gravy Recipe
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Notes
- 2-3 lb: 3-4 hours on low
- 4-6 lb: 5-6 hours on LOW
- 8 lb: 6-7 hours on LOW
- 10 lb: 8-9 hours on LOW
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
