This easy Garlic Butter Crock Pot Turkey Breast recipe turns out juicy and tender with amazing crispy skin! Save oven space by cooking turkey breast in a slow cooker.
If you’ve never tried cooking a turkey breast in a slow cooker, I’m here to tell you, it is a phenomenal idea!
Cooking turkey breast in a crock pot saves valuable oven space, reserving it for larger fare like a whole turkey, tri tip roast, ham, or side dishes.
Slow cooking is also the best way to achieve a juicy turkey breast! Plus, this crockpot turkey breast recipe turns out so flavorful on account of the generous amount of garlic butter we’re spreading all over it.
I always recommend turkey breast for Thanksgiving dinner for small gatherings where the individuals are only interested in one main entree, or for large gatherings where multiple main dishes are necessary.
Following this simple recipe, you’ll end up with an impressive main dish for your Thanksgiving table or holiday feast.
If you prefer using your oven, make my Garlic Butter Boneless Turkey Breast in the oven, or my Garlic Herb Bone-In Turkey Breast.
And if you’re cooking a whole bird, make my Garlic Butter Roast Turkey. Also, learn How to Dry Brine Turkey and read all my helpful tips on how to make the best Thanksgiving turkey!
Let’s discuss the simple ingredients for the best slow cooker turkey breast! The great news is you can find them at any major grocery store.
Ingredients for Cooking Turkey Breast in Crock Pot:
Turkey Breast: Use either a boneless turkey breast or a bone-in turkey breast. Both work for this recipe! Just be sure that the breast is fully thawed before starting the recipe.
Depending on the size of the breast, thawing can take up to 3 full days in the refrigerator, so plan accordingly!
Butter: The all-star ingredient that adds creaminess and some much-needed fat to the otherwise lean breast.
The combination of butter, garlic, and a spice rub really lends a helping hand to ensure the turkey turns out with plenty of flavor!
Fresh Garlic: Finely mince up some garlic cloves and mix it in with some unsalted butter for that kick of garlic we all love to love!
Seasonings: Onion Powder, Paprika, and Sea Salt: This combination of seasonings enriches the flavor palate of the turkey.
You can also add dried herbs like dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, or Italian seasoning too. Add black pepper if you love it!
Potatoes, Onions, and Fresh Garlic: Yellow onion and garlic cloves contribute flavor to this main dish.
Potatoes are entirely optional! Only use potatoes if you plan on cooking on low heat, as high heat likely won’t have them finished in time.
Now that we’ve covered the basic ingredients for crock pot turkey breast, let’s make it!
How to Cook a Turkey Breast in a Crock Pot:
There are only a few basic steps for cooking turkey breast in a crock pot.
Step 1: Rub the Turkey With Butter!
Use a spoon or a fork to mix the butter, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt together in a small bowl.
Remove the turkey from its packaging and place it on a plate. Use paper towels to pat off any excess moisture.
If you’re using a boneless turkey breast and there’s netting, you can either leave the netting on, or remove it. I remove it so that there is easier contact between the butter and the turkey.
For bone-in turkey breast, you won’t need to worry about any netting, but do be sure to pat the breast dry with paper towels.
Rub the garlic butter mixture over the turkey breast, making sure to cover the full surface.
Step 2: Add Everything to The Crock Pot:
Transfer the chopped onion, garlic, and baby potatoes (if adding) to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the roast on top of everything.
Note: there is no need to add liquid, but if you prefer extra juices, feel free to add ½ cup of chicken broth or stock.
Step 3: Slow Cook!
Secure the lid on the crock pot and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or 2 to 3 hours on high heat, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If cooking on low, begin checking its internal temperature after 4 hours for a smaller roast and after 5 hours for a larger roast.
If cooking on high, begin checking the internal temperature after 1 hour and 45 minutes. Insert a meat thermometer into the center of the meat to check its temperature.
Once the turkey reaches 165, immediately remove it from the crock pot. Don’t allow it to keep sitting in the warm crock pot, as it will continue to cook.
Step 4: How to Get Crispy Turkey Skin:
Cooking in the crock pot will not produce crispy skin. In fact, the opposite. If you like crispy turkey skin, transfer the breast to a large rimmed baking sheet and broil for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 5: Serve!
Place the turkey on a cutting board and let turkey rest for at least 15 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut the breast into slices and serve with potatoes and any other side dishes.
For a bone-in turkey breast, place the breast on the cutting board breast-side up and cut each breast off the bone, leaving about 1.5 to 2 inches around the bone. You can use the bone for soup later!
If you’d like, you can use the drippings from the crock pot to make gravy, or prepare your own homemade gravy recipe.
Storage Suggestions:
Transfer leftover turkey to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days.
How Long to Cook Turkey Breast in Crock Pot:
On high heat turkey breast requires 2-3 hours. On low heat, cooking turkey in a crock pot takes 5-6 hours, depending on the size of the turkey breast.
For the best results, spot check the internal temperature after 1.75 hours on High, or 4 hours on Low.
Turkey is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember that large roasts continue cooking after they are removed from the heat source, so it is fine to take the turkey out at 160, especially if you plan to broil it in the oven for crispy skin.
Do note that the weight of the turkey and its temperature going into the crock pot play into the exact cooking time. This is why using a meat thermometer is a goof-proof method for producing the best results.
FAQs:
- Can I use a frozen turkey breast? Yes! For the best results, thaw the turkey breast completely before using it in this recipe. While this takes more time than cooking turkey from frozen, it will yield a better flavor and texture.
- Can I make this with just a dry rub? Yes! You don’t need to use the garlic butter mixture written here in the recipe. You can use any combination of seasonings to make your own dry rub and sprinkle it over the full breast. I recommend garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and sea salt. If you have the time, cover the roast in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 48 hours to allow it to dry brine. If you intend on cooking the roast right away, skip this process. Drizzle two tablespoons of avocado oil or olive oil over the roast and use your hands to spread it over the seasoned roast.
- Is it safe to cook turkey in slow cooker? Affirmative! It is safe to cook turkey in a crock pot, as long as the final cooking temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit (or higher).
- Is it better to cook a turkey breast on high or low? Cooking turkey on low heat turns out juicier, and it is easier to catch the breast before it becomes overcooked. Some may prefer cooking on high heat when under a time crunch, but the margin for error is narrower, because even 5 minutes of additional cook time can overcook a turkey at high heat.
- Do you cook a turkey breast cavity up or down? Either way works, but breast-side up is my personal preference.
- How many people will a 5-pound turkey breast feed? The short answer is 4 to 5 people. A 5 lb bone-in turkey breast will yield about 3 to 3.5 pounds of meat when cooked, due to weight loss and the bone. I generally aim for 1 pound of meat per person to be safe, although most people eat under a pound of meat in one sitting.
How to Make Turkey Gravy:
You can make a killer gravy from the turkey drippings at the bottom of the crock pot in a few basic steps!
- Step 1: Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until melted.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook, stirring constantly for one minute.
- Step 3: Slowly whisk in 2 cups worth of drippings (or chicken broth), whisking constantly and vigorously to prevent clumps.
- Step 4: Season to taste with salt and pepper!
The next time you’re gathering for a special occasion during the holiday season, toss this easy boneless turkey breast in crock pot for a masterful centerpiece! It makes the perfect turkey dinner for your Thanksgiving meal!
This slow cooker recipe is the easiest way to avoid dry turkey breasts. The best part is the great flavor and the fact that this easy way of preparing turkey only takes a few minutes of prep!
Looking for delicious side dishes to serve with your amazing slow cooker turkey breast? Here are some reader favorites.
What to Serve with Turkey Breast:
- Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
- Healthy Green Bean Casserole
- Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
- Garlic Herb Roasted Vegetables
- Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts
- Herbed Coconut Milk Potatoes Au Gratin
- Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables
This slow cooker turkey breast recipe will be the talk of the party!
Crock Pot Turkey Breast
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (3 to 5-pound) turkey breast bone-in or boneless
- 5 to 8 Tbsp unsalted butter*
- 3 large cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tsp ground paprika
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 2 large yellow onions sliced
- 8 cloves garlic sliced
- 1 to 1.5 lbs baby potatoes optional
Instructions
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and place it on a large plate or a large cutting board. Use paper towels to pat off any excess moisture. If you’re using a boneless turkey breast and there’s netting, you can either leave the netting on, or remove it. Leaving the netting on throughout the cooking process is typically easiest and ensures the breast roast stays together.
- Mix the butter, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt together in a small bowl. Rub the garlic butter mixture over the turkey breast, making sure to cover the full surface. Note: the butter should be softened to room temperature or even slightly warmer to ensure it spreads easily over the breast meat.
- Transfer the chopped onion and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the roast on top of everything. Note: there is no need to add liquid.
- Secure the lid on the crock pot and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or 2 to 3 hours on high heat, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If cooking on low, begin checking its internal temperature after 4 hours for a smaller roast and after 5 hours for a larger roast. If cooking on high, begin checking the internal temperature after 1 hour and 45 minutes. Insert a meat thermometer into the center of the meat to check its temperature.
- Once the turkey reaches 165, immediately remove it from the crock pot. Don’t allow it to keep sitting in the warm crock pot, as it will continue to cook.
- If you like crispy turkey skin, transfer the breast to a large rimmed baking sheet and broil for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Place the turkey on a cutting board and let turkey rest for at least 15 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut the breast into slices and serve with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
Nutrition
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