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5 SECRETS TO GETTING DINNER ON THE TABLE...FAST!

You are here: Home / Recipes / Entree / Crockpot Turkey Breast with Herbs

Crockpot Turkey Breast with Herbs

November 21, 2019

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slow-cooker-citrus-and-herb-turkey-breast-collage

This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe is hands down, the most amazing turkey you will ever eat! Juicy, tender, succulent and bursting with flavor, this easy recipe is a necessary addition to your holiday feast! Complete your meal with this incredible Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Twice Baked Potato Casserole, Dinner Rolls and yummy Pecan Pie!! 

crockpot turkey-breast

Crockpot Turkey Breast

I’m just going to come right out and say this…this crockpot turkey breast recipe will produce THE BEST turkey you’ve ever eaten in your life. Like EVER. I wish I could hand each of you a slice of this turkey right now so you could experience how moist and delicious it is for yourself.

So here’s the deal with turkey, most families make it once a year. We’re not most families 🙂 I love turkey, like really really love it.

This recipe is one I adapted from my favorite roast turkey recipe. I love a good brine and the one I use every Thanksgiving is incredible: oranges and lemons, brown sugar, and fresh herbs – divine! I wanted the results of a brine without the fuss and this slow cooker turkey breast version was born.

turkey-breast in slow cooker

If you don’t have a slow cooker and want to make a recipe that will have similar flavor, try my roast turkey breast recipe – it’s amazing!

Do I Need To Brine My Turkey?

There is no brine in this recipe – thank goodness! The slow cooker does all the work that the brine normally would, keeping this turkey breast incredibly moist and flavorful.

The oranges and herbs hold the turkey in place while providing incredible aromatics to the meat. It takes all of three minutes to get the turkey into the slow cooker, turn it on, and walk away. Now that is definitely cause for celebration.

crockpot turkey breast recipe with gravy

What Do I Need to Make a Crockpot Turkey Breast?

A slow cooker to start 🙂 It really depends on the size of your turkey breast but I’ve found a 6 or 7 quart, oval shaped slow cooker really works best.

Ingredients Needed:

I’m guessing you have half of this in your pantry right this very second…

  • turkey breast
  • oranges
  • fresh thyme
  • fresh rosemary
  • olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • low-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock

slow cooker turkey breast with gravy on plate

How Many People Will a Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Feed?

This easy slow cooker turkey breast is great for small gatherings or family dinners. It feeds about 8 to 10 people give or take. It also is the perfect way to add extra turkey to your big family gatherings on Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’ve never had luck roasting those giant turkeys – NEVER. I try to keep my whole turkeys below 15 pounds.

Tips for the BEST Crockpot Turkey Breast

  • Make sure to safely thaw your frozen turkey.
  • thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator – this is my preferred method. Make sure to allow at least 24 hours of thaw time in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. So about two days for a turkey breast.
  • thaw the turkey in cold water  – if you’re in a hurry, this is what you’re going to do. You’ll need to allow for 30 minutes for each pound of turkey. You have to make sure the turkey is completely submerged in very cold water, changing out the water every 30 minutes. The turkey breast will need to be cooked immediately after thawing.
  • I like to use a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast because it’s much harder for the meat to dry out. (You can a boneless skinless turkey breast if that’s what you have on hand.) Also, I toss the turkey breast under the broiler for a few minutes after it’s done and crisp up the skin before serving. So good!
  • Use a food thermometer to determine when the turkey is done. Check the thickest part of the turkey breast for best results. You’re looking for 160 – 165 degrees F. Remember that you will have carry-over cooking after you remove the turkey so definitely aim for 160F.
  • Let the turkey breast rest for a good 10 minutes before carving. You can tent the turkey with foil to keep it warm.
  • Don’t forget the gravy! This is the BEST turkey gravy recipe and I provide lots of great tips so you have the very best results. Crockpot turkey breast and gravy is where it’s AT this holiday season!

slow cooker turkey breast recipe sliced on platter

More Holiday Favorites

  1. Turkey Gravy
  2. The BEST Homemade Mashed Potatoes
  3. Twice Baked Potato Casserole
  4. Best Ever Broccoli Salad
  5. Cranberry Sauce – just 15 minutes to make!
  6. Stuffing Recipe with Sausage
  7. Crescent Rolls
  8. Dinner Rolls
  9. Pecan Pie
  10. Slow Cooker Green Beans

How To Make a Crockpot Turkey Breast

slow-cooker-citrus-and-herb-turkey-breast
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Crockpot Turkey Breast with Herbs

This Crockpot Turkey Breast with Citrus and Herbs is, hands down, the most amazing turkey you will ever eat! Juicy, tender, succulent and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a necessary addition to your holiday feast! /
Course Dinner, Entree, Holiday, Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot turkey breast, slow cooker turkey breast
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 457kcal
Author Trish - Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

  • 6-7 pound bone-in turkey breast skin intact
  • 2 oranges quartered
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbls olive oil
  • 1 tbls chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tbls chopped fresh rosemary
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock

Instructions

  • Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry.
  • Place quartered oranges and sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary into the bottom of a large slow cooker.
  • Drizzle olive oil over turkey breast and sprinkle with chopped thyme, rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Rub into the skin.
  • Place turkey breast into slow cooker and pour chicken broth around the turkey.
  • Place lid on slow cooker and cook on low for 5-7 hours or until turkey reaches 165 degrees with an instant-read thermometer.
  • Remove turkey from slow cooker and tent with foil for 20 minutes.
  • To brown skin, place under broiler for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and then tent with foil.
  • Slice and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 457kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 167mg | Potassium: 816mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 105IU | Vitamin C: 14.7mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 3.4mg

Originally published November 13, 2014.

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5 SECRETS TO GETTING DINNER ON THE TABLE...FAST!

By Trish - Mom On Timeout November 21, 2019 Christmas, Christmas Recipes, Entree, Fall, Favorites, Holiday Recipes, Main Dish, Recipes, Slow Cooker, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Recipes

Previous article:
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Comments

  1. Marie says

    April 8, 2019 at 7:16 PM

    This is the only Turkey my family will eat! It’s ust the best recipe! We do experiment with adding lemons, cranberries, limes, or apples just to keep the kids interested every year.

    Reply
  2. Marie says

    April 4, 2019 at 3:53 PM

    All of us enjoy this recipe, and I’m the only one in the family that likes turkey!!

    Reply
  3. DANIEL says

    December 26, 2018 at 10:31 AM

    THIS WAS LEGIT THE BEST TURKEY I’VE EVER HAD.

    Reply
  4. Ivory says

    November 21, 2017 at 1:02 PM

    This looks absolutely amazing. Can’t wait to have it on my table soon. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 22, 2017 at 12:59 PM

      Thank you Ivory!

      Reply
  5. Christine says

    January 3, 2017 at 7:13 PM

    I enjoyed this tonight with Family & friends ! We all enjoyed it, thanks for sharing! I used Clementines instead of oranges, the gravy was so easy & delicious as well.

    Reply
  6. Robin Finley says

    January 9, 2016 at 10:13 AM

    Probably a silly question, but do I put the slow cooker on low or high for this turkey breast?

    Reply
  7. Kathleen says

    December 24, 2015 at 10:58 AM

    Wondering if there is a way to keep the turkey warm for an hour or so if it cooks before we’re ready to eat, and not get dry? Would love your input! I am cooking 3, approximately 3 lb turkey breasts per your recipe – two in one crock pot and another in another one so not sure when they will be done but will start checking in 5 hours or maybe even less? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      December 26, 2015 at 12:05 PM

      I would just keep it in the slow cooker on warm. It should stay nice and moist!

      Reply
  8. jasmine says

    November 29, 2015 at 4:38 PM

    This was so delicious and easy! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  9. Jennifer says

    November 21, 2015 at 2:22 PM

    Hi, I would really like to try your recipe. Unfortunately, the turkey breast I bought is too big for my large crock pot. You mentioned you had adapted this recipe from another version, so I was wondering how you would have done it using the oven instead. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 21, 2015 at 6:42 PM

      Yikes! That is a VERY COMPLICATED recipe which is why I haven’t shared it on my blog…yet 🙂 Okay, in the original recipe, the turkey is brined for 24 hours in the following mixture: 1 cup salt, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 oranges (quartered), 2 lemons (quartered), 6 sprigs thyme, 6 sprigs rosemary.
      For the brine: dissolve salt and sugar in 2 gallons of cold water. Add remaining ingredients. Rinse turkey and soak for 4 – 24 hours.
      Rinse the brine off the turkey and pat dry inside and out.
      For roasting: 1 orange (cut into 1/8ths), 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened, salt and pepper, 2 bay leaves, 1 lg yellow onion (cut into 1/8ths), 1 stalk celery and 1 carrot (cut into 1″ pieces), 2 sprigs of thyme and rosemary, 2 cups chicken or turkey stock for basting.
      Rub turkey breasts with orange and rub on all sides with softened butter, stuffing some under the skin. Season with salt and pepper. Stuff turkey with remaining ingredients – in and around the breast cavity.
      Roast at 425F, breast side down, uncovered for 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 325 and roast for another 30 minutes.
      Remove the turkey from the oven, turn over, and baste with 1/2 cup of stock.
      Continue roasting, breast side up, until a meat thermometer registers it’s done. For a 12 lb turkey we’re talking about 2 1/2 to 3 hours total cooking time. So for a breast, I’d guess an hour less?
      Makes sure to baste the turkey once every hour with the turkey stock.
      Oh my gosh! I sure hope this helps!

      Remove from the oven and place on a platter. Tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 20 minutes before carving.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        November 21, 2015 at 7:06 PM

        thank you so much for taking the time to share this

        Reply
        • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

          November 22, 2015 at 8:01 AM

          You are welcome Jennifer! Have a lovely Thanksgiving!

          Reply
  10. Shannon says

    November 16, 2015 at 12:11 PM

    I was wondering how much this would change if I used a whole turkey? I plan to make this for our Thanksgiving dinner!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 18, 2015 at 4:46 PM

      Geez, I don’t really know. I can’t even fit a whole turkey in my slow cooker 🙂 The cooking time would be longer for sure but I’m not sure by how much. Let me know how it turns out if you do give it a try with the whole turkey!

      Reply
  11. kayla says

    November 13, 2015 at 9:33 AM

    Hi, there! Just wondering if you have a guess on how many this serves? I’m hosting about 20 people next week and was wondering if I should double this.

    Thanks! It looks DELISH!

    Reply
  12. Michelle says

    October 28, 2015 at 6:25 PM

    I have a boneless turkey breast half with skin. Any recommendations on adapting the recipe would be appreciated!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 2, 2015 at 12:27 PM

      You should be able to cook it the same Michelle – no adapting needed 🙂

      Reply
  13. Sarah says

    April 2, 2015 at 8:26 PM

    hi! Could you use a roaster instead? Also, what does tenting a turkey mean?

    Reply
  14. Faye says

    December 22, 2014 at 7:10 AM

    this looks amazing and I want to try it for Christmas, but I don’t have a whole turkey breast, I have 2 breast halves with the rib intact. Will this still work and should I alter the directions at all?

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      December 22, 2014 at 9:24 AM

      Should work perfectly Faye! Enjoy!

      Reply
      • Faye says

        January 1, 2015 at 2:20 PM

        Trish, I made this for Christmas Day and it was so moist & yummy! This will be my go-to recipe from now on. I just need to work on getting the skin nice and crispy. Thanks so much for sharing! Happy new year!!

        Reply
  15. Ella says

    December 16, 2014 at 9:02 PM

    Thanks for the thawing instructions. One more question: If browning the cooked turkey breast under the broiler, do you first tent the cooked breast for 20 minutes before broiling? And if yes, do you tent the broiled/browned turkey breast a second time for 20 minutes after it has been under the broiler and before slicing and serving?

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      December 19, 2014 at 10:29 AM

      Either or Ella. You can brown and then tent or tent and then brown. And no, you don’t need to tent twice. Enjoy!

      Reply
  16. Ella says

    December 12, 2014 at 7:55 AM

    Dumb question, but I must confess my ignorance and ask: Do you have to thaw the turkey breast before starting it in the slow cooker, and if so, what method of thawing do you recommend?
    Thanks for any guidance you may give!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      December 12, 2014 at 9:51 AM

      Yes the turkey breast needs to be thawed Ella. I recommend the refrigerator for thawing. Enjoy!

      Reply
  17. Glory/ Glorious Treats says

    November 22, 2014 at 12:09 AM

    This looks so amazing! I’m adding this to our dinner menu very soon!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 22, 2014 at 7:14 AM

      Yay! You’ll love this turkey Glory!

      Reply
  18. Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says

    November 21, 2014 at 5:10 PM

    Trish this looks amazing and is absolutely brilliant! My way to do a turkey!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 22, 2014 at 7:16 AM

      Thanks Julie!

      Reply
  19. heather @french press says

    November 15, 2014 at 9:16 AM

    woman is there anything you can’t do in your slow cooker 🙂 this looks delicious

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 22, 2014 at 7:04 AM

      Haha! Thanks Heather!

      Reply
  20. marcie says

    November 14, 2014 at 3:37 PM

    We eat turkey way more than once a year — we love it! You’re so smart to make a turkey breast in the slow cooker — I’ve never done that. And brilliant putting it under the broiler because we have to have that crispy skin! This recipe sounds fabulous and I can’t wait to try it! Pinned. 🙂

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 22, 2014 at 7:06 AM

      Crispy skin is a must Marcie – that’s the only part the slow cooker can’t do 🙂 Thanks for the pin!

      Reply
  21. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says

    November 14, 2014 at 2:29 AM

    That sounded like such an awesome experience to get a behind the scenes! I love that you made this in the slow cooker too! It looks so juicy and flavorful and the citrus herb combination sounds so incredible!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 22, 2014 at 7:09 AM

      It was really fun Kelly! Thank you!

      Reply
  22. Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says

    November 14, 2014 at 1:01 AM

    Yum! I bet your house smelled amazing with all that citrus in the slow cooker! Send me a slice of turkey? I’m sure it’ll keep.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 22, 2014 at 7:09 AM

      Soo amazing! Thanks Sarah!

      Reply
  23. Tonia from TheGunnySack says

    November 13, 2014 at 6:52 PM

    That is gorgeous! My MIL passes on the whole turkey and makes a few turkey breasts every Thanksgiving!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 22, 2014 at 7:12 AM

      Smart lady! Thanks Tonia!

      Reply
  24. Mir says

    November 13, 2014 at 4:07 PM

    I love making turkey breast year round, but I was running out of ideas for it. This is perfect. Pinning!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 13, 2014 at 4:52 PM

      Ohmygosh Mir – this is seriously the BEST turkey you will ever have. It’s amazing!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        November 25, 2015 at 4:24 PM

        I really hope this is true because I’m making it for Thanksgiving tomorrow. Based on your praises! I have had no luck cooking chicken in the crockpot. The texture is always weird. I hope turkey is wonderful!

        Reply
        • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

          November 25, 2015 at 5:21 PM

          I’m so excited for you to try it! Everyone says it is the BEST 🙂

          Reply
        • Jasmine says

          August 29, 2016 at 2:31 PM

          How was it?

          Reply

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Hi, I’m Trish!

Welcome to Mom On Timeout where I’m serving up real food for real families! Dinners, desserts, and everything in between!
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