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You are here: Home / Recipes / Holiday Recipes / Thanksgiving Recipes / Crockpot Turkey Breast

Crockpot Turkey Breast

November 17, 2024

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Three image collage of crockpot turkey breast cut into slices, on a serving platter and plated and topped with gravy. Center color block with text overlay.

This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender, succulent turkey that has been slow cooked to perfection. Incredibly flavorful, this slow cooker turkey breast recipe is so easy to make with just minutes of work! It’s a simple, hands-off recipe that brings gourmet flavor with minimal effort – perfect for the holidays!

Complete your meal with this incredible Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Sauce and these amazing Dinner Rolls!

Crockpot turkey breast sliced and plated with turkey gravy on top.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Whether you’re dreading the thought of cooking a whole turkey or are just having a smaller gathering this year, cooking a turkey breast in a slow cooker is the answer to your problems. I have been know to make two or even three for the holidays in lieu of a whole turkey just because everyone loves this crockpot turkey breast so much.

The good news is that you can enjoy a perfectly juicy and flavorful turkey breast with this easy slow cooker turkey breast recipe with hardly any work! Infused with fresh citrus, thyme and rosemary, this turkey is juicy, flavorful and incredibly tender! Just a few minutes of prep, and then let your slow cooker do the rest for a stress-free, delicious dish that’s perfect for holidays or any cozy family dinner.

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.

Top down look at turkey breast in slow cooker ready to be cooked.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

This Crockpot Turkey Breast brings big flavors without big effort! Loaded with citrus, fresh thyme, and rosemary, it’s a tender, juicy main dish that practically makes itself. Perfect for a holiday feast or whenever you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal.

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Incredibly Easy and Hands-Off: With just a few minutes of prep, this recipe allows your slow cooker to do all the work. There’s no need to monitor the oven or worry about basting, simply set the slow cooker and go about your day. Perfect for both busy weeknights and holiday gatherings when you have lots of other dishes to prepare.

Juicy, Flavorful Results Every Time: Crockpot cooking ensures the turkey breast stays tender and juicy, as it cooks slowly in its own juices with a little added broth. The citrus and herbs infuse the turkey with a delicious herbal and citrus notes, making each bite deliciously moist and packed with flavor.

Great for Small Gatherings: This turkey breast is an ideal main dish for smaller holiday celebrations or family dinners, delivering all the classic turkey flavor without cooking a whole bird.

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!

How To Make 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 crockpot turkey breast recipe was adapted from my favorite roast turkey recipe. I love a good brine and the one I have used for over a decade 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.

Let’s take a quick look at how to make this recipe and, as always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.

  1. Place quartered oranges and sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary into the slow cooker .
  2. Add turkey breast in slow cooker and drizzle with olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle with chopped thyme, rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Rub into the skin.
  4. Pour chicken broth (or chicken stock or apple cider) around the turkey.
  5. Place lid on slow cooker and cook on low for 5-7 hours or until turkey reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer.
  6. Remove turkey from slow cooker and tent with foil for 20 minutes.
  7. Cut breasts from bone and place under broiler for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and then tent with foil.
  8. Slice and serve.
Eight image collage showing how to make crockpot turkey breast step by step.

Storage Information

  • Refrigeration: Leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked turkey breast in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Variations to Try

  • Try using a mix of oranges and lemons for a brighter flavor or even grapefruit for a unique twist.
  • Experiment with fresh sage or parsley along with thyme and rosemary.
  • For a bolder taste, add a few cloves of crushed garlic to the slow cooker.
  • This recipe works for a whole chicken too! Makes for a great weeknight dinner!

What Size Crockpot Will I Need?

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. Always check to make sure your turkey breast fits before starting the recipe.

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 18 pounds.

Turkey breast in crockpot cooked to perfect, broiled for crispy skin, sliced and sitting on a serving plate with fresh herbs and orange slices.

How To Cook a Turkey Breast in a Crockpot

I recommend cooking the turkey breast on the low setting of your slow cooker for best results. You will need about 5 to 7 hours. If you are in a hurry and decide to cook the turkey breast on high, it will take about 3 to 4 hours depending on the size of your turkey breast.

Can I use a boneless turkey breast?

Yes, you can! Boneless turkey breast will cook a bit faster, so start checking the temperature around 4 hours.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Cooking on low ensures the turkey stays moist and tender. If needed, cook on high for about 3-4 hours, but watch closely.

How can I make the turkey even more flavorful?

Consider adding an extra layer of flavor by marinating the turkey breast overnight with the herbs and a little olive oil. You could also brine the turkey breast. But, try it as written first because I think you will be very impressed with the flavor of this turkey.

Can I make gravy from the drippings?

Absolutely! The juices from the slow cooker make a delicious base for turkey gravy. Follow my easy turkey gravy recipe for the best turkey gravy ever!

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.

Turkey breast on white platter with rosemary and orange slices already sliced and ready to be served. Turkey gravy can be seen in the background.

Trish’s Tips

  • 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.)
  • Place your turkey breast under the broiler for a few minutes after it’s done and crisp up the skin before serving. So good!
  • Use a meat thermometer to determine when the turkey is done. Check the thickest part of the turkey breast for best results. You’re looking for 160°F 165°F. Remember that you will have carry-over cooking after you remove the turkey so definitely aim for 160°F.
  • Let the turkey breast rest for a good 20 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!
  • Before you start, ensure your slow cooker is large enough to fit the turkey breast comfortably for even cooking.
Turkey breast made in slow cooker with crispy skin sliced and being served.

More Holiday Favorites

  1. Turkey Gravy
  2. Mashed Potatoes
  3. Cranberry Sauce
  4. Cornbread Dressing
  5. Dinner Rolls
  6. Sweet Potato Casserole
  7. Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Recipe
Crockpot turkey breast sliced and plated with turkey gravy on top.
Print Pin
4.79 from 14 votes

Crockpot Turkey Breast

This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender, succulent turkey that has been slow cooked to perfection. Incredibly flavorful, this slow cooker turkey breast recipe is so easy to make with just minutes of work! It’s a simple, hands-off recipe that brings gourmet flavor with minimal effort – perfect for the holidays!
Course Dinner, Entree, Holiday, Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot turkey breast, slow cooker turkey breast, turkey breast in crockpot
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 5 hours hours
Total Time 5 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Servings 10
Calories 457kcal
Author Trish – Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

  • 6-7 pound bone-in turkey breast skin intact
  • 2 oranges quartered, or 1 orange and 1 lemon
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons fine sea salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock (apple cider may also be used)

Instructions

  • Remove any packaging from the turkey breast and pat dry with a paper towel.
    6-7 pound bone-in turkey breast
  • Place quartered oranges and sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary into the bottom of a large slow cooker insert.
    2 oranges, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • Drizzle olive oil over turkey breast and sprinkle with chopped thyme, rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Rub into the skin.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, 1 to 2 teaspoons fine sea salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Place turkey breast into slow cooker and pour chicken broth around the turkey.
    1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Place lid on slow cooker and cook on low for 5-7 hours or until turkey reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer.
  • Remove turkey from slow cooker and tent with foil for 20 minutes.
  • To brown skin, remove breasts and place under broiler for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and then tent with foil.
  • Slice and serve.

Video

Notes

Storage Information
Make Ahead: You can prep the turkey in advance, storing it in the fridge overnight.
Refrigeration: Leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked turkey breast in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

What Size Crockpot Will I Need?
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. Always check to make sure your turkey breast fits before starting the recipe.

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. 

Can I make gravy from the drippings?
Absolutely! The juices from the slow cooker make a delicious base for turkey gravy. Follow my easy turkey gravy recipe for the best turkey gravy ever!

See the post above for more FAQs, tips and helpful information!

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.

  • 441

By Trish - Mom On Timeout November 17, 2024 Christmas, Christmas Recipes, Entree, Fall, Favorites, Holiday Recipes, Main Dish, Recipes, Slow Cooker, Slow Cooker, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Recipes, Turkey

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Comments

  1. Alexis says

    November 14, 2021 at 6:45 AM

    Wow, I’m just on to your site for the first time (via a link to your homemade cranberry sauce) and I can’t wait to try this crockpot turkey recipe! I LOVE turkey year round. I also checked out the gravy recipe and wondered if by drippings, I can use what’s in the crockpot. Thanks for helping me out with Thanksgiving this year.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      September 18, 2024 at 6:53 PM

      Sure, that will work! Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Julie says

    November 25, 2020 at 6:30 AM

    Hi, making this tomorrow! We have a 10-lb turkey breast. How long would you suggest cooking this in the crockpot? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 17, 2024 at 2:18 PM

      First I would make sure it fits. Second you are just cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F. Maybe an extra 45 minutes?

      Reply
  3. Betty Paxton says

    November 22, 2020 at 9:25 AM

    Do you set the cooking temp to low or high on the crockpot?

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 17, 2024 at 2:17 PM

      I use the low setting for the best results but high can be used in a pinch if you’re in a hurry.

      Reply
  4. Linda says

    May 30, 2020 at 9:19 AM

    Very good recipe. And thanks for the nutritional info, too. One question: How big (# ounces) is a serving size as listed above? Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 17, 2024 at 2:17 PM

      Thanks Linda! The calculation is based on 10 servings with a 7 pound turkey breast.

      Reply
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. DANIEL says

    December 26, 2018 at 10:31 AM

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

    Reply
  8. carson says

    November 9, 2018 at 12:35 PM

    This looks really good. I’m thinking of making it this Thanksgiving, but I wonder if there is a substitution for Rosemary. I do not like the taste of it at all, any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 17, 2024 at 2:18 PM

      Thanks! You can omit the rosemary or use parsley instead.

      Reply
  9. Wendi says

    June 30, 2018 at 12:27 PM

    Could Lemon’s be used in place or oranges?

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 17, 2024 at 2:19 PM

      Sure! I would maybe use one of each.

      Reply
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. jasmine says

    November 29, 2015 at 4:38 PM

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

    Reply
  15. 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
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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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