Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is the easiest way to get juicy, flavorful turkey with almost no effort. Just season, set it, and forget it while your kitchen fills with that classic holiday smell. It’s perfect for small gatherings or when you’re craving a cozy turkey dinner any time of year. No oven required and only 3 ingredients.
Once you’ve mastered this Crock Pot Turkey, you’re going to want to put those leftovers to good use! Try whipping up a comforting Turkey Casserole, delicious Turkey Sandwiches, or mix it up with this Smoked Turkey Breast. It’s packed with flavor and sure to impress!
Why This Recipe Works
- Effortless Cooking: Just a little prep, and the slow cooker handles the rest. Perfect for busy days or holiday gatherings.
- Juicy & Tender: Slow cooking ensures a moist and flavorful turkey breast every time.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other dishes or spending time with family.
- Great for Leftovers: The leftover turkey can be easily repurposed into casseroles, sandwiches, and more.
If you’ve ever wished turkey could be simple enough for a weeknight, this Crockpot turkey breast with onion soup mix is your answer. The meat turns out tender and juicy every time, with rich flavor that tastes like it’s been roasting all day. It’s the perfect recipe when you want all the comfort of a holiday meal without the full-day commitment or a giant bird taking over your oven.
What makes this a keeper is how versatile it is. You can serve it with mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic dinner, or slice it thin for sandwiches and meal prep through the week. The drippings create a naturally rich base for gravy, and the turkey stays perfectly moist from start to finish. Whether it’s Thanksgiving for two or a cozy Sunday dinner, this easy crock pot turkey breast delivers that nostalgic, home-cooked flavor every single time.
Before You Start Cooking
Turkey breasts tend to be on the more lean side, since a lot of that juicy dark meat is located in other parts of the bird. The secret to keeping things nice and moist, without brining, is this slow cooker turkey breast recipe. AND you only need three ingredients.
- Turkey: For a slow cooker, a 6-8 pound turkey breast is ideal. Make sure it fits comfortably in your slow cooker without touching the sides too much, as this helps with even cooking. If you’re using a frozen turkey breast, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This can take up to 24-48 hours depending on the size.
- Dry Onion Soup Mix: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the turkey breast. This helps ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. If you prefer to avoid store-bought mixes, you can make your own by combining onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a bit of beef bouillon granules.
- Butter: Mix in some fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage with the butter for an extra boost of flavor. This can be a game-changer for your turkey!
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
This Thanksgiving turkey in a slow cooker has quickly became my go-to for busy holiday weeks or easy Sunday dinners. It’s simple, dependable, and gives you that classic roasted flavor without hovering over the oven. The turkey stays moist, the seasoning shines through, and cleanup is a breeze. Exactly the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Tip from Jesseca:
Let the turkey rest for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices and makes every bite tender and flavorful. Use the slow cooker drippings to whip up a quick gravy. It’s liquid gold.
Picking the Right Turkey Breast
For this recipe, a 3-pound turkey breast is the sweet spot—it cooks evenly, stays juicy, and fits perfectly in most slow cookers. Here’s what to look for when you shop:
- Bone-in turkey breast: Gives the best flavor and helps keep the meat tender.
- Boneless breast: Works fine too—just check for doneness a little early.
- Fresh or thawed: Make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking for even results.
- Unseasoned: Skip anything pre-brined or flavored so you can control the salt and spices yourself.
A small turkey breast like this is perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want that classic holiday flavor without cooking an entire bird.
Variations and Substitutions
This is one of the more basic boneless turkey breast recipes. If you’d like to try out a few ways to jazz it up I suggest:
- Herb Lovers: If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, feel free to swap out the dry onion soup mix for a blend of your favorite herbs. Rosemary, thyme, and sage are classic choices that pair beautifully with turkey. Simply mix them with a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a homemade seasoning blend.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, consider adding a dash of paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a hint of chili powder to the seasoning mix. It’ll give your turkey a subtle kick that’s sure to impress.
- Different Mixes: Don’t have dry onion soup mix on hand? No problem! You can use a ranch seasoning packet or your favorite spice blend instead. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish.
- Broth or Wine: For an even more flavorful turkey, pour a cup of chicken broth or white wine into the bottom of the slow cooker. This will add moisture and an extra layer of taste to your turkey breast.
- Turkey Brine: While you don’t need to brine a slow cooker turkey breast, this turkey brine is a delicious variation to consider.
Turkey Talk: Your Questions Answered
While it’s not necessary to add water or broth directly to the slow cooker, doing so can help keep the turkey moist and add flavor. A cup of chicken broth or white wine at the bottom of the slow cooker is a great way to enhance the overall taste and ensure the turkey stays tender.
It’s best to thaw the turkey breast completely before placing it in the slow cooker. Cooking a frozen turkey breast can result in uneven cooking, and it may take significantly longer to reach a safe internal temperature.
The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the breast, avoiding any bones. This ensures that the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
To keep the turkey breast moist, be sure to cook it on the low setting and avoid overcooking. Adding a bit of butter and seasoning under the skin before cooking, as well as using the juices to baste the turkey occasionally, can also help retain moisture.
Yes, adding vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker can enhance the flavor of the turkey. These aromatics can also be used to make a delicious gravy with the cooking juices.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
It’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Allow the turkey to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store the turkey in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you have a large amount of leftovers, you can also freeze the turkey for longer storage. To freeze, place the cooled turkey in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating the turkey correctly is key to retaining its moisture and flavor. For best results, use one of the following methods:
- Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the turkey slices in an oven-safe dish, adding a splash of chicken broth or gravy to keep the meat moist. Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave Reheating: Place the turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals until the turkey is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the turkey to become tough.
- Stovetop Reheating: For a quick reheat, you can warm the turkey in a skillet over low heat. Add a little broth or gravy to the pan and cover with a lid, stirring occasionally until the turkey is thoroughly heated.
Remember, reheating slowly and gently is the best way to keep your turkey tender and delicious, even the second time around!
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Crock Pot Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 1 (3lb) boneless turkey breast (thawed)
- 1 package dry onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup butter (cubed )
Instructions
- Place the turkey into a large crock pot, top side down.
- Sprinkle with one pack of dry onion soup mix.
- Dot the top of the bird with butter.
- Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
I am using your recipe right now. just got everything in the Crock-Pot. I’m pretty sure it’s going to come out perfect. thank you for the simple recipe, with few ingredients!
Thank you so much for giving my recipe a try! Simple recipes with few ingredients are my favorite too! Let me know how it turns out; I’d love to hear what you think. Happy cooking!
Maybe this is a crock pot issue, but I cooked a 2.5lb turkey and 1 hr per pound wasn’t nearly long enough at a low temp. It needed about 4 hours on low temp.
Was it a boneless turkey breast or bone in? Bone-in birds take longer to cook. I’ll add that into the post for reference.
should you use aluminum foil to wrap or tent the turkey??
Hi Dale. Great question! Using foil to wrap or tent a turkey when cooking it in a slow cooker is not necessary. Slow cookers are designed to provide gentle, even heat, so there’s no need for foil to trap moisture or heat.