Crockpot Turkey Breast

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This incredibly easy Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe is slow-cooked to perfection, yielding meat that is exceptionally moist, flavorful, and so tender it falls off the bone. This low-maintenance recipe requires minimal cleanup and virtually no risk of drying out!

Pair this Turkey Breast with other Thanksgiving favorites like Creamed CornSweet Potato Salad, or Mashed Potatoes.

Sliced turkey breast cooked in a crockpot, served on a plate topped with gravy and garnished with fresh herbs.

Crockpot Turkey Breast

This recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving and versatile enough for year-round use in sandwiches, salads, or meal prep.

While it’s not suited for very large turkey breasts, it’s perfect for smaller gatherings or as part of a multi-meat spread (ham on Thanksgiving? Yes please).

Forget dry baked turkey, and grab out the slow cooker! Plus, you’re saving room in your oven for this Sausage Stuffing RecipeTwice-Baked Potato Casserole, and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe.

Ingredients for this recipe, including butter, onions, various seasonings, carrots, and additional items.

Crockpot Turkey Breast Ingredients

  • Turkey Breast: Choose bone-in, skin-on for best flavor. Ensure it’s completely thawed.
  • Celery: Provides a base layer; fresh, crisp stalks add the best flavor.
  • Yellow Onions: They enrich with a sweet, aromatic flavor.
  • Carrots: Use large ones for a sweeter flavor; baby carrots for convenience.
  • Garlic: Adds depth; no need to peel, just cut in half.
  • Butter: Enhances the turkey’s moisture and flavor.
  • Dried Minced Garlic, Salt, & Pepper: These build the primary flavor profile.
  • Paprika: Use smoked for a subtle smokiness.
  • Italian Seasoning, Dried Parsley, Thyme, Sage: These herbs complement poultry wonderfully.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to bind the seasonings and ensures even distribution.

Seasonings being added to oil in a bowl, mixed together for the recipe.

How To Thaw Turkey

  • Refrigerator Thawing: 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. Don’t thaw at room temperature.
  • Cold Water Thawing: Keep turkey in original wrapping, seal it in a larger plastic bag, and submerge it breast-down in cold water. Use cans to keep it submerged. Change water every 30 minutes.
  • Immediate Cooking: Prepare Crockpot Turkey Breast right after thawing. 

Thawed turkey being removed from packaging, patted dry, with skin loosened and covered in a seasoning blend.

How To Make Crockpot Turkey Breast

  • Thaw Turkey: Ensure turkey breast is fully thawed.
  • Layer Veggies: Place celery, halved onion, garlic head, and carrots at the bottom.
  • Season Turkey: Loosen skin, rub seasoning mix all over and under the skin.
  • Stuff Turkey: Insert onion and butter into the cavity.
  • Cook: Place turkey on veggies, cook on low for 5-7 hours until 160°F.
  • Optional Crisping: Broil with oil for 4-8 minutes for crispy skin.
  • Carve: Remove bones, slice meat, and prepare gravy if desired.

Seasoning the turkey all over, stuffing the cavity, adding vegetables to a crockpot, and placing the turkey on top for slow cooking the delicious turkey breast in crockpot.

Recipe Tips

  • Fit Check: Before staring, ensure turkey breast fits in the crockpot.
  • Bone-In: Opt for bone-in, skin-on turkey breast for maximum flavor.
  • Resting: Let turkey rest post-cooking for juicier meat.

QUICK TIP

How Much Turkey Do You Need? Buy about 1-1/2 pounds of turkey per person. Or if you’d like ample leftovers, plan on 2 pounds per person. (More details here.)

Removing turkey from the crockpot to broil in the oven, straining liquid from the crockpot, and combining with drippings to make gravy.

STORAGE

Leftover Crockpot Turkey Breast

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an air-tight container or bag in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Finished turkey covered in savory gravy, served on a plate, ready for enjoyment.

Use Leftover Turkey In These Recipes:

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Crockpot Turkey Breast

5 from 31 votes
This incredibly easy Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe is slow-cooked to perfection, yielding meat that is exceptionally moist, flavorful, and so tender it falls off the bone. This low-maintenance recipe requires minimal cleanup and virtually no risk of drying out!
Sliced turkey breast cooked in a crockpot, served on a plate topped with gravy and garnished with fresh herbs.
Print Recipe

Crockpot Turkey Breast

Sliced turkey breast cooked in a crockpot, served on a plate topped with gravy and garnished with fresh herbs.
5 from 31 votes
This incredibly easy Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe is slow-cooked to perfection, yielding meat that is exceptionally moist, flavorful, and so tender it falls off the bone. This low-maintenance recipe requires minimal cleanup and virtually no risk of drying out!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Healthy
Keyword Crockpot Turkey Breast
Prep Time 30 minutes
Slow Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Chelsea Lords

Ingredients

  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • 1 5-6 pounds bone-in, skin-on turkey breast, completely thawed (Note 1)
  • 3-5 stalks celery
  • 2 small yellow onions, cut in half (no need to peel)
  • 4 large carrots (or 12 baby carrots)
  • 1 head garlic, cut in half (no need to peel)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Optional: fresh thyme, for garnish

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons each: seasoned salt & paprika (smoked if desired)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon each: dried parsley, dried thyme, dried rubbed sage
  • 2-1/2 tablesoons olive oil

Optional: Gravy

  • 4 tablespoons each: butter & white flour
  • If needed: chicken broth, salt & pepper

Instructions

  • TURKEY PREP: Ensure the turkey breast is completely thawed (can take 1-3 days in the fridge). Do not thaw in the crockpot for food safety reasons. Remove packaging, discard gizzards, and throughly pat dry all over with paper towels.
  • PREP: Generously spray a large crockpot (6-quart recommended) with nonstick spray.
  • CROCKPOT: Place cut celery, halved onion (don't peel), halved garlic head (don't peel), and carrots in an even layer on the bottom of the crockpot. If it doesn't fit in one layer, omit excess.
  • SEASON TURKEY: Mix all seasonings with olive oil in a bowl. Loosen the skin of the turkey with a large spoon and rub the mixture all over, especially under the skin.
  • STUFF TURKEY: Place the other onion and 4 tablespoons of butter inside the turkey's cavity.
  • COOK: Place the turkey breast on top of the veggies, breast/skin side up. Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. (No liquid needed; turkey will produce plenty!) Avoid cooking on high; dries out turkey.
  • OPTIONAL CRISP: After cooking, transfer the turkey to a pan or casserole dish, drizzle with 1 tbsp oil, spray all over with cooking spray, and broil 1 foot from heat source for 4-8 minutes (watching very closely) until the skin crisps.
  • CARVE: Cut the large breasts off center bone and slice the meat thinly against grain.
  • GRAVY: Strain the contents of the crockpot into a bowl, pressing veggies to extract flavor/liquid. Measure out 2 cups of this liquid (add chicken broth to reach this amount if necessary). In a pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter, then whisk in 4 tablespoons flour for 1 minute. Gradually add the strained liquid, while whisking constantly until nicely thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings. Serve warm with the turkey.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Turkey: Make sure it will fit in your crockpot! Bone-in and skin-on will deliver the most moist and flavorful turkey. If it's brined, you'll want to reduce the salt. If it's pre-seasoned, wipe off the rub or reduce seasonings. See blog post for how to safely thaw turkey. 
Try to find a 5-6 lb bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (this size works best!), but if you can't here is general timing: 
  • 2-3 lbs: 4-5 hours low
  • 4-6 lbs: 5-6 hours low
  • 7-8 lbs: 6-7 hours low
  • 8-10 lbs: 7-9 hours low (make sure it fits in crockpot first!)
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F; carry-over heat will get it to safe temp of 165°F. Use a cooking thermometer for testing, but refrain from frequent checks to prevent heat loss (which will extend cooking time).

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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Recipe Rating




131 Comments

  1. wow, you butchered that turkey like a badass, I’m impressed. ALso, what a great idea to do it in the crockpot! No dry turkey with the Crockpot!

  2. 5 stars
    This is great, Chelsea! An easy recipe to make for Thanksgiving. I’ve never made Turkey in my slow cooker. So clever. Thanks for the video!

  3. This looks great! I will be trying it on Christmas as long as the turkey breast fits in my crockpot. The breast meat dries out so easily that I think this method will be perfect! I am also thinking of putting a chaffing fish on the table and putting the sliced turkey in it with some gravy so it stays nice and hot. Turkey seems to loose its heat too quickly. I am the type of person that likes food either very hot or very cold—nothing room temperature unless it is supposed to be, of course. Thanks for the info!

  4. 5 stars
    The turkey breast has been in the crock pot for two hours… already the house smells heavenly. Will report back after we eat it tonight!

    1. Oh I am SO glad to hear that! It’s the best when it makes the whole home smell good 🙂 Hope you loved it!

  5. Tried it out this morning! My crockpot must be too small or turkey too large, I couldn’t fit the turkey in with the veggies on the bottom. I’ll just make some carrots for a side.

  6. You have gravy on your picture. Did you make gravy with the drippings in the crockpot or just from a mix??

    1. I added in the notes how you can make the gravy from the drippings left in the crockpot 🙂 Hope that helps!

    1. I’ve never tried olive oil with this turkey recipe, so I really can’t say how it would end up. Wish I could be of more help!

      1. 5 stars
        I made this recipe using Smart Balance light; we ave to watch our cholesterol intake carefully. The turkey breast was fantastic. It was moist and juicy and the gravy was very good. I have a large slow cooker and will try a small whole turkey (10#) next time.

        1. So happy to hear you enjoyed the turkey and the gravy! I love hearing that 🙂 Thanks for the comment Karen!

  7. I’m preparing to make this tomorrow. I could not find a single turkey breast that was 5 – 6 pounds, so I got two that were 2.75 pounds. Will two cook thoroughly in my crockpot? I could also split all the remaining ingredients in half and just cook one breast. What would you recommend?

    1. Hey Amanda! I really am not 100% sure, but I don’t see why 2 breasts won’t work out in the crockpot. Just split the seasonings and butter evenly between the 2. Good luck! Would love to hear the results 🙂

      1. Hi Chelsea,
        I ended up cooking only one 2.75 lb turkey breast. I chopped the rest of the ingredients in half and it worked out fine. The meat was a tad bit dry, but it was in the crockpot around 10 hours on low. Probably a little too long. Next time I will cook it less hours. All in all, the flavor was really good despite the dryness. Thanks for this recipe, I will be trying this again real soon!

        1. Thanks so much for coming back and letting me (and others) know! Yeah I’m sure if you cut down that time it would be a lot more moist; I’m glad you enjoyed the flavor though! Hope you completely love it the next time you try it for less time!

  8. One other question, can I cook on low for 8-9 hours instead? I will be at work all day. I skimmed the recipe rather quickly before getting the ingredients and prepping. I just now realized that the recipe states to cook on high for one hour before turning to low.

  9. Great tip to get crispy skin if leaving it on: put it under the broiler in the oven for a couple minutes!!! Works great when roasting a chicken in the crockpot also!!!

  10. I was planning on cooking a boneless turkey breast this year (just 4 of us). Would the cooking time need to be adjusted?

    1. Yes it likely will need to be adjusted. I wish I could be of more help, but I’ve never tried a boneless turkey breast in the crockpot so I don’t want to give you an incorrect recommendation. The size is the biggest determining factor of the time in the crockpot.

    2. I have 2 boneless in the crockpot as well. I didn’t realize recipe called for bone in until I got home haha. I will update this evening :))

  11. Hi there! I am so GLAD I came across this blog post!! I finally know how I’m going to cook our turkey breast this year! I do have a question, though: I see that you checked the temp after taking the turkey out of the slow cooker. Do you do this with the assumption that the temperature has been reached and you’re measuring just to be on the safe side? What if the temperature is not high enough upon measuring? Do you put the turkey back into the slow cooker? 5-7 hours is a large window and, other than monitoring the temp as it cooks (which I don’t know is an option with slow cookers), I’m unsure of how to know when to stop cooking and take the turkey out! Thanks so much!!!

    1. Yes that is exactly what I do 🙂 Just making sure that temperature has been reached! I definitely would recommend monitoring it throughout the cooking time once it’s been in the crockpot for 5 hours. If it’s not done just keep cooking and check it every 30 minutes 🙂

    1. Oh no! Would it fit without the veggies at the bottom? If so, you can try and cram the veggies in the side or on top — they don’t have to be at the bottom.

    1. So, so happy to hear it! 🙂 I’m thrilled to hear you’re serving this recipe two years in a row for Thanksgiving 🙂

  12. I would like to cook my turkey breast in crockpot but I don’t have anything but celery to put under it. Do you think that will work? Thanks

  13. 5 stars
    Worked like a charm! My boyfriend had doubts, but definitely not anymore. Thanks for the recipe and all of the helpful hints.

  14. I am going to try this turkey recipe next week for my family who will be coming in before Christmas. My concern is that my crockpot is a 4 quart. Do you think this will still work? I may use less vegetables so that the turkey will fit.

  15. 5 stars
    Used this recipe for Christmas dinner. My crock pot was a tad too small for a 5# breast. Made it work. It was incredible! Thanks!

  16. 5 stars
    Inevitably – when one skims through recipe reviews/comments – very few reviewers have actually made the recipe – but just want to say how delicious it sounds… So if you’re looking for an actual “I made it and it was awesome” review – this is it.

    I’ve always made Turkey breast in the crockpot — spares the oven for the other things that have to be baked, and you don’t have to tend to the turkey (no basting, no messing with it). But I needed a reminder on how much broth to add (couldn’t find my usual recipe). I decided just to follow this recipe since it was so simple.

    Just remember spices can be tweaked so easily. Plus – I had no carrots, and it still came out perfectly. Tip – leave about 1/2″ broth in the bottom of the crockpot after removing the turkey to carve, and to round up the broth for gravy. After slicing – return to crockpot – and drizzle a little broth on top so that it doesn’t dry out while you prepare the rest of the meal. Be sure crockpot is off, though.

    I leave the skin ON so that I can put butter/spices/garlic cloves in there – but remove it before carving (it’s not edible in my book – there’s no crispy brown skin on crockpot turkey).
    Cooked for 8 hrs on high… 9th hour on “warm” – and was perfectly cooked.

    Turkey breast is so easily dried out in the oven – this is truly no-fail. Moist, tasty – and the house smells amazing!

  17. Just took it out of the crockpot snuck a piece and so far amazing. Making gravy now I will update once we have our dinner.

  18. 5 stars
    That was the most amazing, moist turkey breast I have ever eaten. The crockpot makes all the difference it was sooooo good. Just added some salt while it was cooking and all I can say is outstanding will definitely make it again for sure. Thanks for sharing.

  19. 5 stars
    Loved it – an FYI. I love the crispy skin. You can take the skin when removed prior to putting breast in crock pot & lay it out on a cookie sheet. Brush with oil or rub with butter, lightly season & put under broiler til as crispy as you like.

  20. Deliciously moist-my husband said so ! He can be picky-but he pronounced it very good ! Good thing – turkey breasts were on a good sale this weekend and I have 3 more in the freezer. 🙂

  21. I need clarification. The directions say to put the breast in the slow cooker & then rub the spices on but if you are leaving the skin on to rub them on under it. Do you rub the spices on the breast & then turn it upside down in the cooker? probably obvious but just checking. Thanks!

    1. Yes rub the spices on the breast first and then place in the slow cooker and rub it over the rest of the turkey 🙂 Enjoy!

    1. Sorry to see you go Kathy! The ads on the website is how I make an income to provide for my family and to provide all of these free recipes for you. Best of luck!

  22. Oh, good grief! I was able to view all the photographs, watch the video, read through the recipe and comments, and write a review without any interruptions (read: ads. If you do not have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all. And, no, I have not tried the recipe, but I am going too; it looks and sounds so incredibly delicious. Thanks for the inspiration, Chelsea!

  23. How much would you adjust the cooking time for a 3lb breast? Could I skip the 1hr on high and just do the 5-7hrs on low, or would I need to pare that part down too? Looking forward to trying this since my tiny family of 3 is staying home this thanksgiving holiday!

  24. How long would I do a 3lb boneless breast? Would skipping the 1hr on high and jyst cooking 5hrs on low be ok, or would that still be too long? Looking forward to making thks tomorrow!

  25. 5 stars
    This recipe worked out great. I found it the night before Thanksgiving when an issue with my oven had me looking for alternatives.
    I didn’t have chicken broth so I just used water, but even with that substitution, it was the best turkey I ever had.
    One note: It got to temperature after just 4 hours, so I put the crockpot on warm for three hours, and it was still juicy and delicious. The turkey was brined, so that may have helped.
    Thanks for the great recipe. I don’t think I’ll ever roast turkey breast again.

    1. So happy to hear this recipe worked out great and you were able to still have turkey even though your oven was having issues! Thanks so much for the comment Bob 🙂

  26. 5 stars
    our stove went out so was scrambling to find a place to buy a already done turkey. Friend of mine suggested the crock pot so I went to Pinterest and found this one and never using the stove again

    1. You can buy huge roaster type of crock pots that fit an entire turkey. My family cooks an entire turkey in one each Thanksgiving.

  27. 5 stars
    Just tried it. It was delicious! Made sweet potatoes with walnuts and tossed salad as a side. It was delicious and super moist. My fiancé said it was one of the best meals he’s had in a while and I agree!

  28. 5 stars
    This recipie is amazing! I have made this turkey several times and my family always loves it! I’m trying it today with a boneless turkey as that was all I could find at the store, it is January after all! Cooking it on low for 8 hours. I will let you know how it turns out. Thank You Chelsea for sharing all your amazing recipes! I appreciate you taking the time to create wonderful foods for us all to enjoy! Have a Great Day!

  29. why all the drama with placing the skin side of the breast “down” while cooking and then turning it up to slice? And have you ever “broiled” it skin side up for 3-5 min to crisp up the skin prior to serving?

  30. Hi Chelsea,
    Could I use a 7 LB Breast? Saw your recipe after I bought Turkey for Thanksgiving. How much time would I add to cooking? Looks wonderful
    Thanks, Em

    1. Do you have a crockpot that would fit that? I would test the temperature every hour after 7 hours until internal temperature is 160-165

  31. 5 stars
    Chelsea, Thanks so much for a great recipe. My holiday was enjoyable for a change. I put this in the crockpot at 9:15 am and dinner was ready at 3:00 pm. I will use this recipe always–it’s a keeper. I would say to have 2 or 3 crockpots going for a larger gathering. So easy, then you have ample time to prepare side dishes. Thanks again!

  32. 5 stars
    I did a 3# boneless Butterball roast with your recipe because the directions and seasonings made more sense than the others I saw. The veggie raft, and the seasonings…little roast came out perfect! The stove in this house wasn’t working, so crockpot and microwave Thanksgiving for small family saved it. Thanks for this great recipe!

    1. How long did you cook it and on low or high?
      Different recipes are saying different times. Some say low for 4 hours while others say high for six hours. I usually rotisserie mine but this year, I’m cooking it at home and taking to my family so I need to cook in something that will keep it moist and warm for an hour or more before serving so I thought of using the crockpot.

  33. I think I will do the crockpot method this thanksgiving. Being a grandmother that does all the holiday cooking by herself ( not complaining, I like it that way) This seems to be a stress free method. Not to mention free’s up the oven for side dishes and desserts,

  34. I have been doing turkey Breasts in the crock pot for a long, long time. I put mine in with the breast up and brush with melted butter with Nature Seasoning mixed in. then I sprinkle a package of the Onion Soup Mix over all of it. I also, put onions, celery & carrots in the bottom of the crock pot. The top of the breast will brown but not get crispy.

    1. I’m sorry Rhonda, I’m not sure I’ve never tried this. I’m sure it would be similar cooking time, but maybe check an hour or two earlier? Wish I could be of more help

  35. Hi!
    Thank you for sharing the recipe. Have you cooked stuffing in the same crockpot at the same time as the turkey? Thank you for time!

  36. Hi, Happy Thanksgiving! I am cooking a 4.5lb turkey breast (w/ ribs) in a 5qt crock pot. How long would this cook on high temp? Also its a little snug in the crock pot with the onions and carrots, so the turkey is on its side, is that a problem? Thanks!

  37. 5 stars
    Just put the turkey in the crockpot! is there anyway to speed up the cooking? Cooking on high for two hours perhaps and low for 3? I know this might not be possible just wondering if anyones tried it

  38. 5 stars
    Chelsea I’m so Thankful that you share these wonderful recipes! This Turkey is amazing! I had to lay my turkey on its side because I couldn’t find a smaller turkey! You are the best.

  39. 5 stars
    I made this thanksgiving day and it turned out do tender, juicy. The gravy was fantastic. The whole family loved it, but the gravy was the bigger hit. I will be making again.

  40. 5 stars
    Super juicy. Served it to company. They loved it. Turkey fell of the bone so I had to be careful when serving. May use boneless breast next time.

  41. My turkey breast would not fit
    In slow cooker breast side down.
    I had to put it on it’s side.
    Should I flip it over 1/2 way?

      1. Trying this for the first time today. I do not have a meat thermometer so how do I check my turkey? Heard so many wonderful replies on here I just had to try this.

  42. 5 stars
    I made this for Thanksgiving as a last resort because my oven isnt functioning properly. This was SO good. Literally fall off the bone, tender, juicy. I was skeptical but it was wonderful. Would definitely make this again.

  43. 5 stars
    I made this and even though my crockpot malfunctioned and stayed on high the whole time and it was at 200 degrees when I checked it, it was a hit. It was perfect flavor and juicy, a little over cooked and fall apart. The gravy was excellent. When I get a new crockpot, I will make this again!

  44. 5 stars
    I’ve been making this recipe for Thanksgiving for 4 years now after being divorced, and without fail, this recipe smells and tastes absolutely awesome and gives all the holiday deliciousness anyone could want! Thank you for sharing the recipe and Happy Holidays

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