This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is without a doubt, this is the easiest, safest and tastiest way to cook turkey breast without brining. It’s moist and juicy, takes 3 minutes to prepare, then just leave it to cook in your slow cooker (crock pot). Then use the juices to make a killer gravy!
Even if you’re a first timer, you can have confidence in this turkey breast recipe – it’s been viewed over 3 million times and has hundreds of glowing reviews!❤️
Slow cooker turkey breast
Turkey breast is notoriously lean so the only way to guarantee it comes out juicy if you roast it in the oven is to brine it – dry or wet brine. If you don’t brine it, then even if you use a meat thermometer, it is extremely difficult to roast the turkey breast perfectly.
I created this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast after trying a handful of recipes for turkey breast and being disappointed by the bland looking skin, dry meat and mediocre gravy. So I tossed out everything I’d read and decided to come up with my own version using a slow cooker. This is by far the juiciest turkey breast I’ve ever had – without brining. And my friends agreed!
It’s almost magical how a recipe this simple can yield such extraordinary results. Moist turkey with incredible flavour and a gravy that’s off the charts!
How long to cook turkey breast in the slow cooker
A 2 kg / 4 l2b turkey breast will take 5 to 6 hours on LOW in a slow cooker. Check the internal temperature at 5 hours. See recipe notes for cook times for other sizes.
How to make slow cooker turkey breast
I promised you easy – and easy it is! Here’s how it goes down:
-
Slather turkey with a simple magical rub;
-
Place in a slow cooker on a bed of onion and garlic (these flavour the juices that comes out of the turkey and forms the basis for the gravy + keeps turkey elevated out of liquid while slow cooking);
-
Slow cook for 5 to 6 hours;
-
Briefly broil/grill or bake to crisp the skin; then
-
Use slow cooker juices to make a killer gravy. It’s incredible because it’s essentially made with the best homemade stock – the turkey juices!
PS That’s a multi function cooker you see. I use the slow cooker function for this recipe.
⚖️ Automatic recipe scaler ⚖️
Click or tap on Servings on the recipe. Then slide until the turkey reaches the weight of your turkey. It will change all the ingredient quantities for you! Then refer to the recipe notes for the right cook time for your turkey.
Slow cooker turkey breast tips!
-
Type of turkey breast – bone in or boneless turkey breast is fine. Skin on is recommended because the fat under the skin melts while the turkey is cooking and it bastes the turkey (helps with flavour and moisture). Also skin is required to get that lovely browned seasoned crust you see in the photos.
-
Single or double breast? Either is fine. These photos show a single turkey breast. See here for what a double turkey breast looks like (on the bone, also called a turkey buffe or turkey crown)
-
What size? Turkey breast differ drastically in size – they can range from 1.5/3lb to over 5kg/10lb! The beauty of this recipe is that it will work for any turkey breast size – as long as it fits in your slow cooker! Note the different cook times in the recipe.
-
A great rub goes a long way with turkey breast! It not only adds flavour, it seasons the broth and it gives the turkey breast great colour!
-
How long to cook turkey breast in the slow cooker – A 2 kg / 4 lb turkey breast will take about 5 to 6 hours on LOW in a slow cooker. See recipe notes for cook times for other sizes.
-
How to tell when turkey breast is done – When the internal temperature is 165F / 75C. That’s optimum perfectly-cooked juiciness, allowing for a slight temperature increase while the turkey rests.
-
Elevate the turkey breast with a halved garlic and onion to ensure even cooking because otherwise the breast will be half submerged and poaching in liquid (you will be amazed how much liquid the breast leeches while cooking)
-
Crisp the skin under the broiler. The extra flavour you get is worth it – and it only takes a few minutes
-
Use slow cooker juices for GRAVY – the turkey juices are loaded with flavour and are the best broth ever to make an absolute killer gravy!
-
Slow Cooking is FORGIVING! Because of the low temperature, there’s far less risk of drying out the turkey from overcooking. So even if the turkey is in the slow cooker for 1 or 2 hours longer than necessary, it will still be lovely. Plus – speaking really frankly – that gravy can save anything. ANYTHING!
Prefer ROASTED turkey breast? Use this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast.
What to serve with turkey
Turkey breast is more often than not a centrepiece for holiday feasting in many households around the world. So with this in mind, here are some side dish suggestions for Thanksgiving and Christmas menus!
And you might also find these helpful: Thanksgiving recipe index and Easy Thanksgiving Menu suggestions
Traditional Thanksgiving sides for turkey
Christmas side suggestions
A safe recipe – even for first timers
I know it can be nerve racking, trying a new recipe – especially you’re new to cooking, and it’s a centrepiece for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
But you can have Confidence in this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe. It’s been viewed over 3 million times since I first published, there’s hundreds of fantastic reviews, it’s a simple recipe and there’s a recipe video below to guide you through it step by step.
And in all honesty – worst case? Your turkey goes a bit over and it’s not as juicy as you hoped. Of course, I’m doing everything in my power to help avoid this – including sending over virtual positive vibes.😂
But if it does – don’t fret! That Turkey Gravy is so insanely good, it will totally make up for it! – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
SLOW COOKER: Many people have said that my slow cooker looks like a pressure cooker. They are actually correct, it is a slow cooker and pressure cooker in one (but no, it is not an Instant Pot). It is called a Breville Fast-Slow Cooker (it’s an Australian product). I use the slow cooker function for this recipe.
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 2 kg / 4 lb turkey breast, skin on, bone in or boneless (if using frozen, thaw it) (Note 1)
- 1 head of garlic, cut in half horizontally
- 1 onion (brown, yellow or white), unpeeled, cut in half
- 5 sprigs of thyme (or 2 tsp dried thyme leaves)
Rub
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 5 grinds of black pepper
- 1 1/2 - 2 tbsp olive oil
Gravy
- Chicken stock/broth (or water), for topping up liquid (see Gravy step 1)
- 4 tbsp / 50g butter
- 1/4 cup / 35g flour
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place Rub ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine, it should be a wet paste.
- Pat the turkey dry all over with paper towels. Slather with the Rub, using most for the side and top.
- Place the garlic, onion and thyme face down in the slow cooker. Place the turkey breast on top so it is elevated.
- Slow Cook on LOW for 6 hours (do not use high) or until internal temperature reads 165F/75C when thermometer is inserted into the middle. Check internal temperature at 5 hours if you can. (To roast, follow this recipe).
- Remove turkey from the slow cooker (do not leave in slow cooker on Warm setting) and let it rest for 20 minutes before crisping the skin.
Crisp the Skin
- Preheat gril/broiler to high.
- Place an oven shelf 30cm / 1 foot from the heat source.
- Remove turkey breast from the slow cooker into a heatproof serving dish.
- Place on the oven shelf and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Keep an eye on it - it browns very quickly!
- Serve immediately with gravy on the side.
Gravy
- Strain the liquid into a measuring jug, squishing the garlic etc to extract all the flavour. If you are short of 2 cups, top up with chicken broth (I usually get 2 cups of liquid from a 4 lb / 2 kg turkey breast).
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and mix to combine. Pour about 1/2 cup of liquid into the flour mixture and mix until it forms a paste. Slowly add remaining liquid, stirring as your go. Use a whisk if required to make the gravy smooth. Simmer until thickened - take it off before it is as thick as you want because it will continue to thicken.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with turkey.
Recipe Notes:
1 kg / 2 lb: 4 - 5 hours on low
2 - 3 kg / 4 - 6 lb: 5 - 6 hours on low
4 kg / 8 lb: 6 - 7 hours on low (see 8 June '17 report from reader Tony)
5 kg / 10 lb: 8 - 9 hours on low 4. No water is required for this, the turkey steams in its own juices. It won't dry out or burn but it is important to elevate the breast off the bottom with the onion and garlic! 5. My SLOW COOKER: Some people have questioned the slow cooker I am using, saying it looks like a press cooker. I am using a slow cooker called a "Breville Slow Fast Cooker" which is a slow cooker AND pressure cooker in one. This recipe is cooked using the slow cooker function. This recipe is not suited to a pressure cooker. 6. Got turkey leftovers? Use it up in White Turkey Enchilada Soup, Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie or Muffulettas! 7. Nutrition per serving, including gravy.
Nutrition Information:
Originally published November 2016. Updated for some housekeeping November 2019 – no change to recipe.
Life of Dozer
This is what a turkey coma looks like.
Karen says
I cooked this last night, so have to reheat it. My turkey is 5.7 lbs. It is sitting out getting to room temp. You said 3 minutes on low in the microwave, then under the broiler to crisp. 3 minutes doesn’t sound like enough to get it warm. Are you sure it will be nice and warm with just 3 minutes in the microwave? I don’t want it to dry out either.
Nagi says
HI Karen! Use a cold knife inserted into the centre to check – if it’s warmed, then the knife will be warm 🙂 N x
Ashley says
Hi, my 8lbs turkey breast is touching the glass top of the crock pot. Will this be okay?
Nagi says
It’s fine Ashley! Happens to me too with big breast 🙂
Carmen says
Hi Nagi, I dont have the LOW 6 on my Slow Cooker,, I have HI 4 – 6 and LOW 8 – 10. What should I do?
Nagi says
Hi Carmen! Set the timer on your phone at 6 hours 🙂 Then just turn the slow cooker off! Actually, set your alarm for 5 hours for the first temperature check! N x
Mike says
I’m doing this recipe in an Instant Pot on the slow cook/low setting. I’m hoping this is safe without adding water?
Nagi says
Yes! The turkey drops it’s own liquid you will be amazed how much comes out 🙂 N x
Ashley says
Hello, happy Thanksgiving. I’ve just put an 8 pound turkey in the crock pot for tonight. The top of the breast is touching the glass lid but my lid is sealed. Is this going to be okay? Thanks! Ashley
Nagi says
It’s all good Ashley, happens to me too 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!!! N x
Sami says
I have this cooking right now but I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the time you have taken to respond to so many questions. Ive been on many blogs where the blogger never responds when someone needs a little help, so thank you and God bless you and your family!
Nagi says
Happy to help!!! I feel like if people choose to use my recipes for a special occasion, the least I can do is help ensure it’s a success! N x
Craig says
Okay. 5.11 lb. bone-in turkey breast, rubbed and in the slow-cooker on low at 6:20 a.m.
I’m a bit nervous, but too late to turn back now. =P I’ll let you know how it goes.
Nagi says
Have faith Craig, it’s going to be AMAZING!!! N x
Suzanne says
Not sure if my question posted… My turkey breast is too large for my slow cooker. Can I put the turkey breast on its side? Will it still cook okay?
Nagi says
Hi Suzanne! That’s fine, pop it on its side! N x
Suzanne Polenz says
My turkey breast is almost 9 pounds. Not sure what I was thinking when I bought it. In order for it to fit in my slow cooker I have to put it on its side. One breast side down one up. Will this cook okay? Or should I just use my oven. Ugh!
Nagi says
Hi Suzanne! If you want to roast it, follow these directions (minus the butter!) but place it on a rack and put 1/5 cups water or wine in the pan 🙂 https://www.recipetineats.com/garlic-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-breast/
Tracy says
Happy Thanksgiving!! My turkey breast package says it has a honey brine (ingredients including salt so I’ll halve the salt as you recommend). I’m wondering, however, if you think the rub will taste right with the turkey having had a sugar and honey brine? eek! Any recommendations are appreciated and, its Thanksgiving so, if you aren’t able to get back to me, I’m gonna dive on in and keep my fingers crossed. haha! Can’t wait to try this! THANK YOU!
Nagi says
Hi Tracy! It will be a terrific flavour combination, the rub for this turkey is a natural savoury rub that will work with many flavours! N x
Nancy S. says
Used this recipe last year and will be doing it again this year. It’s the best turkey I’d ever had. Thanks
Erin says
Hey, I must be missing something. For the gravy directions, it says to strain the liquid and squish the garlic, etc. but there’s no liquid going in the slow cooker. So do I just pour 2 cups of chicken broth into a measuring cup and add the garlic, onion and thyme that was used to elevate the turkey breast??
Nagi says
HI Erin! The turkey itself leeches tons of liquid while cooking, and that’s what is used to make the gravy. If you watch the video, you will see no liquid going into the slow cooker, but plenty of liquid when the turkey is lifted out! N x
Allison Dotson says
Is there a way to test for doneness if I don’t have a meat thermometer? I made this last year and it was wonderful. My thermometer broke this year and I forgot to replace it.
Nagi says
Hi Allison! I’m afraid I don’t know. Can you remember how long you cooked it last year?? What weight is your turkey?? N x
Allison says
It is a 6.6lb turkey. I don’t remember last year unfortunately, but I will definitely be getting a thermometer before Christmas 🙂
Teresa says
I had to buy two half breasts – that’s all they had at trader joes – bone in and not brined. One is 2.6lbs and the other is 2.3lbs. Will that shorten the cooking time or not? I’m using a regular crockpot.
Nagi says
Hi Teresa! For 2 small breasts that size, I think 5 hours BUT to be safe, I would first check the internal temp at 4 hours. 🙂 Hope that helps! N x
Debbie Nelson says
Is there a chart to follow as to the weight of the meat, poultry etc to how long it should be in the slow cooker/crock pot? Or a book just for beginners with basic recipes and tips? My crock pot book was lost in the remodeling of my kitchen. I never used my crock pot before and just from reading this article I am using it for the first time tomorrow. My daughter has borrowed it countless times and she is at her in laws for the holidays.
Nagi says
Hi Debbie! Please see the notes to the recipe for cook times! N x
Chelsea Carpenter says
I don’t have a head of garlic, can I sub in minced?
Nagi says
Hi Chelsea – yep, just add a couple of teaspoons in the base of the slow cooker 🙂 N x
Chelsea Carpenter says
I just found this recipe and don’t want to run back out to the store. Would it take too much from the flavor if I don’t use a head of Garlic but minced instead?
Nagi says
That’s fine Chelsea! Put 2 teaspoons in the base of the slow cooker 🙂
Chelsea Carpenter says
Thanks! Sorry for the double post! Appreciate the help 😁 Happy Thanksgiving
Sharon says
Can I use aluminum foil on the bottom instead of onion and garlic? Also, can I cook 2 roast in the same slow cooker?
Nagi says
You sure can Sharon! Scrunch up 3 or 4 balls and place the breast on them 🙂 N x
D Collins says
I don’t see “servings” for the slider
Nagi says
Hi D! Where it says “Servings” at the top of the recipe card, click or tap on the number “8” then slide – and watch the ingredients change! Slide it until it shows the weight of your turkey and all the ingredients in the recipe will change 🙂 N x
Carla says
How do you defrost a turkey breast,mines is 6lbs each(2 turkey breast) I had them in the fridge since yesterday night,but seems to be still frozen. Please can someone help me
Nagi says
Hi Carla – you can speed up the defrosting process by submerging them in water. Please see the Thawing instructions in this post for directions: https://www.recipetineats.com/genius-easy-juicy-roast-turkey-dry-brined/