If you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, impressively flavorful, and effortlessly hands-off, this Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s packed with fragrant herbs, tender carrots, and perfectly cooked turkey that turns out juicy every single time, making it ideal for family dinners or special gatherings without the usual fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient serves a purpose, enhancing the depth of flavor and tenderness that make this turkey breast truly shine. Fresh herbs, aromatic vegetables, and the perfect blend of spices give this dish its inviting character.
- 5 pounds boneless turkey breast roast: The star of the dish, offering lean and juicy meat that’s perfect for slow cooking.
- 1 peeled and quartered onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the cooking broth.
- 3 garlic cloves: Brings a warm, savory aroma that complements the herbs beautifully.
- 3-4 diced whole carrots, 2-inch pieces: Provide natural sweetness and a touch of color to the slow cooker base.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the turkey moist and infuses the dish with gentle savory notes.
- 1 sprig rosemary: Offers a refreshing pine-like fragrance that pairs perfectly with poultry.
- 1 sprig sage: Adds a slightly peppery, earthy tone enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- ¼ cup softened butter: The vehicle for the herb rub, ensuring the spices stick beautifully and basting the meat during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor without overpowering the turkey.
- 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes: Adds texture and a concentrated onion flavor throughout.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Lends a subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Reinforces the fresh sage sprig with savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Enhances the herbal aroma with a woody, fragrant kick.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A delicate herb that balances the blend with its subtle floral hints.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spiciness to round off the seasoning.
How to Make Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by lining your slow cooker with a liner or generously spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and also prevents the veggies and meat from sticking to the sides, keeping every delicious piece intact.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Layer the peeled and quartered onion, whole garlic cloves, diced carrots, chicken broth, and sprigs of rosemary and sage directly into the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed that will steam and infuse the turkey with wonderful aromas as it cooks slowly.
Step 3: Make the Butter Herb Rub
In a small bowl, combine softened butter with garlic powder, dried onion flakes, salt, paprika, dried sage, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Stir this mixture well until the herbs and spices are fully blended into a fragrant, creamy butter that will flavor the turkey beautifully.
Step 4: Season the Turkey
Take the thawed turkey breast and generously spread the herb butter all over its surface. Make sure to coat every inch evenly—this not only seasons the meat but also ensures a buttery, herbaceous crust as it cooks.
Step 5: Cook the Turkey
Place the seasoned turkey breast carefully on top of the vegetable and herb base in your slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring safety and perfect tenderness.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, carefully lift the turkey out and transfer it to a serving platter. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat. This step is crucial for maintaining moistness before slicing into that gorgeous turkey breast.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled on top brighten the plate and add a burst of fresh flavor. For a gourmet touch, a drizzle of pan juices or a light herb-infused gravy will make the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This turkey pairs wonderfully with classic mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a more festive meal, serve alongside wild rice pilaf or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every bit of that flavorful broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the turkey thinly and stacking it in a hearty sandwich with cranberry chutney and arugula. Or arrange slices over a bed of creamy polenta or buttery noodles for a comforting plate that’s bursting with herbaceous goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover turkey breast and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3-4 days, making great additions to sandwiches, salads, or quick reheated meals.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked turkey breast in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the leftover turkey slowly in the oven at 325°F (160°C), wrapped in foil to lock in moisture. Alternatively, gently warm slices in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in turkey breast instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in turkey breast, but cooking times may increase slightly. Be sure to check the internal temperature regularly to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
Is it necessary to add chicken broth to the slow cooker?
Chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor to the slow cooker base, helping keep the turkey juicy. You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water if needed, but broth will yield the best taste.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before and cook it the next day?
Absolutely! You can assemble all the ingredients the night before, cover the slow cooker, and refrigerate. When ready, just pop it on and start cooking. This makes it even easier to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal morning prep.
How do I know when the turkey is perfectly cooked?
The key is to use a meat thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the turkey is safe to eat and perfectly tender without drying out.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely. Feel free to add potatoes, celery, or parsnips for extra heartiness. Just keep in mind these might slightly affect the cooking time and liquid balance, so adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe is a total game changer for anyone craving a fuss-free, flavorful main dish that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this tender, herb-kissed turkey to share with friends and family. Give it a go and watch it become one of your go-to comfort meals!
Print
Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast recipe is a flavorful and tender way to prepare a boneless turkey breast roast. Infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and aromatic vegetables, the turkey cooks slowly to develop rich, deep flavors while staying moist and juicy. Perfect for a comforting family meal or holiday centerpiece with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Turkey and Vegetables
- 5 pounds thawed boneless turkey breast roast
- 1 peeled and quartered onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3–4 diced whole carrots, 2-inch pieces
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 sprig sage
Herb Butter Rub
- ¼ cup softened butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Line your slow cooker with a liner or spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Place the peeled and quartered onion, whole garlic cloves, diced carrots, ½ cup chicken broth, and sprigs of rosemary and sage into the bottom of the slow cooker as a flavorful base.
- Make the Butter Herb Rub: In a bowl, combine the softened butter with garlic powder, dried onion flakes, salt, paprika, dried sage, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Stir well until all herbs and spices are fully incorporated into the butter.
- Season the Turkey: Spread the herb butter mixture generously over the surface of the thawed boneless turkey breast, coating it evenly to maximize flavor.
- Cook the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the cooked turkey from the slow cooker and transfer it to a platter. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup quicker and easier.
- Check internal temperature to ensure turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Letting the turkey rest after cooking helps retain moisture and improve texture.
- You can substitute fresh herbs if available but adjust quantities to taste.
- Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
