If you’re looking for a foolproof, melt-in-your-mouth turkey breast that requires almost no babysitting, then the Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe is absolutely for you. I love this recipe because it delivers juicy, tender turkey with a deliciously crisp skin—without heating up your oven or stressing over timing. Whether you’re making a weeknight meal or prepping for a small gathering, you’ll find that slow cooking this turkey breast with herby garlic butter is one of the easiest ways to up your dinner game!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Pop it in the slow cooker and forget it—perfect for busy days or relaxed weekends.
- Moist & Flavorful: The garlic herb butter under the skin keeps the meat juicy and infused with amazing flavor.
- Crispy Skin Finish: A quick broil at the end gives you that crave-worthy golden, crispy skin every time.
- No Brine Needed: Trust me, this slow cooker method means you don’t have to fuss with brining or marinating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe really happens with simple, fresh ingredients working together. I always recommend getting fresh herbs if possible—they make a world of difference in the aroma and taste. Also, having a good quality slow cooker helps, but it’s forgiving if yours runs a bit hot or cool.
- Single Turkey Breast (skin on, bone in): The star here; bone-in adds flavor and the skin helps keep it moist.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black Pepper: Gives a mild kick and balances the savory notes.
- Brown Onion (halved): Adds natural sweetness and moisture during cooking.
- Garlic (whole head, halved horizontally): Roasts right alongside, adding mellow garlic flavor to the juices.
- Fresh Rosemary & Thyme Sprigs: Essential herbs for that classic herbaceous aroma.
- Oil (for drizzling): Used at the end to crisp the skin without burning it.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Creates that luscious garlic herb butter that goes under the skin.
- Garlic Cloves (minced): More garlic punch inside the butter for deep flavor infusion.
- Fresh Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley (finely chopped): The herb mix adds layers of flavor inside the butter.
- Chicken Broth/Stock: Optional, to keep the slow cooker moist if needed.
- Flour, Dark Soy Sauce: For optional gravy, to serve on the side.
Variations
I love that this Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe is a great blank canvas. Over time, I’ve personalized it depending on the season or what’s in my herb garden. You’re welcome to get creative and make it your own!
- Herb Swaps: I once swapped sage and rosemary for oregano and basil with great results—perfect for a Mediterranean twist.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne flakes can bring a subtle heat that my family surprisingly loved.
- Lemon Zest: For brighter flavor, I sometimes mix in lemon zest into the garlic herb butter.
- Slow Cooker & Veggies: Toss in root veggies like carrots or potatoes at the base to make it a one-pot meal.
How to Make Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
Start by softening the unsalted butter, then stir in the minced garlic and your fresh herbs—sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley—along with salt and pepper. This butter is the secret to juicy, flavorful meat because it melts into the turkey as it cooks.
Step 2: Loosen and Stuff the Skin
Pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels. This is important so the skin crisps up nicely later. Using a small, sharp knife, gently loosen the skin from the flesh by sliding a tablespoon underneath—be careful to avoid tearing! I discovered this trick after struggling with dry turkey, and it makes all the difference because you’re essentially basting the meat from the inside out.
Step 3: Slather on the Butter
Spoon about two-thirds of your garlic herb butter under the loosened skin, distributing it evenly. Then spread the remaining butter all over the turkey’s surface, including the underside. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper on top—this layers your flavors for a perfect bite. Pro tip: you can let this stage rest overnight in the fridge if you want deeper flavor penetration.
Step 4: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place your halved brown onion and garlic head at the base of your slow cooker. This acts like a flavorful rack and infuses aromatic notes while the turkey cooks. Set your turkey breast skin-side up right on top, then scatter the rosemary and thyme sprigs over it.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cook the turkey on low for about 6 hours, but check around 4 hours to be safe since slow cooker heat levels can vary. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part. I use a digital meat thermometer—trust me, it’s a game changer for avoiding dry or undercooked turkey.
Step 6: Rest and Crisp the Skin
Once cooked, transfer your turkey to a baking tray and cover loosely with foil to rest for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, remove the herb sprigs and drizzle the turkey with a little oil (not butter!). Then place it under a broiler or grill on high heat, about 12 inches from the source, for 5 to 10 minutes until the skin turns golden and crisp. Keep a close eye because it browns fast. This crisp finish is what truly sets this recipe apart.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Skin Loosening: It’s the step that infuses butter into the meat instead of just on the surface, keeping the turkey tender and juicy.
- Use a Thermometer: Slow cookers vary, so checking the internal temp prevents overcooking and drying out the meat.
- Broil at the End: Drizzle oil—not butter—to avoid burning and achieve that perfect crispy skin.
- Rest Before Carving: Resting lets the juices redistribute, making every slice moist and succulent.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves to add that fresh green pop and an inviting aroma. Sometimes I add a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten each bite—especially if you zested lemon in your butter, it’s a lovely compliment.
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for roasted garlic mashed potatoes and honey-glazed carrots alongside this turkey. A crisp green salad or simple steamed broccoli keeps the meal balanced and fresh. Don’t forget a side of homemade cranberry sauce for that classic touch!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve tried serving this turkey sliced on a large platter with fresh herb sprigs and edible flowers around for color. Another fun idea is to carve the turkey breast into thick slabs and layer with cranberry sauce on toasted baguette slices for upscale turkey sliders.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover turkey wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container in the fridge—this keeps it moist and easy to reheat. Use within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well! Slice leftover turkey, cool completely, and pack in freezer-safe bags or containers. It maintains its flavor and moisture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat turkey gently in the oven covered with foil at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. You can add a splash of chicken broth or gravy to keep things juicy. Microwaving works too, just watch to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
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Can I use a boneless turkey breast in this Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in helps add flavor and moisture, using a boneless turkey breast works fine. Just reduce the cooking time slightly and check the internal temperature often to avoid overcooking.
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Do I have to brine the turkey before slow cooking?
Nope! One of the best parts of this recipe is that there’s no brining needed. The garlic herb butter slathered under the skin keeps your turkey juicy and tender without extra prep.
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How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check that the thickest part of the breast has reached 75°C (165°F). This ensures safety and perfect tenderness.
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Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, adding root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or parsnips under the turkey works great and cooks alongside to soak up those delicious juices.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe has become my go-to method whenever I want a deliciously tender turkey without the fuss. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so straightforward—even if you’re new to slow cooking poultry. I’m confident that once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe when you want impressive but easy meals. Give it a go, and enjoy the perfectly moist turkey that your family and friends will rave about!
Print
Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 360 min
- Total Time: 375 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe delivers a succulent, flavorful main dish perfect for gatherings or family dinners. The turkey breast is infused with a rich garlic herb butter that bastes the meat as it slow cooks, ensuring moist and tender results without the need for brining. A final crisp under the grill creates a golden, crispy skin for an elegant presentation and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Turkey
- 2.5 – 3 kg / 5-6 lb single turkey breast, skin on, bone in (NOT BRINED)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to season
- 1 brown onion, halved
- 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
- 3 sprigs rosemary
- 8 sprigs thyme (optional)
- Oil, for drizzling (for skin)
Garlic Herb Butter
- 150 g / 10 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Gravy
- Chicken broth/stock, for topping up (if required)
- 1/3 cup / 50 g flour
- 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce (or gravy colouring)
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix softened unsalted butter with salt, pepper, minced garlic, finely chopped sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley until well combined to create a flavorful herb butter.
- Loosen the Turkey Skin: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly. Using a small knife, carefully cut a slit along one side to separate the skin from the flesh. Slide an upside-down tablespoon between the skin and flesh all over the turkey breast to create space for the butter.
- Slather Herb Butter: Spread about two-thirds of the garlic herb butter underneath the loosened skin, distributing it evenly to baste the meat as it cooks. Use the remaining butter to coat the surface and underside of the turkey breast.
- Season the Skin: Sprinkle the turkey skin with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper. For enhanced flavor, you can refrigerate the prepared turkey breast overnight or up to two days before cooking.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Place the halved garlic head and halved brown onion in the bottom of your slow cooker (recommended size 5L / 5 qt). Arrange the turkey breast on top with skin side facing up. Scatter rosemary and optional thyme sprigs over the turkey for aromatic infusion.
- Slow Cook the Turkey: Cook the turkey on low for 6 hours, checking at 4 hours to monitor progress. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) at the center of the breast for safe doneness.
- Rest the Turkey: Carefully transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking tray, reserving any cooking juices. Loosely cover the turkey with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Crisp the Skin: Remove herb sprigs from the surface. Drizzle the turkey skin with oil (avoid butter at this stage to prevent burning). Place the turkey under a preheated broiler or grill positioned about 30 cm (12 inches) from the heat source. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the skin is crispy and bronzed.
- Prepare and Serve Gravy: Use reserved cooking juices to make gravy by whisking in flour and dark soy sauce, topping up with chicken broth or stock as needed. Serve the crispy garlic herb turkey breast with the homemade gravy and optional cranberry sauce on the side.
Notes
- Watch the recipe video for a helpful demonstration, especially for loosening the turkey skin safely.
- Using garlic herb butter slathered under the skin keeps the breast moist and packed with flavor during slow cooking.
- The slow cooker method is a convenient and safe way to cook turkey breast without brining or marinating, making it perfect for busy days.
- For a variation, try the roasted version of this recipe or the classic spice-rubbed Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast.
- Be cautious while broiling as the skin crisps quickly and can burn if not monitored closely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 387 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 1095 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 52 g
- Cholesterol: 166 mg
