This recipe will show you how to brine and cook a bone-in split or whole turkey breast in a Crock Pot. It's so easy! Slow cooking is the best way to get tender and juicy meat loaded with flavor. Serve this for Thanksgiving or weeknight dinners.
I'm not sure I will ever cook a full turkey again after this recipe! A juicy turkey breast suits my family just fine for the holidays.
If you want the stovetop version of this recipe check out my Roasted Bone In Turkey Breast.
What Type of Turkey to Use Bone-In vs Boneless
Skin-on turkey is great because the fat from the skin will redistribute into the meat as it cooks, and keep it tender and juicy. Leaving the skin on is a matter of preference and may be led by if you're able to find turkey breasts with it intact.
A bone-in breast will also yield meat that is juicier, in comparison to boneless. The bone in the breast insulates the meat while it cooks. That allows the breast to heat slower and retain moisture. This is also why a bone-in breast requires a longer cook time.
How to Season
I use a combination of poultry seasoning, smoked paprika (regular paprika is fine), onion powder, salt, and pepper. Other common spices you can use are thyme, oregano, Creole Seasoning, and my Homemade New Orleans Cajun Seasoning and Rub.
How to Make Bone-In Turkey Breast in the Slow Cooker Crockpot
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prep the turkey. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and keeps the skin from steaming in the slow cooker.
- Season generously. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, ground thyme, smoked paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mix all over the turkey breast, get under the skin if you can for extra flavor.
- Layer the Crockpot. Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in enough broth to cover the bottom.
- Add the turkey. Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onions, skin-side up. Add the butter in small chunks over the turkey.
- Cook low and slow. Cover and cook until the turkey reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
- Crisp the skin (optional). If you like the skin golden and crispy, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 4–5 minutes.
- Rest before slicing. Let the turkey rest for about 10 minutes before carving so the juices stay locked in.
Pair this with my Turkey Graving From Drippings, Yellow Gravy Without Drippings, or Keto Low Carb Gravy.
Crockpot Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-7 pound bone-in turkey breast Mine weighed 3 ½ pounds (7quart Crockpot)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika Regular paprika is fine.
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 1 cup broth I used chicken.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Pat the turkey breast dry and sprinkle the spices throughout. Rub the spices into both sides of the breast. Ensure the spices completely cover both sides of the breast. Add more spices if necessary. The amount you need may vary based on the size of your turkey.
- Pour the broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the onions to the broth. Place the seasoned turkey breast over the broth. Add the butter on top.
- For a 5-7 pound breast, Cook on Low for 6-7 hours. For a 2-4 pound breast, Cook on Low for 3-4 hours.Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer. See additional notes below.
- Remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker. (Be careful! It will be tender and may fall apart.)
- For crispy skin, you can use either the air fryer (3-4 minutes on 400 degrees) or Broil in the oven for about 3-5 minutes.
- Allow the turkey to rest for 20 minutes prior to slicing.
Notes
- You can use a whole or split turkey breast, whatever size and weight will work for your slow cooker.
- Thaw the turkey breast before using.
- Season the turkey however you wish. Feel free to use your favorite rubs!
- I prefer to cook turkey on Low because cooking it low and slow will yield juicy meat. You can cook it on High, if you prefer, by reducing the cook time in half.
- You will want to cook the turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer. Your cook time will also vary based on how you want to slice your turkey. The Crockpot is known to produce tender and juicy, fall-apart meat. The longer you cook the turkey the more tender it will be, but note this may prevent you from slicing it into beautiful individual slices.
- If this bothers you, be sure to monitor the turkey and only cook it until it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees. If you want tender meat that will shred easily, cook it for the long end of the range of cook time.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
Cook time is going to vary based on the size of the turkey breast you use. I prefer to cook turkey on Low because cooking it low and slow will yield juicy meat. You can cook it on High, if you prefer, by reducing the cook time in half.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
If you use a whole turkey breast (this includes two breasts and is typically 5-7 pounds) cook time is 6-7 hours on Low.
If you use a split turkey breast (this includes one breast and is typically 2-4 pounds) cook time is 3-5 hours on Low.
You will want to cook the turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer. Your cook time will also vary based on how you want to slice your turkey. The Crockpot is known to produce tender and juicy, fall apart meat. The longer you cook the turkey the more tender it will be, but note this may prevent you from slicing it into beautiful individidual slices.
If this bothers you, be sure to monitor the turkey and only cook it until it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees. If you want tender meat that will shred easily, cook it for the long end of the range of cook time.
As an example, during recipe testing I noticed while cooking a 4 pound breast for 6 hours, I could literally pull out the the bone from the breast once cooked. It was impossible to carve it into individual serving pieces (that weren't shredded) because the moment I placed my knife on the turkey, it would fall apart. It tasted wonderful!
This is definitely my favorite way to prepare it, but may not be what your're looking for if you are serving guests for Thanksgiving.
How to Get Crispy Skin
Place the cooked turkey breast in the oven on Broil for a few minutes until the skin crisps.
Allow the Turkey Breast to Rest
Always wait 15-20 minutes before slicing into the turkey. If you slice it up too soon you are going to waste all of the juices that have been running wild inside that turkey! This will really dry out your turkey.
How to Store Leftovers/How Long It Will Last in the Fridge
Leftovers can be stored tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
My favorite ways are to use the air fryer (350 degrees until warm) or the oven (350 degrees until warm). Reheat the turkey in broth to keep it juicy.
How to Freeze
The turkey will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can leave it sliced, or shred or dice it and place in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Leftover turkey is great to have on hand to toss on salads or to throw into soups!
More Turkey Recipes
Smothered Turkey Wings
Smothered Turkey Necks
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Juicy Spatchcock Turkey
Cajun Roasted Turkey
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Baked Turkey Legs
Boneless Turkey Breast Roast
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cornish Hens
Leftover Turkey Recipes
Leftover Turkey Chili
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Pair With These Side Dishes
Southern Mac and Cheese
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Scalloped Corn
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
Southern Collard Greens
Smothered Chicken Wings
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
Slow Cooker Crockpot Spiral Ham
Slow Cooker Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Duck
Brandy says
Having a smaller Thanksgiving and this is just what I was looking for! So juicy and perfect! Can't wait!
staysnatched says
Perfect if you don’t want to make a full turkey!
Katie says
This turns out so juicy and perfect every time. So easy too!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Kristin says
Perfect meal for a family of two! So juicy and easy to make.
staysnatched says
So juicy in the crockpot!
Hannah says
We made this for Thanksgiving and it turned out amazing. So easy, moist, and delicious.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it!
Pete says
Do you place one side of breast down or cavity to bottom
staysnatched says
No side in particular. Look at the photos, I show you how it's placed.