This recipe will show you how to make a boneless 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.
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One of the best ways to cook a turkey breast is in a slow cooker because you avoid the risk of overcooking the meat. Breasts are lean cuts of meat with very little fat, this is why they tend to be dry when cooked. This method will give you the juiciest breasts you have ever had!
Table of Contents
What Type of Turkey to Use Bone-In vs Boneless
This recipe is for boneless turkey roast, but it works for bone-in, too. Most boneless roasts weigh 2-3 pounds. 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. A lot of boneless breasts don't come with much skin. 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.
Do You Remove the Net From the Turkey?
If you remove the netting from the turkey before it cooks it will likely fall apart (especially the Butterball brand). The netting holds the turkey breast together during cooking. It's often removed after the roast has been cooked. I remove this netting piror to cooking. If the breast falls apart, you can secure it with toothpicks. If you don't want to to go through that, then keep it intact.
I like to remove the net to get the spices to adhere to the turkey. Keep in mind a boneless breast is a cut of turkey that has had the bone removed either mechanically or by a butcher. A lot of times I can see the breast is a roast that was created using several breast parts. The net is used to pull it all together like a loaf.
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, and Creole Seasoning.
How to Make Boneless 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.
- Pat the turkey breast dry and sprinkle the spices throughout.
- Pour broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add onions to the broth. Place the seasoned turkey breast over the broth.
- Cook on Low.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
Cook time is 3- 4 hours. You will want to cook the turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
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 10-15 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 Wings
Juicy Spatchcock Turkey
Cajun Roasted Turkey
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Baked Turkey Legs
Crockpot Slow Cooker Bone-in Turkey Breast
Roasted Bone In Turkey Breast
Leftover Turkey Recipes
Leftover Turkey Chili
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Pair With These Side Dishes
Southern Soul Food 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 Neck Bones
Roasted Okra
Pair this with my Turkey Graving From Drippings, Yellow Gravy Without Drippings, or Keto Low Carb Gravy.
For the baked version of this recipe check out my Boneless Turkey Breast Roast.
Slow Cooker Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pound boneless turkey breast You can also use a bone-in breast.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 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.3 pound boneless turkey breast, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning, salt and pepper to taste
- 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.1 cup sliced onions, 1 cup broth, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Cook on Low for 3-4 hours. Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
- 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
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.
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.
Heather says
LOVE preparing a boneless turkey breast in the slow cooker! I can't wait to try your recipe! Thank you for sharing!
staysnatched says
I hope you love it!
Patty says
HELLO - what would the time schedule be for a 7.65lb. boneless turkey breast on low?
staysnatched says
For safety you should always cook poultry until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
Cheryl Fernandez says
@Patty,
Sue says
Can you cook on high for 4 hours? Will the turkey breast still come out juicy and tender
staysnatched says
It will likely overcook.
Bridget says
I love this slow cooker boneless turkey recipe but would you please add cholesterol and sodium count because people like me with heart disease have to keep up with sodium and cholesterol intake for health reasons. Thank you for the recipe
staysnatched says
Those stats vary based on the turkey you buy. Read the nutrition label of the turkey breast you buy for accuracy.
Jeff d says
@Bridget, stop whining.Look up the ingredients sodium content on the container they come in.Sounds like. You just want to complain
Elizabeth says
Easy and delicious recipe. I added 1 head of garlic sliced in half placed on the bottom as well. I made with 2 3lb turkey breasts. Even with 2 breasts it took about 4.5 hours on low to reach 165 degrees internally. The meat was juicy and not dry at all. Will make again!
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear you will make it again!
Nancy says
We live in Florida so the mindset is to rarely turn on the main oven. I usually make the boneless breast in the air fryer from your recipe, which is wonderful. I think I will try this crockpot version next time. Sounds delicious. I have 2 of those Butterball babies waiting in my freezer. Thanks for the recipe.
staysnatched says
You're welcome!
Karine says
Did you unfreezes the turkey before?
staysnatched says
Yes
Sharrie says
I tried this recipe last year and the turkey came out perfect! Doing it again this year!
staysnatched says
I'm so happy to hear that!
Cheryl Fernandez says
I have a 3.71 pound Boneless Turkey Breast
How long will it take to cook on high and low?
staysnatched says
You cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. That's when it's safe to eat, however long it takes.
Linda says
It is easier for a single person to cook just the turkey breast
staysnatched says
So true!
Michael D. says
I found you!! Last year I used this recipe to slow cook my turkey roast. My family and I loved it. I printed and saved the recipe, but now can't find it. I started searching for it online and found you again. Thank God for that. Thanksgiving is saved. My family said "find that recipe, or don't bother fixing a turkey at all."
staysnatched says
haha! I love that, Michael. Happy holidays to you and your family.
Jenn says
What do you do with the broth and onions on the bottom after cooking?
staysnatched says
Make gravy. The recipe for it is linked above.
robin says
if i do 2 boneless breast in one crockpot together, what will my cook time likely be?
staysnatched says
I’ve never done 2.
Lynn says
@robin,
I cooked 2 last year for about 4.5 hours. But always check internal temp
Irene says
This was so easy and so flavorful! A family hit!
staysnatched says
I’m glad the family loved it!
Stacey says
Does this need to go in the broiler or air fryer right away after taking it out of the crock pot or does it rest first, or does it just rest after the broiler or air fryer, and is it okay to keep the net on in the broiler or air fryer? Thanks,!
staysnatched says
You can put it in right away. I remove the net.
Evangeline says
I’ve made this twice now. I’m thinking of making it again tonight. Even my picky eater of a child loves this recipe 😇
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad to hear it.
Prudence says
So delicious! The best turkey breast recipe I have found. The meat was tender, moist and has so much flavor. I’ll definitely make this again.
staysnatched says
So glad to hear you will make it again!
Andrea says
Trying this tonight!! Can’t wait. Has anyone tried cut up potatoes in the bottom instead of onion? I have some family members who have adverse reactions to onions
Cindy says
@Andrea, the recipe calls for onions for added flavor. I've not tried potatoes, I've used carrots in other recipes. Potatoes are starchy and would have less flavor, just my opinion.
Gina says
Made this last night. Juiciest turkey ever. Lots of flavor and really tender. I will definitely use this one again.
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad to hear it.
Breezy says
Love this recipe. I’ve already made it a few times 🙂 is it possible to freeze afterwards and then re-heat? Thanks for the deliciousness <3
staysnatched says
Yes! You can freeze it and reheat.
Ellen says
I’m planning on making this for Thanksgiving (in addition to a regular turkey, want to make sire we have leftovers!). If i cook it on Wednesday but want to serve Thursday, what is the best way to reheat it without drying it out?
staysnatched says
You need to store it in broth and also reheat it in broth.
Talia says
Hello! I’m using this recipe for thanksgiving this year. I have an over 6lb Turkey breast I plan to use. I’m going to double all the ingredients, but what do you think the correct cooking time is?
staysnatched says
You should always cook turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Cook times will always vary. Focus on saftey and keep watch.
Tara says
Have you ever tried to heat a pre cooked turkey breast this way? Instructions on turkey are for oven.
staysnatched says
I haven't.
Cindy says
Sounds amazing. I'm using this recipe for our small family Thanksgiving dinner today. I'm cooking 2 turkey breasts using two separate slow cookers, one I'll using this recipe the other one I will be using cajun spices. Glad I came across this recipe, thanks Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome!
Lynn says
Wonderful Turkey for family of 3. So moist. Go to recipe
staysnatched says
Perfect for that!
Trice says
Would it make a difference if I have a boneless skinless one?
staysnatched says
How is that different than this one?
charlene says
I am making this using spicy chicken broth. Wanted a kick! Looks delicious!
staysnatched says
Awesome!
Ann says
Perfect
staysnatched says
I'm glad you loved the recipe!