Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast

This method is perfect for small holiday gatherings, meal prep, or whenever you want a classic turkey dinner without the hassle. Just five minutes of prep, hardly any babysitting, and you get turkey that's always tender and flavorful!

Plus, you'll free up your oven for everything else. I actually started making turkey this way a few years ago when my oven was completely packed for Thanksgiving, and honestly, I've never looked back. Leftovers are a bonus: sandwiches, soups, you name it!

Before You Get Started

Here are a few things to know so your slow cooker turkey comes out perfect every time.

• Choose the right turkey breast: There are two main types of boneless turkey breast in the grocery store, one that is natural and one that has been brined or seasoned. Ideally, for this recipe, buy a natural boneless, skin-on turkey breast. Brined or seasoned turkey breast works as well (like the one from Butterball), just use less salt. This recipe also works with a bone-in turkey breast and works with or without the skin.
• Choosing the right seasoning: This simple turkey rub uses garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Feel free to swap in fresh minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor. Get creative with the spices here to switch up the flavors. We love turkey with Cajun seasoning, or opt for a classic poultry seasoning with sage.
• Plan your timing: A 2–3 lb boneless turkey breast will usually cook in 3–4 hours on low, but check with a thermometer early so you don't overcook it.

How to Make Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast

Ready to make the juiciest, easiest turkey? Here's how.

1. Add Aromatics to the Slow Cooker

Layer chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your crockpot. These not only flavor the turkey but also keep it lifted off the bottom for even cooking.

2. Prep the Turkey

Remove any netting or packaging from the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard any extras or save for gravy.

3. Mix and Apply the Butter Rub

Stir together softened butter and your seasoning. Rub it all over the turkey, getting under the skin if you can.

4. Slow Cook

Place the turkey breast on top of the veggies. Cook on low for 3–4 hours. Check for doneness at 3 hours. The internal temp should be 165°F, but you can take it out at 155–160°F since it will keep cooking as it rests.

5. Rest and Crisp the Skin (Optional)

Let the turkey rest, tented with foil, for 15–20 minutes so the juices redistribute.

Pro-tip for crispy skin: If you are cooking skin-on turkey breast, take the extra time to crisp up the skin! It's one of the best parts. Simply place the turkey breast on a baking sheet lined with foil. Then place it under the broiler for 2-4 minutes until the skin is browned and crispy.

Make Gravy (Optional)

Can you truly have a turkey dinner without gravy? Here are two methods for making gravy with slow cooker drippings. Both of these methods will make 1 cup of gravy; feel free to double for more gravy. If you don't have enough drippings, use chicken or turkey broth

• Making gravy with flour: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour to make a roux. Whisk together and cook for 1-2 minutes until flour is fully incorporated and light brown in color. Add 1 cup of the strained cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Continue to whisk and cook until it thickens. This normally takes about 5 minutes. Taste and season as needed.
• Marking gravy with cornstarch: Strain the drippings and add to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Mix together one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water. Add the cornstarch slurry to the dripping and cook over medium heat until thickened to your liking. Stir as it cooks.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Although this recipe has been extensively tested, there is always a chance that with changes in equipment and ingredients, something goes wrong.

Let's troubleshoot those turkey trials in the slow cooker! Here are five common problems and their easy fixes:

1. Problem: Dry Turkey Breast
2. Solution: Ensure you're not overcooking. Stick to the recommended cooking time and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If the turkey breast is still too dry, try adding more liquid to the slow cooker, like extra broth or a flavorful marinade.
3. Problem: Uneven Cooking
4. Solution: Arrange the turkey breast evenly in the slow cooker to promote uniform cooking. Rotate the pieces during cooking or flip them halfway through to ensure even heat distribution.
5. Problem: Bland Flavor
6. Solution: Boost the flavor by seasoning the turkey well before placing it in the slow cooker. Don't be shy with herbs, spices, and aromatics. You can also enhance the broth with garlic, onions, or your favorite seasonings for an extra punch of taste. If the turkey is already cooked, make sure it has enough salt and pepper. Then consider making gravy or a pan sauce to add flavor.
7. Problem: Mushy Texture
8. Solution: To avoid a mushy mess, be cautious with the amount of liquid you add. If the turkey releases too much moisture, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to allow some evaporation. Alternatively, you can thicken the liquid with a cornstarch slurry after cooking.
9. Problem: Sticking to the Bottom
10. Solution: Prevent sticking by lightly greasing the bottom of the slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. You can also place a layer of vegetables or a bed of herbs at the bottom to create a barrier between the turkey and the pot, ensuring a hassle-free release.

Crockpot Turkey Breast Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey breast and whether it's bone-in or boneless. Here's what you need to know:

• Single versus double breast: This recipe works for both a single and double turkey breast, sometimes called a turkey crown. Cooking a double turkey breast will take 5-6 hours, and you will need to double the rub.
• Bone-in or boneless turkey breast: This works great with a bone-in turkey breast, but it will need to cook for about 6 hours. Make sure to double the rub since bone-in turkey breasts are usually around 6 pounds.
• Size of the turkey breast and cooking time: Turkey breasts come in a variety of sizes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, remembering that bone-in always takes longer.
  • 2 lbs: 2.5-3 hours on low
  • 3 lbs: 3-4 hours on low
  • 4 lbs: 4-5 hours on low
  • 5 lbs: 5-6 hours on low
  • 6 lbs: 5-6 hours on low
  • Larger: Turkey breasts can be up to 10 pounds, but need to comfortably fit in the slow cooker. A very large turkey breast could take 7-8 hours to cook to an internal temperature of 165 degrees with an instant-read thermometer.

Serving Suggestions

Whether you are making this for a holiday meal like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or simply making a turkey dinner, these sides always work.

• Potatoes: Make classic mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or cauliflower mashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or butternut squash are also delicious.
• Vegetables: With the turkey in the oven, your oven is free to make Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Green Beans, or Roasted Mushrooms. Or make some Sauteed Carrots, Peas, or Cauliflower. Or make. Lightened up green bean casserole.
• Stuffing: Make stuffing on the side since it won't cook with the turkey. This healthy cornbread sausage stuffing is a great option.
• Extras: It's not a turkey dinner without some cranberry sauce.

Leftovers and Storage

Don't let any turkey go to waste. Leftovers are gold!

• Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Up to 3 months in a sealed bag or airtight container.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or covered in a 325°F oven with a splash of broth to keep the meat moist. For best results, slice only what you plan to eat and reheat slices instead of the whole breast.
• Leftover ideas: Leftovers make delicious turkey sandwiches, Leftover Turkey Tacos, or turkey soup.