Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Crispy Finish Recipe

If you’re looking for a hands-off, deliciously juicy turkey breast that still boasts layers of flavor and a dreamy crispy finish, you’re going to want to try my Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Crispy Finish Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe transforms a simple turkey breast into the centerpiece of the meal without standing over the stove for hours. Plus, the butter-herb combo seeps beautifully into the meat while the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Trust me, once you try this, your family will be asking for it again and again!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Crispy Finish Recipe works together to create a harmony of flavors. The fresh herbs add brightness, while the butter and broth keep the turkey moist throughout the long cooking time. Here are the essentials you’ll want on hand before you start.

• Boneless turkey breast (skin on): Skin-on adds flavor and helps the butter cling; choose a size that fits your slow cooker.
• Yellow or white onions: They create a natural rack and infuse sweetness as they cook under the turkey.
• Softened butter: The base of the herb butter mixture; makes the meat tender and rich.
• Minced garlic: Fresh works best for that punch of aroma and flavor.
• Minced onion flakes: Adds a subtle onion depth that complements the fresh onions.
• Salt and black pepper: Classic seasoning essentials to enhance all the other flavors.
• Fresh rosemary: This fragrant evergreen brings that signature earthy herbal note.
• Fresh thyme sprigs: Placed beneath the turkey for subtle aromatics that seep in during cooking.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the bottom moist and creates a little steam, ensuring juicy turkey.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the season and what’s in my herb garden. You can easily tweak the herbs or cooking times a bit to make this recipe perfect for you.

• Herb Variations: I’ve tried swapping rosemary for sage or adding a bit of oregano — both ways bring a lovely twist.
• Spicy Twist: Adding a pinch of cayenne to the herb butter gives the turkey a mellow heat that my family really digs.
• White Wine Substitute: Sometimes I replace chicken broth with dry white wine for a deeper flavor profile — just make sure to cook it long enough for the alcohol to burn off.
• Smaller Portions: If you’re cooking for fewer people, this recipe scales down beautifully, just keep the cooking time flexible based on turkey size.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Crispy Finish Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Ingredients

Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray — this helps with cleanup and prevents sticking. Slice the onions in half and place them cut side down at the bottom; this clever trick creates a natural rack to lift the turkey off the liquid while imparting flavor. Then scatter a few sprigs of fresh thyme underneath the onions for subtle herbal notes ready to infuse during cooking.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter and Prepare the Turkey

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, onion flakes, salt, black pepper, and finely chopped fresh rosemary until fully blended. Pat your turkey dry with paper towels — this step is crucial because it helps the herb butter stick beautifully to the skin, locking in moisture and flavor during cooking. Spread the fragrant butter mixture evenly all over the turkey breast.

Step 3: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Place the buttered turkey breast on top of your onion and thyme base in the slow cooker. Carefully pour chicken broth around the sides — avoid pouring directly on the turkey or butter mixture to preserve that flavorful crust. Cover with the lid and cook on low for about 7 hours. This slow, gentle cooking makes the meat tender yet juicy. Make sure to check the internal temperature toward the end; the turkey should hit 165°F to be safe.

Step 4: Broil for the Perfect Crispy Finish

This is the part I discovered makes all the difference — after the slow cooker has done its magic, remove the lid and transfer your turkey (or broil right in the slow cooker if yours is oven-safe) onto a broiler-safe pan. Broil for 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn, until the skin crisps up and turns a gorgeous golden brown. This final step adds a crunch that makes every bite feel indulgent.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Crispy Finish Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish with a few fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color. Sometimes a light drizzle of the reserved slow cooker drippings (or homemade gravy) over the sliced turkey really elevates the presentation and the flavor. It’s such a simple touch but adds a lovely freshness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this recipe are creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans. But let me tell you, some buttery dinner rolls or even a fresh cranberry sauce on the side make the meal feel extra special and festive—perfect for family gatherings or Sunday dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like to serve the turkey breast sliced on a large platter surrounded by roasted vegetables and garlic-studded potatoes, with sprigs of rosemary woven in for visual appeal. It’s a showstopper that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really took just a little prep and some slow cooker magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I place any extra turkey slices in an airtight container in the fridge right away. They stay tender and moist for 3 to 4 days, making lunch next day a breeze. Don’t forget to save some onions from the slow cooker—it’s a delicious bonus you can toss into sandwiches or salads.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of cooked turkey breast wrapped tightly in foil and stored in freezer bags. When sealed well, they keep great for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain that lovely texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm turkey slices in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water, which keeps the meat juicy. Alternatively, reheating in the oven at low heat works well to avoid drying it out. I don’t usually microwave because it dries the meat quickly, but it can work in a pinch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Crispy Finish Recipe is one of my all-time go-tos when I want something fuss-free but impressive. The way the herb butter seeps into the meat and the final broil that crisps the skin make it something special every single time. Whether it’s for a quiet weeknight meal or a holiday feast, it’s a dish that’s sure to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite way to cook turkey breast!

Print