If you’re looking for a perfectly tender and juicy turkey without a ton of fuss, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set-and-Forget!) Recipe. I absolutely adore how effortlessly this comes together—it’s basically hands-off cooking magic. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or just craving a comforting meal, this slow cooker turkey breast will be your new go-to. Trust me, getting a moist, flavorful turkey breast in the slow cooker is easier than you think, and I can’t wait to share all the tips that make it foolproof!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set-and-Forget Convenience: Pop your seasoned turkey breast in the slow cooker and walk away—perfect for busy days.
Ultra Moist & Juicy: The low-and-slow cooking locks in all the juices for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Just a few staples you probably already have turn this turkey into a flavor powerhouse.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe delivers every time.

The dish shows a row of thick, brown grilled meat slices with a moist inside, layered on a white oval plate. Each slice has dark grill marks and a creamy light brown sauce drizzled over the top, sparkling a bit with moisture. Below the meat slices are fresh green leaves placed in a bunch for decoration. The background is a white marbled surface, and light red spice powders are sprinkled on parts of the plate. The photo has a close-up view showing the textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, moist juicy turkey breast, easy slow cooker turkey recipe, set-and-forget turkey dinner, tender turkey breast

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set-and-Forget!) Recipe are refreshingly simple, but they really work in harmony to create that perfect juicy turkey you’re craving. When shopping, try to find a good quality turkey breast with skin on—this helps keep the meat moist during cooking.

Flat lay of a whole raw boneless turkey breast with skin, a quartered medium yellow onion, two fresh medium carrots with leafy tops, a small white ceramic bowl filled with melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of poultry seasoning blend, a small white ceramic bowl of paprika powder, and a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, moist juicy turkey breast, easy slow cooker turkey recipe, set-and-forget turkey dinner, tender turkey breast

Boneless turkey breast, skin-on: The skin locks in moisture and adds incredible flavor as it slowly cooks.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor to the slow cooker base.
Carrots: They not only offer natural sweetness but also keep the slow cooker environment moist.
Melted butter: Slathering the turkey in butter helps create that golden, tender finish.
Granulated garlic powder: A concentrated garlic hit without overpowering the turkey.
Poultry seasoning: Classic blend that delivers depth with herbs like sage and thyme.
Paprika: Offers mild smoky warmth and a beautiful color to the turkey’s crust.
Kosher salt: Critical for seasoning and drawing out flavors evenly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this slow cooker turkey breast is—once you nail the base recipe, feel free to make it your own. I’ve played around with a few twists that really made this dish shine differently depending on the season or mood.

Herb-Infused Variation: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs under the skin adds a fragrant complexity that my family went crazy for last Christmas.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or smoked chili powder mixed with the paprika brings a lovely smoky heat without overpowering.
Simple Citrus Boost: A little lemon zest tucked underneath the turkey skin brightens the flavor wonderfully during warmer months.
Low-Sodium Version: Use less salt and swap butter for olive oil for a lighter but still juicy turkey breast.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set-and-Forget!) Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker Bed

First things first, quarter the onion and slice the carrots. These go at the bottom of your slow cooker and act like a flavor-packed rack to keep the turkey elevated. I always toss in the veggies raw—they soften beautifully over the slow cooking time and fill the crock with savory aroma that your whole kitchen will savor.

Step 2: Season and Butter Your Turkey Breast

Now, pat your turkey breast dry—this helps the butter and spices stick. Mix the melted butter with garlic powder, poultry seasoning, paprika, and kosher salt, then rub this all over the skin. I discovered this butter-spice combo really seals in moisture and creates a lovely crust while staying easy and fuss-free.

Step 3: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Place the prepared turkey breast skin-side up on top of your onion and carrot bed. Cover, set your slow cooker on LOW, and walk away for about 5 hours. I love this part because it frees up my afternoon or morning so I can focus on other things instead of babysitting the stove. Pro tip: avoid lifting the lid while cooking to keep that moisture locked in.

Step 4: Check and Rest Before Serving

When the timer goes off, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—you’re aiming for 165°F. I always let the turkey rest uncovered for about 10 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute. This step makes a huge difference and keeps every bite moist and luscious.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set-and-Forget!) Recipe

Pat Dry for Better Browning: Always dry the turkey skin before seasoning to ensure that beautiful golden crust.
Temperature Matters: A reliable meat thermometer is your best friend to avoid over- or under-cooking.
Flavor Boost with Veggies: The onion and carrot bed not only stops the turkey from sticking but also adds delicious aroma and moisture.
Rest Before Slicing: Let the turkey rest to redistribute juices—this tip makes sure each slice is juicy and tender, not dry.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set-and-Forget!) Recipe

A long white oval plate holds a sliced roasted meat arranged in a single row, each slice showing a charred, browned crust with a tender, light inside. The meat is topped with a smooth, light brown sauce drizzled evenly along the slices. Fresh green leaves are laid under and around the meat for garnish. To the side, two vintage silver serving utensils rest on the plate. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a white cloth and a blue striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, moist juicy turkey breast, easy slow cooker turkey recipe, set-and-forget turkey dinner, tender turkey breast

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple but fresh: a few sprigs of parsley or thyme on top not only brighten the plate but also add a little herbaceous punch that complements the savory turkey beautifully. If I’m feeling fancy, a little drizzle of pan juices or melted butter over the sliced breast makes it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Because this turkey is so moist and mildly seasoned, I love pairing it with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a tart cranberry sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or a crisp autumn salad with apple slices work wonders as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I’ve served up the turkey breast sliced on a festive platter lined with fresh rosemary and lemon wedges—always a crowd pleaser. You can even make open-faced sandwiches with the leftovers, layering turkey, cranberry sauce, and a bit of melty cheese on crusty bread for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let my leftovers cool completely, then slice and store the turkey breast tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, it’s ready for quick meals, and the slices stay tender for 3-4 days.

Freezing

Freezing works great too! I portion the slices into freezer bags with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Frozen turkey lasts up to 3 months, making this recipe a fantastic make-ahead option if you want to prep meals in bulk.

Reheating

When reheating, I add a touch of broth or water to keep things moist and cover the turkey slices with foil. Using a low oven temperature or warming gently on the stovetop keeps the meat tender without drying it out—microwaving works too, but go easy and check often.

FAQs

Can I cook bone-in turkey breast instead of boneless in the slow cooker?

Yes! Bone-in turkey breasts can absolutely be cooked in the slow cooker with this recipe. Just note it might take a bit longer—roughly 6 to 7 hours on low instead of 5—and the bone can actually help add extra flavor and juiciness.
What if I only have high setting on my slow cooker?

If your slow cooker lacks a low setting, cook the turkey breast on high for about 3 hours but start checking early to avoid overcooking. It’s still going to be wonderfully juicy, but timing is key since high heat can dry out the meat faster.
How do I know when the turkey is cooked through?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. It should read 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked turkey. This also ensures you don’t accidentally dry out your turkey by guessing.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! I sometimes add celery stalks or parsnips with the onion and carrots. Just cut them into large chunks so they cook evenly without becoming mushy. They add depth and flavor to the juices.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the melted butter for olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. The turkey remains juicy and flavorful without compromise.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set-and-Forget!) Recipe, I was amazed at how easy and rewarding it was to get such a perfectly cooked turkey without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a slow cooker pro or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to make your life easier—and your taste buds happier. Give it a go, and soon enough you’ll have a juicy, tender turkey breast that your whole family will rave about. I promise, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your cooking rotation!

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Moist, Juicy, Set-and-Forget!) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 79 reviews

Author: Jasmine
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A moist and juicy slow cooker turkey breast recipe that is simple to prepare with minimal ingredients. Perfect for a stress-free, flavorful holiday meal with tender turkey infused with aromatic vegetables and spices.

Ingredients

Turkey and Vegetables

1 (4-pound) boneless turkey breast, skin-on
1 medium yellow onion, quartered
2 medium carrots, cut into chunks

Seasonings

2 tablespoons melted butter
2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the turkey breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better browning and flavor absorption.
Mix seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated garlic powder, poultry seasoning, paprika, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful rub.
Apply seasoning: Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to cover all sides, including under the skin if possible for extra flavor penetration.
Arrange vegetables: Place the quartered onion and carrot chunks evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful bed for the turkey.
Place turkey in slow cooker: Lay the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
Cook turkey: Cover and cook on low heat for about 5 hours (approximately 300 minutes), or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender and juicy.
Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey breast and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful serving.

Notes

This recipe is ideal for a set-it-and-forget-it approach, requiring little attention during cooking.
For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked but not overdone.
You can customize the vegetables by adding celery or garlic cloves for extra aroma.
Leftover turkey can be used in sandwiches, salads, or soups.