Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast – doesn’t that just sound like pure comfort and culinary magic? Imagine coming home to the most incredible aroma, knowing that a perfectly tender, incredibly flavorful main course is waiting for you, having practically cooked itself. I know for me, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a meal that delivers on taste without demanding hours of active prep time. This recipe is designed to transform your perception of turkey, elevating it from a holiday-only centerpiece to an effortless, weeknight wonder.
While turkey has long been a celebratory meat, often associated with grand feasts and family gatherings, the beauty of the slow cooker technique allows us to enjoy its lean goodness year-round, without the fuss. We’re embracing a modern approach to cooking that respects our busy schedules while still delivering profound flavors. It’s a testament to how innovative kitchen tools can preserve the essence of traditional cooking while making it accessible and stress-free.
People absolutely adore this dish primarily because of the unparalleled juiciness and tenderness achieved through slow cooking, which locks in moisture that often escapes in a conventional oven. Each slice of this Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is infused with the aromatic medley of garlic and fresh herbs, creating a harmonious blend of savory goodness that is both robust and inviting. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal that guarantees impressive results, making it ideal for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who craves a delicious, stress-free dinner. Prepare to fall in love with your slow cooker all over again!
Ingredients:
- For the Turkey:
- 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, or turkey broth
- 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped into large chunks
- 2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped into large chunks
- For the Garlic Herb Butter Rub:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 6 cloves garlic, minced very fine (or grated)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended for depth)
- Optional for serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Pan drippings, for gravy or jus
Preparing Your Turkey Breast for the Slow Cooker
Let’s get started on making the most incredibly flavorful and moist Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast you’ve ever had! The key to success often lies in the initial preparation, so we’ll take our time here to ensure everything is perfect before it goes into the slow cooker.
- Thaw and Unpack: If your turkey breast is frozen, ensure it is completely thawed. This usually takes 24-48 hours in the refrigerator, depending on its size. Once thawed, carefully remove the turkey breast from its packaging. You might find a gravy packet or giblets inside; be sure to remove and discard those (or save the giblets for making a stock later, if you’re feeling ambitious!).
- Pat Dry, Pat Dry, Pat Dry: This step is often overlooked but is absolutely crucial for achieving that beautiful, slightly crispy skin and for helping our garlic herb butter rub adhere properly. Using several sheets of paper towels, thoroughly pat down the entire surface of the turkey breast – top, bottom, and sides. Get into all the nooks and crannies. The dryer the skin, the better the rub will stick, and the more likely you are to get some nice browning later on.
- Inspect and Trim (Optional): Take a moment to inspect the turkey breast. If there are any excessively fatty pieces or loose flaps of skin that you feel might not crisp up well, you can carefully trim them away with kitchen shears or a sharp knife. My goal is usually to create a relatively uniform surface for even cooking and seasoning.
Crafting the Aromatic Garlic Herb Butter Rub
This garlic herb butter rub is where all the magic truly happens! It infuses the turkey with incredible flavor and helps keep it wonderfully moist throughout the slow cooking process. We’re talking about a symphony of savory notes that will make your kitchen smell absolutely divine.
- Soften the Butter: Make sure your unsalted butter is genuinely at room temperature. This means it should be soft enough to easily dent with your finger but not melted. If you’re short on time, you can cut the stick into smaller pieces and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, or gently microwave it in 10-second bursts, being careful not to melt it. A soft butter is essential for a smooth, spreadable rub.
- Prepare the Aromatics: Peel and finely mince your 6 cloves of garlic. I prefer mincing by hand or using a garlic press for the most potent flavor. For the fresh herbs – rosemary, thyme, and sage – strip the leaves from their stems and chop them very finely. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly distributed their flavor will be throughout the butter and onto the turkey. Fresh herbs make a world of difference here, so I really encourage you to use them over dried if possible.
- Combine the Rub Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, fresh sage, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the optional smoked paprika.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using a fork, a small whisk, or even your clean hands (which I find works best for really incorporating everything), mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and uniform. You want to see flecks of garlic and herbs throughout the butter. Give it a little taste test if you like – adjust salt and pepper if you feel it needs it. This is your flavor powerhouse!
Applying the Rub and Setting Up the Slow Cooker
Now that our turkey is prepped and our incredible garlic herb butter is ready, it’s time to marry them together. This step is key for ensuring every bite of your Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is bursting with flavor.
- Loosen the Skin: This is a fun and very important technique! Gently slide your fingers under the skin of the turkey breast, starting from the larger end and working your way down towards the narrower end. Be careful not to tear the skin completely, but try to separate it from the meat as much as possible, creating a pocket. This allows us to get that delicious herb butter directly onto the meat, guaranteeing maximum flavor and moisture retention.
- Apply Butter Under the Skin: Take about two-thirds of your prepared garlic herb butter rub and, using your fingers, carefully spread it evenly under the loosened skin, directly onto the turkey meat. Try to get it into every possible crevice. This is where a lot of the flavor and juiciness will come from, so don’t be shy!
- Rub the Outer Skin: With the remaining one-third of the garlic herb butter, generously rub it all over the top and sides of the turkey skin. Ensure it’s fully coated. This will help the skin brown nicely and add another layer of flavor.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: Place the chopped yellow onion and chopped carrots evenly on the bottom of your slow cooker insert. These vegetables will act as a natural rack, keeping the turkey breast slightly elevated from the bottom, preventing it from sitting directly in the cooking liquid and potentially getting soggy. They also infuse the broth with more flavor, creating a delicious base for gravy later.
- Add the Broth: Pour the 1 cup of low-sodium chicken or turkey broth over the vegetables in the slow cooker. This liquid will provide moisture to the slow cooker environment and become part of your savory pan drippings.
- Position the Turkey: Carefully place the butter-rubbed turkey breast on top of the bed of vegetables in the slow cooker. I usually place it skin-side up so it’s ready for any browning steps later.
The Slow Cooking Process: Low and Slow for Tender Perfection
This is where the magic of the slow cooker truly shines, transforming our beautifully prepped turkey breast into a tender, succulent masterpiece. Patience is a virtue here, my friends, as the low and slow method yields the most consistently juicy results for your Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast.
- Set the Slow Cooker: Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker. Set the temperature to LOW for 5-7 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours. My personal preference, and what I recommend for the most tender and moist results, is always to cook on the LOW setting. While the HIGH setting works, cooking on LOW gives the turkey more time to break down its fibers, resulting in an exceptionally succulent texture.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: The most crucial step for perfectly cooked and safe turkey is monitoring its internal temperature. About an hour before the estimated cooking time is up (or even sooner if cooking on high), begin checking the internal temperature using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, making sure not to touch the bone. We are aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Avoid Overcooking: Once the turkey reaches 165°F, it is done! Do not overcook it, as this is the quickest way to dry out even a slow-cooked turkey. Different slow cooker models can vary in temperature, and the exact size and shape of your turkey breast will also influence cooking time, so trust your thermometer more than the clock.
- Optional Browning Step (for Crispier Skin): If you prefer a golden, slightly crispier skin (and I highly recommend this step for aesthetic and textural appeal!), you can transfer the cooked turkey breast from the slow cooker to a baking sheet. Place it under a preheated broiler for 5-10 minutes, or until the skin reaches your desired level of golden brown and crispiness. Keep a very close eye on it, as broiler temperatures can vary wildly and things can go from golden to burnt very quickly! This step is completely optional, but it truly elevates the presentation and texture of your Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast.
Resting, Carving, and Serving Your Delicious Turkey
You’ve done the hard work, and now comes the glorious payoff! The final steps are just as important as the cooking itself to ensure your Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is as succulent and flavorful as possible.
- The All-Important Rest: Once the turkey breast is cooked and potentially broiled, transfer it to a large cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. Do not skip this step! Resting allows the juices within the turkey to redistribute throughout the meat. If you slice into it too soon, all those beautiful, flavorful juices will run out onto your cutting board, leaving you with drier meat.
- Make Gravy (Optional, but highly recommended): While the turkey is resting, you can make a quick, delicious gravy from the pan drippings. Carefully strain the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan, discarding the cooked onions and carrots. You might need to skim off some excess fat if there’s a lot. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering pan drippings until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Carve with Care: After resting, it’s time to carve! For a bone-in turkey breast, you’ll want to carefully slice the meat away from the bone. Once separated, slice the turkey breast meat against the grain into desired thicknesses. This technique helps ensure maximum tenderness in every slice.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange your beautifully carved Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast on a platter. Garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color, if desired. Serve immediately with the warm gravy or pan drippings, alongside your favorite side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a vibrant cranberry sauce.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover turkey breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s fantastic for sandwiches, salads, or quick weeknight meals. This recipe yields such a moist turkey that even leftovers reheat wonderfully without drying out!
Conclusion:
Well, my friends, we’ve reached the end of our culinary journey for today, but truly, it’s just the beginning of your delicious adventure! I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about trying this incredible recipe. After experiencing the sheer ease and unparalleled flavor that comes from preparing a Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, I’m confident it will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen. This isn’t just another turkey recipe; it’s a promise of tender, succulent meat infused with aromatic herbs and savory garlic, all achieved with minimal effort on your part. Think about it: a perfectly cooked, juicy turkey breast that practically cooks itself, leaving your kitchen smelling absolutely divine and freeing you up to enjoy your day. This recipe truly delivers on its promise of a fuss-free meal that tastes like it took hours of painstaking work. It’s the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight when you crave something wholesome and satisfying, or for a relaxed weekend gathering where you want to impress without the stress. The consistent moisture and flavor development that only slow cooking can provide will genuinely surprise you, transforming what can sometimes be a dry cut of meat into something utterly sublime. You’re not just cooking; you’re creating a memorable experience, one tender slice at a time.
Elevate Your Plate: Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
Now that you’ve mastered the art of the perfect turkey breast, let’s talk about how to make it the star of your meal. The versatility of this Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is one of its most charming attributes. For a classic, comforting dinner, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a generous serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes – perhaps even infused with a little garlic and chive – and a vibrant green vegetable like steamed asparagus or roasted green beans. Don’t forget to utilize those incredible pan drippings! They are a golden opportunity to create a rich, savory gravy that will elevate every component on your plate. If you’re aiming for a lighter, health-conscious meal, consider pairing thin slices of the turkey with a crisp, refreshing mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. The tender, flavorful meat makes an excellent protein base for almost any side.
Beyond dinner, this turkey breast shines in so many other ways. Imagine delightful next-day lunches: cold, thinly sliced turkey breast layered on artisanal bread with a dollop of cranberry sauce and some fresh spinach for an epic sandwich. Or, for something a bit more creative, shred the leftover turkey and toss it into warm tortillas with some avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of lime for incredibly easy and delicious turkey tacos or wraps. You can even cube it and add it to a hearty soup, a comforting casserole, or a vibrant pasta salad. The possibilities truly are endless, and you’ll find that having such a flavorful, pre-cooked protein on hand will make meal prep a breeze throughout the week. It adapts beautifully to various culinary styles, from a rustic home-cooked meal to a more elegant presentation. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or simply looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this recipe is designed to impress with minimal effort.
Unleash Your Inner Chef: Creative Variations
Part of the joy of cooking is making a recipe truly your own, and this Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast offers a fantastic canvas for your creativity! While the classic garlic and herb combination is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with different aromatic profiles. Want to lean into a more rustic, earthy flavor? Add a sprig or two of fresh rosemary and a few sage leaves to the slow cooker alongside the thyme. For a brighter, more zesty note, include a few slices of lemon or even a touch of orange zest with your herbs. A pinch of smoked paprika can introduce a subtle smokiness and a beautiful reddish hue to the skin, while a very slight touch of cayenne pepper could give it a barely-there kick, if that’s something you enjoy. Consider adding a bed of chopped carrots, celery, and onions under your turkey in the slow cooker; they’ll not only infuse the drippings with even more incredible flavor but also act as a natural trivet, preventing the turkey from sitting directly in the liquid. If you want to experiment with the liquid base, try using a splash of dry white wine or even apple cider instead of (or in addition to) the chicken broth for a different nuanced flavor. Before searing (if you choose to do so) or adding it to the slow cooker, you could even try a dry rub with your favorite spice blend for an extra layer of complexity. Remember, cooking is an art form, and these variations are simply suggestions to spark your imagination. Feel free to adjust quantities, swap out ingredients, and really tailor this recipe to your family’s unique taste preferences. The core method remains the same – slow cooking for incredible tenderness – but the flavor palette is entirely yours to command, ensuring you can enjoy this versatile dish repeatedly without ever getting bored.
Your Turn! Cook, Savor, and Share Your Success!
So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give this Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast a try. I promise you, the results will be nothing short of spectacular, delivering a mouthwatering meal that requires remarkably little fuss. You deserve to enjoy delicious, homemade food without feeling overwhelmed, and this recipe is truly designed to make that a reality. Don’t be shy about making it your own with the serving suggestions and variations we’ve discussed. Embrace the process, savor the incredible aromas that will fill your home, and most importantly, enjoy every single succulent bite. Once you’ve cooked up your masterpiece, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! What did you pair it with? Did you try any exciting variations? Please come back and share your thoughts and triumphs in the comments below. Your feedback and creative ideas inspire me and countless other home cooks who visit this page. Let’s build a community of happy, well-fed individuals who aren’t afraid to make something truly amazing. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious journey!
Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Unlock the secret to an incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey breast with this easy slow cooker recipe. Infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, it’s perfect for a stress-free weeknight meal or a small gathering, yielding perfectly moist results every time.
Ingredients
-
1 (2.5 – 3 kg / 5-6 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast, NOT BRINED
-
1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped into large chunks
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2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped into large chunks
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1 head of garlic, halved horizontally (optional, for slow cooker base)
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3 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional, for slow cooker base)
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8 sprigs fresh thyme (optional, for slow cooker base)
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1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
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1/2 tsp salt (for initial turkey seasoning)
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Black pepper (for initial turkey seasoning)
-
Oil, for drizzling (optional, for broiling skin)
-
150 g (10 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
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6 cloves garlic, minced very fine
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2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
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2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
-
1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
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1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
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1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
-
1/3 cup (50g) flour (for gravy, optional)
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1/2 tsp dark soy sauce (or gravy colouring) (for gravy, optional)
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Step 1
Ensure turkey is thawed. Remove from packaging, pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or loose skin if desired. -
Step 2
In a medium bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until uniform. -
Step 3
Gently slide fingers under the turkey skin to loosen it, creating a pocket. Spread about two-thirds of the butter rub directly onto the meat under the skin. Rub the remaining one-third generously over the outer skin. -
Step 4
Place chopped onion and carrots (and optional halved garlic head/herb sprigs) on the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Pour chicken or turkey broth over the vegetables. Carefully place the butter-rubbed turkey breast, skin-side up, on top of the vegetables. -
Step 5
Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours. For most tender results, use LOW. Begin checking internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part of the breast (avoiding bone) about an hour before estimated time, aiming for 165°F (74°C). Do not overcook. -
Step 6
For crispy skin, transfer cooked turkey to a baking sheet and broil for 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning. -
Step 7
Transfer turkey to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat. (Optional: Make gravy from strained pan drippings by simmering with flour and dark soy sauce/gravy colouring until thickened). Carve against the grain and serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and gravy/pan drippings. -
Step 8
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
