Juicy Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast Recipe for Family Feasts

Slow cooker bone-in turkey breast upgrades ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients meld together in a gentle, consistent warmth.

This tender, juicy protein promises a delightful main course that requires almost no active cooking time.

Home cooks adore how effortlessly the slow cooker handles complex meat preparations without constant monitoring.

The method ensures succulent results that surpass traditional roasting techniques, preserving natural moisture and developing rich, deep flavors.

Seasoning options range from classic herbs to bold global spices, allowing endless personalization for any palate.

Weeknight dinners and special gatherings alike benefit from this foolproof cooking approach.

Reasons to Make Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast

• Infuse Flavor Effortlessly: Herb-packed butter mixture deeply penetrates the turkey, creating a mouthwatering blend of garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage that transforms a simple protein into a gourmet experience.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Slow cooker method requires minimal effort while delivering incredibly tender, juicy turkey that practically falls apart, perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without constant monitoring.
• Crispy Skin Optional Finale: The broiler technique provides a delightful golden-brown exterior that adds a satisfying crunch to the melt-in-your-mouth meat, giving you the best of both tender and crispy textures in one dish.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Works beautifully for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep, delivering a protein-packed centerpiece that can be easily customized with the optional homemade gravy for extra indulgence.

Ingredients for Bone-In Turkey Breast in the Slow Cooker

• Turkey Breast: Rich and lean meat with deep flavor, bone-in for enhanced moisture and taste, best when fresh and without discoloration.

• Butter: Softened for even spreading, adds richness and helps herbs stick to turkey.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and subtle pungent flavor.
• Thyme, Rosemary, Sage: Classic herb combination for traditional poultry seasoning, fresh herbs recommended for more intense flavor.

• Orange Juice: Adds subtle citrus brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
• Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides additional moisture and mild savory background.
• Onion: Creates flavor base and helps keep turkey moist during slow cooking.

• Butter: Creates roux base for smooth sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens gravy and provides smooth texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning.

• Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking in slow cooker.
• Paprika: Adds mild warmth and slight color to seasoning blend.

Cooking Bone-In Turkey in a Slow Cooker Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

• Lightly spray ceramic insert with cooking spray
• Roughly chop onions into chunky pieces
• Spread onion chunks evenly across slow cooker bottom

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Seasoning Blend

• Soften butter at room temperature
• Mix together
• Minced garlic
• Dried thyme
• Fresh rosemary
• Crumbled sage
• Kosher salt
• Paprika
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 3: Season Turkey Perfectly

• Pat turkey breast completely dry with paper towels
• Gently massage seasoning blend all over turkey
• Carefully spread mixture under skin without tearing

Step 4: Set Up Slow Cooking Process

• Place seasoned turkey on onion bed
• Pour orange juice around turkey
• Add reduced sodium chicken broth
• Cover with lid
• Cook on High for 3 hours or Low for 5 hours
• Check internal temperature reaches 160°F

Step 5: Create Crispy Golden Exterior (Optional)

• Preheat broiler to 500°F
• Transfer turkey to wire rack
• Place on baking sheet
• Broil 5 minutes until skin turns golden brown
• Watch carefully to prevent burning

Step 6: Whip Up Delicious Gravy (Optional)

• Strain cooking juices
• Discard onion chunks
• Melt butter in saucepan
• Whisk in flour to create roux
• Gradually add reserved cooking liquid
• Simmer until thickened
• Season with salt and pepper

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Slice turkey against grain
• Arrange on serving platter
• Drizzle optional gravy
• Garnish with fresh herbs
• Serve immediately while warm

Tips for Tender Slow Cooker Turkey

• Select Fresh Turkey: Choose a high-quality, fresh bone-in turkey breast with smooth, pink skin and no discoloration for the best flavor and texture.
• Butter Massage Technique: Gently separate the skin from the meat without tearing, allowing the herb-infused butter to penetrate deeply for maximum moisture and flavor.
• Temperature Precision: Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure exact doneness, avoiding overcooking that can dry out the turkey breast.
• Skin Crisping Hack: Watch the broiler carefully during the final browning step, rotating the baking sheet for even golden color without burning.
• Liquid Balance: Add just enough chicken broth and orange juice to keep the turkey moist without making the meat soggy or diluting the herb seasonings.

Storing and Reheating Turkey Breast Properly

• Refrigeration: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed meat stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap turkey slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated turkey in the microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, place slices in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth, cover with foil, and reheat in a 325°F oven until internal temperature reaches 165°F, typically 15-20 minutes.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey

• Pair with Citrusy White Wine: Complement the orange juice-infused turkey with a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which will highlight the bright, herbal flavors of the dish.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Create a perfect side with roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts seasoned with similar herbs like thyme and rosemary to echo the turkey's aromatic profile.
• Serve with Hearty Cranberry Sauce: Prepare a homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest and a touch of cinnamon to provide a tangy, sweet counterpoint to the rich, savory turkey meat.
• Complement with Soft Herb Dinner Rolls: Bake soft rolls infused with fresh herbs like sage and thyme to mirror the turkey's seasoning and provide a delightful bread accompaniment.

Easy Variations on Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

• Herb Garden Infusion: Replace dried herbs with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and basil for a vibrant, aromatic flavor profile that elevates the turkey's taste.
• Citrus Zest Burst: Incorporate lemon or lime zest into the butter mixture to add a bright, tangy dimension that complements the savory herbs and enhances the turkey's natural richness.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in ground cumin, chili powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper to create a bold, southwestern-inspired seasoning that transforms the traditional turkey recipe into a zesty meal.
• Mediterranean Magic: Blend dried oregano, ground coriander, and a sprinkle of za'atar spice blend to infuse the turkey with Mediterranean flavors, giving the dish an exotic and aromatic touch.

Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker bone-in turkey breast delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen effort. Herb-infused, juicy meat promises a delightful meal you can easily prepare with simple ingredients and hands-off cooking technique.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 (7-pound) bone-in turkey breast, skin on

Herbs and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt, to taste
• 0.5 to 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

Liquid and Aromatics:

• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large white or yellow onion, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) orange juice (or substitute with chicken broth)
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) reduced sodium chicken broth

Gravy Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups broth (from turkey drippings in the slow cooker)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly spraying the ceramic insert with cooking oil and distribute onion chunks evenly across the bottom.
2. Remove turkey breast from packaging and thoroughly pat dry using paper towels.
3. Create a flavor-packed herb butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, paprika, and ground pepper.
4. Carefully massage the herb butter mixture all over the turkey breast, gently lifting the skin to distribute seasoning underneath without tearing.
5. Position the seasoned turkey breast atop the onion layer in the slow cooker.
6. Pour orange juice and reduced sodium chicken broth around the turkey, ensuring liquid surrounds but does not completely cover the meat.
7. Cover and cook on high temperature for approximately 3 hours or low temperature for around 5 hours, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 160°F using a digital meat thermometer.
8. For optional crispy exterior, transfer cooked turkey to a baking sheet lined with a wire rack and broil at 500°F for 5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. To create an optional gravy, strain cooking juices and discard onion chunks, supplementing with additional broth if needed.
10. In a separate saucepan, develop a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour, then gradually incorporate strained cooking liquid, simmering until thickened.
11. Season gravy with salt and pepper, then serve alongside sliced turkey breast.

Notes

• Slow cookers provide gentle, moist cooking that helps prevent turkey from drying out, making it incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Rubbing herbed butter under the skin ensures deep seasoning and helps create a rich, aromatic result that penetrates the meat completely.
• Checking the internal temperature with a digital thermometer is crucial for food safety and achieving perfectly cooked turkey without overcooking.
• Broiling the turkey breast after slow cooking is an optional but fantastic technique to achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin that adds textural contrast.
• Homemade gravy using the cooking juices transforms the dish by capturing all the delicious herbs and turkey drippings for an extra layer of flavor.
• Allowing the turkey to rest after cooking helps redistribute juices, ensuring each slice remains moist and succulent when served.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg