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Best Slow Cooker Herb Butter Turkey Breast – Easy & Juicy

slow cooker herb butter turkey breast - featured image

This slow cooker herb butter turkey breast is incredibly juicy and flavorful, made with a simple herb butter technique that infuses every bite with garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Perfect for gatherings, it requires just 15 minutes of active prep and lets the slow cooker do the rest.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds (1.4–1.8 kg) boneless turkey breast
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, sliced into rings
  • 1 envelope turkey gravy packet (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed. Set aside at room temperature.
  2. Prep the turkey breast: Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. Season the outside with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
  3. Apply the herb butter: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Slide about two-thirds of the herb butter under the skin, spreading evenly over the meat. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
  4. Layer the slow cooker: Place sliced onion rings in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth.
  5. Place the turkey: Set the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onion slices, breast side up. If the lid doesn’t close completely, trim the thickest part of the breast or use a larger slow cooker.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours. Start checking at the 4-hour mark on LOW.
  7. Check the temperature: The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C).
  8. Rest before slicing: Carefully transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board using tongs. Let it rest, loosely tented with foil, for 10-15 minutes.
  9. Make gravy (optional): While the turkey rests, strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Remove the onions. Whisk in the gravy packet if using, or simmer until reduced by half for a natural jus. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  10. Slice and serve: Slice the turkey breast against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with a little gravy or jus, and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the butter-under-the-skin step; it’s key for flavor. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Let the turkey rest before slicing to retain juices. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch (reduce by half).

Nutrition

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