There’s something so comforting about a slow cooker turkey breast simmering away in the kitchen. The scent of savory herbs fills the air, making your home feel warm and inviting. It’s perfect for those cozy evenings or when you want an easy dinner without fuss.
This recipe solves schedule stress by delivering a juicy, tender turkey without monitoring, while minimizing oven heat and clean-up with a hands off slow cooker.
Sometimes, cooking turkey can feel like a daunting task, especially with worries about drying it out or struggling to carve it. But with this slow cooker method, you don’t have to stress about any of that. It’s made for those busy days when you just want a tasty meal without too much effort.
This recipe requires only about 10 minutes of prep time and then you can just let the slow cooker do its magic. In about four hours, you’ll end up with turkey that’s juicy and packed with flavor, all without having to carve a whole bird. And if you want, you can even add veggies for a one-pot meal.
If you’re a fan of easy recipes, you might also like my Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup. It’s another one that’ll have the family asking for more!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Juicy Texture This turkey breast comes out juicy and tender every time, thanks to the slow cooking process. You won’t have to worry about it drying out.
- Flavorful Profile With a spice rub that includes garlic, oregano, and thyme, every bite is packed with savory, herbaceous goodness. It’s a flavor that just hits the spot.
- Convenient Cooking You’ll love how easy it is to prep. Just 10 minutes and your slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy your day.
- Simple Storage Leftovers are a breeze to store; just pop them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days.
Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A juicy and flavorful slow cooker boneless turkey breast, perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. boneless turkey breast, fresh, high-quality with a nice pink color
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into roughly 1/2 inch slices
- 21/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/21/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 11/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 11/2 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh
- 11/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh
- 11/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/21/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Start by greasing the slow cooker. This adds a hint of richness to the dish and helps with cleanup later.
- Season the Turkey: Rub the softened butter and your choice of spices all over the turkey breast until it is well coated. Ensure to cover all spots to allow the turkey to absorb all the delicious flavors. The aroma of the spices should fill the air.
- Set the Timer: Place the seasoned turkey into the slow cooker and cover it. Cook on low for 4 hours or until the turkey is cooked through and tender. Check the internal temperature closer to the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Rest Before Slicing: After cooking, let the turkey sit for about 20 minutes. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat, helping to keep it juicy when you cut into it.
- Broil for Flavor: For crispy skin, broil the turkey for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking until a gorgeous golden color develops. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: Use softened butter for the rub for ease of spreading. Pat the turkey breast dry for better adherence of the rub. Check the internal temperature earlier to prevent dryness.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350 degrees F just until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with spiced orange cranberry sauce. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy. Accompany with sweet potato casserole.
- Recipe Variations: Add different spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a flavor twist. Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant taste. Experiment with a honey mustard glaze for a sweet contrast.
- Ingredient Notes: Look for a fresh, high-quality boneless turkey breast with a nice pink color. If you have only dried herbs, double the amount for fresh herbs for a more potent flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Calories: 231
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 983mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 107mg
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless turkey breast: This is the star of the show! Look for a fresh, high-quality piece with a nice pink color for that juicy texture.
- Butter: Goes on the turkey for that rich flavor and moisture. I always use softened butter so it spreads easily; just make sure it’s not melted!
- Yellow onion: I like using a yellow onion here because of its sweet, rich flavor. Slice it thick enough so it doesn’t completely disappear during cooking.
- Kosher salt: It brings out the flavors in the turkey and other ingredients. Don’t skip it! Use your hands to sprinkle it evenly for better coverage.
- Black pepper: A sprinkle of black pepper adds a nice warmth and balance. Freshly ground is best if you have a grinder, way more flavor!
- Garlic powder: This adds a lovely savory depth without the hassle of fresh garlic. You can swap it for fresh minced garlic if you like more punch!
- Dried oregano: Oregano adds an earthy, herby note. If you can, fresh herbs are even better! Just double the amount for a fresh impact.
- Dried thyme: A little thyme goes a long way in boosting the overall flavor. Fresh thyme works too, just remember to use more of it!
- Paprika: This brings a mild sweetness and color to the mix. Smoked paprika can add a unique twist if you’re in the mood for a smoky touch.
- Turmeric (optional): If you’re feeling adventurous, a bit of turmeric adds color and a bit of warmth. It’s optional, but it can be fun to try!
Recipe Tips
- If the turkey breast turns out dry, checking the internal temperature around 3.5 hours can help prevent overcooking.
- When applying the spice rub, patting the turkey skin dry with paper towels can improve adherence and flavor absorption.
- For achieving crispy skin, try broiling the turkey for 5 to 10 minutes right after slow cooking.
- If you need to scale up the recipe, cooking two smaller turkey breasts together will yield similar results, just adjust the seasoning.
- When carving, allowing the turkey to rest for 20 minutes before slicing allows juices to redistribute, making for juicier portions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of slow cooker turkey breast with spiced orange cranberry sauce. Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole.
This turkey breast works well in sandwiches or wraps using gluten-free bread or lettuce leaves. You can also chop leftovers for turkey salad or turkey soup.
Add gravy for a finishing touch to your turkey serving. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can provide an extra layer of flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use a 3 lb. boneless pork loin instead of turkey breast for a different flavor profile.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cumin or 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to spice things up a notch.
- Either drizzle a honey mustard glaze or a maple syrup glaze for a sweet twist on the dish.
- Scale the recipe for larger gatherings using 6 lb. turkey breast and double the seasonings for balanced flavor.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your slow cooker turkey breast fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container at refrigerator temperature for up to 3 days. This method maintains flavor and texture.
Freezing: Wrap turkey tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat turkey slices in the microwave or oven. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F before serving. Enjoy warm from the oven or microwave.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
- Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Slow-Cooker Ground Beef Recipe
If you enjoyed this slow cooker turkey breast or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
