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Herb-Crusted Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Name: Herb-Crusted Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 380 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bone-in turkey breast (6-7 pounds), skin on; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large onion, roughly chopped; 2 carrots, roughly chopped; 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 lemon, zested and juiced

4.8/5

5 reviews

380min Total Time

8 people Servings

Medium Difficulty

Moderate Cost

310 kcal Calories

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Ingredients

1 bone-in turkey breast (6-7 pounds), skin on
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, roughly chopped
2 carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
1 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 lemon, zested and juiced

Instructions

Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest

Gently lift the skin of the turkey breast and rub half of the herb mixture directly on the meat under the skin

Rub remaining herb mixture all over the outside of the turkey breast

Place chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker

Pour chicken broth and lemon juice over the vegetables

Place seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetables, skin side up

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours

Check internal temperature reaches 165F at the thickest part

Remove from slow cooker and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing

Strain the liquid and vegetables to serve as gravy if desired

Troubleshooting

If turkey is still pink, continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165F

If skin is too pale, broil for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking for browning

If turkey is dry, add more broth during cooking and baste occasionally

If vegetables are too soft, add them halfway through cooking time instead

If gravy is too thin, simmer strained liquid to reduce or add cornstarch slurry

Recipe Variations

Cajun Style: Use cajun seasoning blend and add bell peppers to vegetables Citrus Herb: Add orange and lime zest to the herb mixture Mediterranean: Include oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives Maple Glazed: Brush with maple syrup during the last hour Smoky Southwest: Add chipotle peppers and smoked paprika to seasonings

Serving Suggestions

Serve with homemade gravy made from strained cooking liquid Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables Add cranberry sauce for traditional holiday flavor Include a green vegetable side like steamed broccoli or green beans Serve on rustic bread for delicious sandwiches

Nutrition Facts

310

Calories

52g

Protein

Carbs

Fat

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not patting the turkey dry before seasoning Skipping the under-skin seasoning step Overcrowding the slow cooker with too large a turkey breast Not checking internal temperature for doneness Slicing the meat immediately without resting

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my slow cooker is large enough?

Your turkey breast should fit without touching the sides or lid, typically requiring a 6-quart or larger slow cooker

Can I use a frozen turkey breast?

No, always thaw completely before slow cooking for food safety

Should I add water to the slow cooker?

The recipe calls for broth which is sufficient; additional liquid isn't necessary

Can I cook stuffing in the slow cooker with the turkey?

It's not recommended as it can affect cooking time and food safety

How long can I keep leftover turkey?

Properly stored in refrigerator, cooked turkey lasts 3-4 days

Can I use boneless turkey breast instead?

Yes, but reduce cooking time by about 1 hour and monitor closely

Why isn't my turkey skin crispy?

Slow cookers create a moist environment; use the broiler after cooking for crispy skin

Can I double this recipe?

Only if your slow cooker is large enough to fit two breasts without overcrowding

What if my turkey is done early?

Keep warm setting is fine for up to 1 hour; any longer may dry out the meat

How do I prevent the turkey from drying out?

Don't lift the lid during cooking and ensure there's enough liquid in the pot

Reviews

Victoria L.

Mar 9, 2026

Perfect for our small Thanksgiving gathering! So moist and flavorful.

Theodore R.

Mar 1, 2026

Great recipe, though I needed extra time for my larger turkey breast.

Sophia Q.

Mar 24, 2026

The herbs under the skin made such a difference. Best turkey ever!

Rafael M.

Mar 15, 2026

Very tender and juicy. Love how hands-off this method is.

Yuki T.

Mar 2, 2026

Wonderful recipe! The leftovers made amazing sandwiches.