Crockpot Turkey Breast is one of the easiest ways to make a Thanksgiving turkey! This slow cooker turkey recipe guarantees succulent and juicy turkey every time, as well as freeing up space in your oven. This year, cook your turkey in a crockpot with vegetables, chicken broth, and plenty of herbs for great flavor and a stress-free holiday!

crockpot turkey breast

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What’s in this Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe?

If you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu and wondering if your oven is big enough for a whole turkey, then I have the perfect solution for you! Grab your Crockpot and get ready for the best turkey breast you’ll ever make!

  • Apple Juice: Sweetens the brine while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
  • Cold Water: Forms the base of the brine.
  • Fresh Rosemary: Adds herbaceous flavor to the brine and the turkey.
  • Garlic: Adds an earthy flavor and a pungent aroma to the brine.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the turkey.
  • Brown Sugar: Sweetens the brine.
  • Black Pepper: Whole peppercorns add a peppery aroma to the brine, and ground black pepper adds a peppery flavor to the turkey itself.
  • Bay Leaves: Infuse the brine with an herbaceous flavor.
  • Orange Peel/Zest: Adds a subtle citrus flavor to the brine and the turkey itself.
  • Turkey Breast: You’ll need a 5-pound boneless turkey breast for this recipe. Make sure to thaw completely if frozen.
  • Dried Sage: Adds a classic Thanksgiving flavor to the turkey breast.
  • Veggies: Celery, yellow onions, and carrots infuse the turkey with a slightly sweet, earthy, and vegetal flavor as it cooks and make an easy side!
  • Chicken Broth: Helps keep the turkey moist as it cooks and adds a salty and umami flavor.

Pro Tip: Plan ahead! You’ll need to brine the turkey for at least 8 hours before adding it to the crockpot.

Variations on Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

You could season this turkey breast with turkey rub, chicken seasoningCreole seasoningItalian seasoningblackened seasoning, or herbs de Provence for a different flavor.

Crockpot roasted chicken.
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Is it safe to cook turkey in slow cooker?

Yes, it is just as safe to cook turkey in a crock pot as any typical cooking method. Just be sure to thaw the turkey breast before brining and cooking. Also, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Should I use fresh or frozen turkey for this recipe?

You can use either one! If you use frozen, just be sure to thaw it before cooking.

Why use boneless turkey breast?

Getting a boneless turkey breast is so convenient. These are the perfect size for small gatherings, and they’re so much easier to prepare, cook, and slice than bone-in or whole turkeys.

What size crockpot do I need?

With a 5-pound turkey and veggies to fill up the pot, I’d recommend a slow cooker that is at least 6 quarts.

How do you make a turkey juicy and not dry?

Turkey breast is a very lean cut of meat, which means it tends to dry out, leaving you with a bland Thanksgiving meal. But we can fight that! The brining process locks in moisture and it cooks in its own juices without the need to constantly baste it. This easy slow cooker turkey breast recipe is a great hands-off way of cooking your turkey while you get on with the rest of the feast. And you won’t be left with dry turkey!

Top shot of sliced turkey breast on a serving plate

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover crockpot turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the turkey in a baking pan with some turkey stock or pan drippings and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze crockpot turkey breast in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’re cooking the turkey in a slow cooker, you’ll have time to focus on making some delicious side dishes. I love roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, or butternut squash stuffing!

Crockpot turkey breast with roasted carrots and orange garnish.

5-Star Review

“I made this last year at Thanksgiving. It was my first time cooking turkey and it was absolutely wonderful!!!” – Kim

Recipe Card

Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

4.53 from 184 votes
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 4 hours
Brine: 8 hours
Total: 12 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Author: Becky Hardin
crockpot turkey breast
This crockpot turkey breast recipe is an easy way to make tasty, juicy turkey for your Thanksgiving meal. Making turkey in a slow cooker is just genius!
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Ingredients 

For the Brine

  • 1 quart (4 cups) apple juice or apple cider
  • 1 gallon cold water
  • 3 stems fresh rosemary
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • ¾ cup kosher salt
  • cups brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons whole peppercorns
  • 4 whole bay leaves
  • peel of 2 large oranges

For the Turkey

  • 5 pounds boneless fresh turkey breast thawed, if frozen
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 3 ribs celery each cut into thirds
  • 2 yellow onions peeled and halved
  • 3 carrots scrubbed, peeled, and halved lengthwise
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (⅔ stick)

Instructions 

For Brining the Turkey

  • Combine all brine ingredients in a large nonreactive pot. Heat and stir, about 5-10 minutes, or until sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat and cool completely. Add the turkey breast, cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.
    1 quart (4 cups) apple juice, 1 gallon cold water, 3 stems fresh rosemary, 3 cloves garlic, ¾ cup kosher salt, 1½ cups brown sugar, 2 tablespoons whole peppercorns, 4 whole bay leaves, peel of 2 large oranges, 5 pounds boneless fresh turkey breast
    mixing turkey brine ingredients together in a large pot

For Cooking the Turkey

  • Set slow-cooker to HIGH and spray the interior with nonstick spray.
    inside of a slow cooker being sprayed with non-stick spray
  • Remove the turkey from the pot and rinse it thoroughly with cold water, and pat it dry with paper towels.
    5 pounds boneless fresh turkey breast
    hands drying turkey breast with paper towels
  • Place the celery, onions, and carrots in the bottom of the slow-cooker, and pour the broth over the vegetables.
    3 ribs celery, 2 yellow onions, 3 carrots, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
    carrots, celery, and onions inside of a slow cooker
  • Set the turkey breast on top of the vegetables and pour melted butter over the turkey.
    6 tablespoons unsalted butter
    placing uncooked turkey breast inside of a slow cooker filled with vegetables
  • Sprinkle the breast with salt, black pepper, sage, rosemary and orange zest.
    1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon dried sage, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves, Zest of 1 large orange
    seasoned turkey breast and vegetables inside of a crock pot
  • Cover the slow-cooker and cook on HIGH 2 hours, reduce the temperature to LOW and cook an additional 1-2 hours or until the internal temperature of the middle of the turkey breast registers 165°F-168°F.
    crock pot with a lid, turkey and vegetables inside
  • Remove the breast from the slow-cooker, cover with foil and let it rest 15 minutes.
  • Cut into ½-inch slices and serve.
    close up of a knife slicing through turkey
  • Enjoy!

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • Use boneless turkey breast for this recipe. Fresh or frozen is fine.
  • If using a frozen turkey, be sure to fully thaw it first!
  • Brine the turkey for at least 8 hours before adding it to the crockpot.
  • Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray before adding the turkey breast.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check when your turkey is done (it should read 165°F).
  • Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing it.
Storage: Store crockpot turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
Calories: 613kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 63gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 176mgSodium: 954mgPotassium: 1090mgFiber: 3gSugar: 54gVitamin A: 4248IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 143mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

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Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.53 from 184 votes (175 ratings without comment)
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62 Comments
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Carla A
Carla A
November 27, 2024 9:52 am

Another question☺️ Apple juice has so much sugar in it. Is it important to use the apple juice?

Samantha Marceau
November 27, 2024 4:05 pm
Reply to  Carla A

Hi Carla, we recommend it for the best flavor. The turkey will only absorb a small portion of the sugar, but the apple really takes the flavor to the next level.

Carla A
Carla A
November 25, 2024 9:53 am

My turkey breast is not boneless. Can I still use this recipe?

Samantha Marceau
November 25, 2024 9:56 am
Reply to  Carla A

Hi Carla, yes, you can! You may need up to an additional 2 hours on low, so we recommend temperature checking the turkey breast periodically after the 2 hour mark until it reaches 165°F.

Kellie
Kellie
December 26, 2023 12:50 pm

The turkey I bought says to leave the binding on through the entire cooking process, so it will hold its shape and not be just a flat piece of meat, will leaving it bined keep it from absorbing all the seasoning and flavors

Samantha Marceau
January 2, 2024 1:35 pm
Reply to  Kellie

It should be fine to leave bound!

Lindsey
Lindsey
November 24, 2023 11:25 am

This was our first year hosting and I love my Crockpot. I was so happy to find this recipe and it did NOT disappoint. Everyone was raving. It’s delicious, so juicy, and tender. Perfect turkey. I’ll be doing this every year!5 stars

Samantha Marceau
November 27, 2023 8:32 am
Reply to  Lindsey

We’re so happy to hear it was a hit, Lindsey!

Kathy
Kathy
November 26, 2022 9:40 am

I hate rosemary. Do I need something to replace it?
Possibly poultry seasoning?

Samantha Marceau
November 28, 2022 9:18 am
Reply to  Kathy

You can use sage, thyme, oregano, basil, or tarragon.

Sharon
Sharon
November 14, 2023 8:28 am

Would you sub this in the brine as well?

Samantha Marceau
November 14, 2023 12:37 pm
Reply to  Sharon

Yes!

timothy Pressel
timothy Pressel
November 23, 2022 5:01 pm

Hi again, I just noticed that my 3lb Boneless turkey breast is Savory Herb. Is it still ok to brine it, then proceed to put in crock pot.

Samantha Marceau
November 28, 2022 9:07 am

We would use less salt!

timothy Pressel
timothy Pressel
November 23, 2022 4:00 pm

I only have a 5 QT cooking pot , I added the 4 cups apple juice, and 1/2 gallon of cold water. my pot isn’t big enough for the other 1/2 gallon of water. So for a 3lb boneless turkey breast, Do I need to add more or less water?5 stars

Samantha Marceau
November 23, 2022 4:11 pm

Leave out the rest of the water and you should be just fine! We would check on it and add more water as needed during cooking.

timothy Pressel
timothy Pressel
November 23, 2022 4:27 pm

Thank you

Sharon
Sharon
November 4, 2023 1:55 pm

I thought the apple juice, water, etc. was just for br
ining not cooking.

Samantha Marceau
November 6, 2023 8:55 am
Reply to  Sharon

Yes, sorry, we meant check on it as it is brining!

MAC
MAC
November 23, 2022 2:12 pm

I have a 7lb bone in turkey breast – i’m guessing 2 hours on high and 4-6 on low? Thoughts?

Samantha Marceau
November 23, 2022 4:09 pm
Reply to  MAC

Sounds about right!

Tabitha
Tabitha
November 23, 2022 8:05 am

I could only find small/medium oranges. Would I use 3 of them to make up for 2 large oranges?

Samantha Marceau
November 23, 2022 9:11 am
Reply to  Tabitha

That should work just fine!

Mary
Mary
November 13, 2022 10:41 am

Can I use bone in turkey breast? Cooking time?

Samantha Marceau
November 14, 2022 12:51 pm
Reply to  Mary

Yes! A bone-in turkey breast will take a bit longer. We would recommend 2 hours on high and 3-4 hours on low!