Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Turkey Breast

Skip the oven this Thanksgiving and let your slow cooker do the work! 🦃
This juicy, buttery Thanksgiving turkey breast is packed with herby flavor and finished to golden perfection — first under the broiler, then with a kitchen torch for that restaurant-quality shine.

Everything happens in one pot — even the gravy! No mess, no stress, and no dry turkey. Just comfort, flavor, and that slow-cooked holiday magic.

juicy slow cooker turkey

Using the broiler and kitchen torch combo gives you that professional golden finish — right in your own kitchen.

Slow cooker turkey Gravy

Making gravy in the same pot means all that flavor stays exactly where it belongs — in your turkey.

FAQs

🙋🏽‍♂️

1. Can I cook this turkey breast on LOW instead of HIGH?
Yes! Cook on LOW for about 7–8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. Can I use dried herbs?
You can — use 1 teaspoon of each dried herb in place of the fresh ones.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

4. Can I make gravy without cornstarch?
Yes, use flour — 2 tablespoons whisked into ¼ cup of broth before adding to the pot.

5. What size slow cooker should I use?
A 6- to 7-quart slow cooker works best for a 6-pound turkey breast.

6. Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Cook a day early, refrigerate, then reheat gently with gravy before serving.

7. What sides go best with this?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, or Kelvin’s Kitchen Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls for dessert!

8. How do I get crispy skin without a torch?
Just broil longer, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.

9. Can I add wine or apple cider?
Yes! Replace half the broth with dry white wine or apple cider for extra flavor.

10. Do I need to baste?
Nope — the slow cooker keeps it naturally moist.

Make it

🦃 Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Turkey Breast

No oven, no stress — just juicy, buttery, slow-cooked perfection.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: slow cooker turkey breast, Thanksgiving turkey, crockpot turkey, juicy turkey

🧈 Ingredients

For the Turkey

  • 1 (6-lb) bone-in turkey breast

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 1 carrot, chopped

  • 1 celery stalk, chopped

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Gravy

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

👨🏽‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Veggies
    Chop the onion, carrot, and celery. Place them in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth to create a flavorful base.

  2. Make the Herby Butter
    Finely chop the rosemary, thyme, and sage. In a small bowl, melt the butter, add olive oil, and mix in the herbs, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until combined.

  3. Season the Turkey
    Rub the herby butter mixture all over the turkey breast — make sure to get some under the skin for maximum flavor. Place the turkey on top of the veggies, skin side up.

  4. Slow Cook
    Cover and cook on HIGH for about 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

  5. Crisp the Skin
    Transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for a few minutes until lightly golden. For an even, glossy finish, use a kitchen torch to touch up any lighter spots.

  6. Make the Gravy
    Switch the slow cooker to the sauté setting. Using a ladle and kitchen strainer, remove any bits left behind. Sprinkle in the cornstarch, whisk, and let it bubble until the gravy thickens — no extra pans needed.

  7. Rest and Serve
    Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with that buttery gravy and your favorite Thanksgiving sides.

🧠 Mini Soul Snack

Good things take time — in food and in life. Let everything simmer, and the results will always be worth it.

💡 Tips & Tricks

  • You can use boneless turkey breast if preferred — reduce cook time by about 30 minutes.

  • Add lemon slices or bay leaves for an extra aromatic boost.

  • Don’t skip resting time — it locks in all those juices.

  • To save time, chop veggies and herbs the night before.

🥘 Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 410 | Protein: 53g | Fat: 19g | Carbs: 3g | Sodium: 480mg

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