Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Herbs is a simple, comforting dish that combines tender turkey with the fresh, earthy flavors of rosemary, thyme, and sage. The slow cooker does all the work, making the turkey juicy and full of flavor while filling the kitchen with a wonderful aroma. This recipe feels like a gentle hug on a chilly day.
I love how easy this turkey breast recipe is—just pop everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time you have a perfectly cooked meal with hardly any fuss. My favorite trick is to use fresh herbs when I can because they bring out that lovely, natural taste that dried herbs just can’t beat. Plus, the leftovers make for amazing sandwiches the next day!
Serving this turkey breast with some mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables turns it into a warm, satisfying dinner that’s great for families or small gatherings. It’s one of those dishes that’s both homey and a little special, perfect when you want something hearty without a lot of effort. I often make it on weekends when I want a cozy meal waiting for me at the end of a busy day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: The star of this dish, turkey breast gives you lean, tender meat. If you can’t find boneless, skinless breast, a bone-in breast works too, but adjust cooking time slightly to reach the right internal temp.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage add fresh, earthy flavor. When you don’t have fresh, dried herbs work fine—use about one-third the amount since they’re more concentrated.
Garlic & Olive Oil: Garlic adds a punch, and olive oil helps the herbs stick to the turkey and keeps the meat moist. If you want, butter is a rich alternative to olive oil.
Chicken Broth or Water: Adds moisture in the slow cooker to keep the turkey juicy. Low-sodium broth is best to control salt levels, but water works too.
How Do I Achieve a Juicy Turkey Breast in the Slow Cooker?
Slow cooking turkey breast can dry it out if you’re not careful. Here’s how to keep it juicy:
- Rub herb and oil mixture evenly on turkey for flavor and moisture seal.
- Place broth around (not on) the turkey so it steams slowly without washing away herbs.
- Cook on LOW to gently break down proteins – this keeps meat tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature. Overcooking leads to dry meat.
- Let turkey rest 10 minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute.
Optional tip: Removing the lid near the end lets some moisture evaporate, concentrating flavor in the juices for a simple pan sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – I love it because it cooks the turkey evenly and hands-free, saving time and effort.
- Meat thermometer – keeps you from overcooking; a must for juicy, perfectly cooked turkey.
- Small bowl – for mixing the herb marinade easily.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice the turkey neatly after resting.
- Serving platter or cutting board – to carve and serve your turkey.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap fresh herbs for dried herbs if you’re short on time—use a third of the amount called for.
- Add lemon slices or orange zest into the herb rub for a citrusy twist that brightens the flavor.
- Mix in chopped onions or shallots around the turkey for extra savory aroma and sweetness.
- Use poultry seasoning or a dash of smoked paprika in the rub for additional spice and depth.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds boneless turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- Optional: fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, thyme, sage) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time. Then it cooks low and slow in your slow cooker for 4 to 5 hours, making it perfect for a hands-off dinner. After cooking, allow 10 minutes for the turkey to rest before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Herb Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. This creates a delicious herb marinade to flavor your turkey breast.
2. Prepare the Turkey:
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels so the marinade sticks well. Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey, covering every side evenly for great taste.
3. Set Up the Slow Cooker:
Place the turkey breast inside the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth or water around the turkey (not directly on top) to keep it moist while cooking.
4. Cook the Turkey:
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which means the turkey is safely cooked and juicy.
5. Optional Pan Sauce:
About 30 minutes before the end, you can take off the lid and let the cooking liquid reduce a bit if you want a thicker, flavorful sauce to drizzle over the turkey.
6. Rest and Serve:
Carefully remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle, making the meat tender and juicy. Slice the turkey, serve with pan juices, and add fresh herb sprigs if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Breast in the Slow Cooker?
It’s best to thaw the turkey breast completely before cooking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and may increase the risk of food safety issues.
Can I Make This Recipe on High Instead of Low?
You can cook on HIGH for about 2 to 3 hours, but keep a close eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking. Slow and low cooking helps keep the turkey tender and juicy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in a covered pan on the stove to keep the meat moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions work great. Add them to the bottom of the slow cooker before placing the turkey on top for a complete meal.