If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hands-off meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas, this Crockpot Herbed Turkey Breast Roast Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Tender, juicy turkey infused with a savory blend of herbs and spices slow-cooked to perfection offers a delicious centerpiece for any occasion without the fuss of your traditional oven roast. It’s a simple way to make a show-stopping poultry dish with minimal effort, making weeknight dinners or holiday meals effortless and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but packed with flavor, each playing an essential role in creating a turkey roast that is moist, aromatic, and utterly delightful. From the fragrant herbs to the creamy butter base, everything works in harmony for that perfect slow-cooked feast.
- Turkey breast (4 to 6 lb): The star of the dish, choose bone-in or boneless depending on your preference for tenderness and ease of carving.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the herbs stick beautifully to the turkey for deep flavor penetration.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Enhances the butter’s richness and helps keep the roast moist during cooking.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, inviting depth to the herb mix, enhancing the savory notes.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers a classic earthy herbal note that complements the poultry beautifully.
- Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Provides a fragrant pine-like aroma that’s signature in roasted turkey dishes.
- Dried sage (1 teaspoon): Delivers a slightly peppery and woodsy flavor, perfect for that traditional roast turkey taste.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just enough heat and pungency to balance the rich butter and herbs.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the turkey moist while cooking and adds subtle savory depth.
- Optional fresh herbs for garnish: For a beautiful, fresh finishing touch when serving.
How to Make Crockpot Herbed Turkey Breast Roast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast
Start with fully thawed turkey breast if frozen—it’s crucial for even cooking. Pat the turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels. This simple step ensures the herb butter adheres nicely and helps the skin soak up those flavors for an incredible crust once roasted.
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter Mixture
Mix the softened butter, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper in a bowl until everything blends into a creamy, fragrant paste. This mixture is where all the magic happens, infusing every bite with a harmonious burst of herbal goodness.
Step 3: Apply the Herb Butter Under the Skin
Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast by sliding your fingers beneath it without tearing. Spread about half of the butter paste directly onto the meat underneath. This step allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, ensuring each slice tastes juicy and aromatic.
Step 4: Coat the Skin with Remaining Herb Butter
Take the remaining herb butter and spread it generously over the turkey skin, creating a flavorful barrier that will baste the meat during slow cooking and transform into a beautiful golden crust.
Step 5: Add Broth and Place Turkey in the Crockpot
Pour low-sodium chicken broth into the crockpot to create a steamy environment that keeps the turkey succulent. Then place the turkey breast breast-side up inside. For boneless breasts, tying with kitchen twine helps maintain shape and even cooking.
Step 6: Slow Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Patience is key here; this slow cooking process melts the connective tissues, leaving the turkey incredibly tender and juicy. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
Step 7: Rest and Carve
Once your turkey breast is done, remove it carefully and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This rest time lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicy slices when you carve. Don’t forget to save the flavorful broth in the crockpot—you’ll want to drizzle that over each serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Herbed Turkey Breast Roast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage sprinkled on top instantly elevate the presentation and add a delightful burst of color and aroma. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper can also add a touch of visual contrast and flavor.
Side Dishes
This herbed turkey roast pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a tangy cranberry sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the turkey beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, carve the turkey into thick slices and arrange on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and roasted lemon slices. Alternatively, use leftovers for delicious turkey sandwiches with herb mayo or as a protein-packed addition to hearty grain bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. This turkey stays moist and flavorful, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save turkey breasts for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use freezer bags. Properly stored, they freeze well for up to 3 months, retaining much of their juicy texture and herbal notes.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the oven covered with foil or in a microwave with a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Slow, careful reheating helps retain that signature tenderness and flavor of the Crockpot Herbed Turkey Breast Roast Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a frozen turkey breast directly in the crockpot?
It’s best to thaw turkey breast completely before placing it in the crockpot. Slow cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and food safety concerns since the internal temperature might take too long to reach safe levels.
What if I don’t have all the dried herbs listed?
No worries! You can omit or substitute herbs like sage or rosemary with fresh versions or other favorites such as parsley or oregano. The butter and seasoning still work beautifully to create a delicious roast.
How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part. This ensures the turkey is safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
Can I cook this recipe on high heat in the crockpot?
While possible, cooking on low heat for an extended time yields the best tenderness and flavor. High heat may cook the outside too quickly and dry out the meat.
Is it necessary to loosen the skin and apply butter underneath?
Applying the herb butter under the skin moisturizes the meat directly and infuses it with flavor, making a big difference in the final tenderness and taste. It’s definitely worth the extra effort!
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Herbed Turkey Breast Roast Recipe is a true game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy tender, flavorful turkey without fuss or stress. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests over the holidays, this slow-cooked masterpiece makes deliciously simple cooking a reality. Give it a try and savor every juicy, herb-infused bite!
Print
Crockpot Herbed Turkey Breast Roast Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 6h 0m
- Total Time: 6h 15m
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Crockpot Turkey Breast Slow Cooker Roast recipe delivers tender, juicy turkey breast cooked low and slow for hours, infused with a flavorful herb butter rub. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, the turkey is cooked in a crockpot with chicken broth to keep it moist, then rested before carving for maximum juiciness. The seasoned butter under and over the skin enhances the flavor and helps create a savory crust. An ideal comforting dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Turkey Breast and Seasoning
- 1 (4 to 6 lb) turkey breast, bone-in or boneless
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Liquid
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Optional Garnish
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey Breast: If frozen, thaw the turkey breast completely in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Dry the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture, enabling a better crust during cooking.
- Make Herb Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a smooth, flavorful paste.
- Apply Butter Under Skin: Gently loosen the turkey skin without tearing it. Rub about half the butter mixture directly onto the meat under the skin for deep flavor penetration.
- Spread Butter Over Skin: Evenly spread the remaining butter mixture over the turkey skin to enhance flavor and promote browning.
- Add Chicken Broth to Crockpot: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the crockpot to maintain moisture and provide steam.
- Place Turkey in Crockpot: Position the turkey breast breast-side up inside the crockpot. If using boneless, tie with kitchen twine for uniform cooking.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C), ensuring the meat is safe and tender.
- Rest the Turkey: Remove from crockpot and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute for moist slices.
- Carve and Serve: Slice the turkey breast, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve. Optionally, drizzle the flavorful broth from the crockpot over the meat for extra moisture and taste.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey breast is fully thawed before cooking to promote even cooking throughout.
- Patting the turkey dry helps achieve a better sear and crust in the crockpot.
- Tying boneless turkey breast helps maintain shape and cooks evenly.
- Using low-sodium chicken broth controls saltiness while keeping the turkey moist.
- Resting the meat after cooking is essential for juicy, tender slices.
- You can use fresh herbs instead of dried if preferred, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
