If you’re looking for a hands-off dinner that bursts with flavor and stays juicy, I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe enough. It’s one of those recipes that gives you tender, aromatic turkey without any fuss—perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on how effortlessly delicious this slow cooker method is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super tender results: Slow cooking makes the turkey melt-in-your-mouth soft every time.
- Easy prep: Just a few ingredients and simple steps, great even if you’re new to cooking turkey.
- Herby buttery flavor: The herb-infused butter rub adds fantastic depth without overpowering the meat.
- Perfect for gatherings: Cooks itself while you attend to other things, ideal for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything works together in this Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe to create tender, juicy meat infused with savory herbs and a subtle touch of sweetness from the carrots and onions. Plus, the chicken broth keeps the moisture locked in. Here are the key ingredients I always have on hand:

- Turkey breast roast: A boneless 5-pound one works best here—easy to find and cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
- Onion: Peeled and quartered to help flavor the broth and add natural sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Whole cloves simmer to a mellow, aromatic flavor without any sharpness.
- Carrots: Diced into 2-inch pieces, they add a bit of subtle sweetness and body to the cooking liquid.
- Chicken broth: Locks in moisture and adds flavor depth without extra salt.
- Fresh rosemary and sage: Sprigs infuse the turkey with an earthy herbal fragrance while it slow cooks.
- Softened butter: The base of the herb rub, distributing flavor and helping the dried herbs stick.
- Garlic powder, dried onion flakes, salt, paprika, dried sage, rosemary, thyme, black pepper: These spices combine to make a deeply savory and fragrant butter rub that penetrates the turkey.
Variations
I love tweaking this Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe depending on the season and what herbs I have fresh in the garden. Feel free to make it your own by swapping herbs or boosting the flavor with extras you enjoy.
- Using fresh herbs only: I once swapped all the dried herbs for fresh thyme and oregano, which gave the turkey a brighter, more vibrant flavor—definitely worth trying.
- Adding citrus zest: Adding lemon or orange zest to the butter mix adds a lovely zing that complements the savory herbs beautifully.
- Spicier twist: A sprinkle of smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne can give this recipe a smoky heat that my family adored!
- Gluten-free modification: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your chicken broth brand just to be safe.
How to Make Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Veggies
Start by lining your slow cooker with a liner or giving it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray—this helps with cleanup later, which is always a win. Then place the peeled and quartered onion, whole garlic cloves, diced carrots, chicken broth, and the fresh rosemary and sage sprigs directly into the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed that steams the turkey perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter Rub
In a bowl, mix your softened butter with garlic powder, dried onion flakes, salt, paprika, and all the dried herbs—sage, rosemary, and thyme—plus black pepper. Stir until it’s evenly combined and smelling fabulous. This butter rub is the real hero of the recipe, giving that rich, herby flavor throughout the turkey breast.
Step 3: Coat the Turkey and Start Cooking
Generously spread the herb butter all over your turkey breast roast, making sure to cover every inch. Then carefully place the turkey on top of the veggies and broth in your slow cooker. Set it to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for about 4 hours—whichever suits your schedule. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F inside; using a meat thermometer is a game-changer here and ensures safe, perfectly cooked meat every time.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once the turkey’s cooked, lift it out carefully and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is key to locking in juices. Then slice against the grain and serve. You’ll be amazed at how juicy and flavorful this turkey tastes, and all with minimal effort!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Ahead: Soften the butter and mix the herb rub the night before for super quick assembly.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures your turkey hits that perfect 165°F without drying out—my slow cooker was never the same after I started using one.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Letting your turkey rest for a few minutes makes slicing easier and keeps the meat juicy.
- Carrot Chop Size: Cutting carrots into larger chunks prevents them from getting mushy and keeps texture in the veggie bed.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes
I personally love garnishing the sliced turkey breast with a few fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to brighten the plate. A little lemon wedge on the side adds a nice zing when squeezed over the meat just before eating.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides here are creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic cauliflower mash, plus steamed green beans tossed with a bit of butter and toasted almonds. Sometimes I throw together a simple wild rice pilaf, and that combo never disappoints. You’ll find the turkey pairs beautifully with earthy and buttery flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered slices of the herb turkey over a bed of fresh arugula with dried cranberries and toasted pecans, drizzled with balsamic glaze. It looks gorgeous and tastes like a restaurant dish—impressive but so easy to put together!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I let leftovers cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the fridge. The turkey keeps well for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the turkey, I wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes beautifully and stays moist after thawing, so you can batch-cook and save time on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming slices gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top to keep moisture in, or popping them in a covered dish in a 325°F oven until warmed through. This helps maintain that tender, juicy texture you love.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in turkey breast instead of boneless?
You absolutely can! Just note that bone-in pieces might take a little longer to cook, so add extra time and always check the internal temperature to make sure it reaches 165°F.
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Is it okay to cook this Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe on high instead of low?
Yes! You can cook it on high for about 4 hours instead of 6 hours on low. Just keep an eye on it towards the end and check the internal temperature often to avoid overcooking.
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Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Feel free to add celery, parsnips, or even small potatoes—they’ll cook alongside the turkey and soak up some wonderful flavors.
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How do I make sure the turkey stays moist?
The key is not skipping the broth and the veggies that steam while cooking, plus that herb butter rub. Also, resting the turkey before slicing helps the juices redistribute so every bite stays juicy.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead and refrigerate before cooking?
You sure can. Apply the herb butter rub to the turkey and cover it tightly in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking. This even helps deepen the flavor.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe makes juicy, flavorful turkey so easy—it’s like having a personal chef in your kitchen! Whether feeding family or impressing guests, this dish always gets rave reviews and requires almost no hands-on time. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the comforting aromas and the ease of a slow cooker meal done right.
Print
Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe featuring a herb-infused butter rub and tender vegetables, perfect for a stress-free, juicy turkey meal.
Ingredients
Turkey and Vegetables
- 5 pounds thawed boneless turkey breast roast
- 1 peeled and quartered onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3–4 diced whole carrots, 2-inch pieces
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 sprig sage
Butter Herb Rub
- ¼ cup softened butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Line your slow cooker with a liner or spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Place the peeled and quartered onion, whole garlic cloves, diced carrots, ½ cup chicken broth, and sprigs of rosemary and sage into the bottom of the slow cooker as a flavorful base.
- Make the Butter Herb Rub: In a bowl, combine the softened butter with garlic powder, dried onion flakes, salt, paprika, dried sage, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Stir well until all herbs and spices are fully incorporated into the butter.
- Season the Turkey: Spread the herb butter mixture generously over the surface of the thawed boneless turkey breast, coating it evenly to maximize flavor.
- Cook the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the cooked turkey from the slow cooker and transfer it to a platter. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup much easier.
- Check the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is safely cooked.
- Letting the turkey rest after cooking prevents juices from running out when slicing.
- You can save leftover cooking juices to make a flavorful gravy.
- Carrots and onions can be adjusted or substituted with other root vegetables if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approx. 6.5 oz turkey with some veggies)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
