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Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter

crockpot turkey breast with garlic herb butter - featured image

This Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter is incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful, made with minimal prep and simple ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday tables, it requires no basting or brining—just set it and forget it.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 4 to 6 pounds (1.8 to 2.7 kg) bone-in turkey breast
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix until evenly distributed. Set aside.
  2. Prep the turkey breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Place on a clean cutting board. Gently loosen the skin from the meat, starting at the top and working down, being careful not to tear the skin.
  3. Apply the butter: Spread about two-thirds of the garlic herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin. Spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey. Season the outside with extra salt and pepper if desired.
  4. Prepare the crockpot: Place the quartered onion and celery chunks (if using) in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the 1/2 cup of broth.
  5. Add the turkey: Place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables, breast side up. Do not add extra liquid.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, away from the bone.
  7. Rest the turkey: Carefully remove the turkey from the crockpot using tongs. Place on a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
  8. Slice and serve: Carve the turkey against the grain into thick slices. Spoon some of the cooking juices over the top if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not lift the lid during cooking. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Let the turkey rest before slicing. For a quick gravy, strain the cooking liquid and thicken with a cornstarch slurry.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot turkey breast, slow cooker turkey, garlic herb butter turkey, easy turkey recipe, holiday turkey, weeknight dinner