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Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe Easy Tender with Fresh Herbs

crockpot turkey breast - featured image

This crockpot turkey breast recipe is incredibly tender, juicy, and infused with fresh herbs for maximum flavor. It’s an easy, hands-off meal perfect for holidays, family dinners, or meal prep, delivering comforting homemade goodness with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds (about 2.5 lbs recommended) turkey breast, bone-in or boneless
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and chopped
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped and chopped
  • 4 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon pre-minced garlic)
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for golden finish)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup celery, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley.
  2. In a small bowl, mix chopped herbs with softened butter, minced garlic, and lemon zest (if using).
  3. Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels.
  4. Sprinkle turkey breast with salt and pepper all over.
  5. Gently loosen the skin (if bone-in) and rub herb butter mixture under the skin as much as possible, then spread the rest on top. If boneless, coat the entire surface.
  6. Slice onion and scatter in the bottom of the crockpot. Add carrots and celery if desired.
  7. Pour chicken broth into the crockpot.
  8. Place turkey breast on top of onions and veggies, skin-side up. Tuck herbs underneath if needed.
  9. Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If using High, cook for 3 to 4 hours.
  10. Remove turkey breast with tongs and tent loosely with foil for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  11. Slice turkey against the grain for tender bites.
  12. Serve warm, spooning herby pan juices over slices and garnishing with fresh parsley or lemon zest.

Notes

For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil. Use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable (1 teaspoon each). Add carrots and celery for extra flavor and a built-in side dish. Rest turkey under foil after cooking for juicier slices. For crispier skin, broil cooked turkey for 3-5 minutes. Prep ingredients the night before for easy mornings.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot turkey breast, slow cooker turkey, fresh herbs, easy turkey recipe, tender turkey, holiday turkey, Thanksgiving, comfort food, meal prep, gluten-free, dairy-free option