If you’re looking for the most flavorful, juicy, and mouthwatering turkey breast, this Butter Basted Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is the perfect recipe!
This easy slow cooker turkey recipe is all about locking in moisture and infusing the turkey with rich, buttery goodness. The result? A golden, tender turkey breast that looks just as amazing as it tastes! Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple weeknight dinner, this foolproof recipe guarantees delicious turkey every time!
So grab your slow cooker and let’s make the most flavorful turkey breast ever!
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Ingredients
- 1 (5 to 7 lb) bone-in turkey breast, thawed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1 ) Remove turkey from packaging and remove any giblets, gravy packets, and the neck if they are in the cavity. Don’t rinse the turkey. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This helps the butter mixture stick to the bird. In a medium bowl, combine the butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2 ) Mix until well combined. Rub the butter mixture over the entire bird. Carefully separate the skin from the meat over the breasts and rub butter mixture between the skin and meat. Place the turkey in the slow cooker, breast side up and cover.
3 ) Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. To crisp the skin up, place on a oven-safe platter and place under the broiler of the oven on low until crisp and golden brown. Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes: For an even more moist and tender turkey, cook with the breast side down. Just be prepared that you won’t really be able to slice the turkey this way; it will just fall off the bone. The presentation isn’t great with this method, but the meat is super moist.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
- Use Butter Generously – Basting with melted butter throughout the cooking process keeps the turkey moist and flavorful.
- Season Well – A mix of garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper enhances the turkey’s natural taste.
- Place the Turkey Breast Skin-Side Up – This helps brown the skin and allows the juices to soak into the meat.
- Cook on Low for Juicier Turkey – Slow cooking on LOW (6-7 hours) results in the most tender texture.
- Broil for Crispy Skin – For a golden brown finish, place the cooked turkey under the broiler for 5 minutes.
(FAQ) About Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
1. Can I use a boneless turkey breast?
- Yes! Boneless turkey breast works great—just reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Do I need to thaw the turkey breast before slow cooking?
- Yes, always thaw the turkey breast completely before cooking for even results.
3. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
- Absolutely! Add carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes for extra flavor.
4. How do I know when the turkey is done?
- Use a meat thermometer—the turkey is ready when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
5. Can I make gravy from the turkey drippings?
- Yes! Strain the drippings and whisk them with flour or cornstarch to make a rich, buttery turkey gravy.
6. Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?
- Yes, but the best results come from cooking on LOW for 6-7 hours. HIGH (3-4 hours) can work in a time crunch.
7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Butter gives better flavor, but margarine can be used if needed.
8. Should I baste the turkey during cooking?
- Yes! Basting with butter and juices every hour or so keeps the turkey incredibly moist and flavorful.
9. Can I use frozen turkey breast?
- No, for food safety reasons, always thaw turkey completely before slow cooking.
10. What should I serve with slow cooker turkey breast?
- Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, stuffing, or cranberry sauce for a perfect meal!
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