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Juicy slow cooker turkey breast sliced on a white plate, garnished with thyme and gravy, warm and inviting

Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

This juicy slow cooker turkey breast is an easy time-saving recipe that guarantees moist and flavorful turkey with minimal effort. Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 kg / 4 lb turkey breast, skin on, bone-in or boneless (if using frozen, thaw it)
  • 1 head of garlic, cut in half horizontally
  • 1 onion (brown, yellow, or white), unpeeled, cut in half
  • 5 sprigs fresh thyme (or 2 tsp dried thyme leaves)
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder for the rub
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder for the rub
  • 1 tsp paprika for the rub
  • 2 tsp salt for the rub
  • 5 grinds black pepper for the rub
  • 1 1/2-2 tbsp olive oil for the rub
  • Chicken stock or broth, for topping up liquid for the gravy
  • 4 tbsp / 50g butter for the gravy
  • 1/4 cup / 35g flour for the gravy
  • Salt and pepper to taste for the gravy

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Meat thermometer
  • Baking sheet or heatproof dish

Method
 

  1. Mix all rub ingredients in a bowl to form a paste.
  2. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and slather with the rub, focusing on the top and sides.
  3. Place garlic, onion, and thyme cut-side down in the slow cooker. Position the turkey breast on top so it's slightly elevated.
  4. Cook on LOW for 6 hours (do not use High) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Check the temperature at 5 hours if possible.
  5. Remove the turkey from the slow cooker and rest for 20 minutes before broiling.
  6. To crisp the skin, preheat your broiler to high. Place the rested turkey in a heatproof dish and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning!
  7. Strain the slow cooker liquid into a jug and add enough chicken broth to reach 2 cups.
  8. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour. Gradually add the liquid, stirring until smooth and thickened into gravy.
  9. Serve the turkey breast immediately with homemade gravy on the side.

Notes

Pro tip: If your turkey breast is already brined, reduce the salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.