Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 109 reviews
  • Author: Wesley
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe delivers a perfectly moist and flavorful turkey breast cooked gently in a slow cooker. Infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and a rich herb butter slathered under the skin, it requires minimal hands-on time and yields tender, juicy meat. The slow cooking method ensures the breast is cooked through without drying out, and a final broil crisps the skin for a beautiful golden finish. Ideal for an effortless and delicious holiday centerpiece or special family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey and Seasoning

  • 2.5 – 3 kg / 5-6 lb single turkey breast, skin on, bone in (not brined)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Black pepper, to season
  • 1 brown onion, halved
  • 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
  • 3 sprigs rosemary
  • 8 sprigs thyme (optional)
  • Oil, for drizzling (to crisp skin)

Garlic Herb Butter

  • 150 g / 10 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Gravy (Optional)

  • Chicken broth/stock, for topping up if required
  • 1/3 cup / 50 g flour
  • 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce (or gravy coloring)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and finely chopped fresh sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley until well combined.
  2. Loosen Turkey Skin: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Using a small knife, carefully cut a slit on one side of the breast to separate the skin from the flesh. Slide an upside-down tablespoon between the skin and the meat to gently loosen the skin all over the turkey breast.
  3. Slather Herb Butter: Spread about two-thirds of the prepared garlic herb butter underneath the loosened skin, ensuring even coverage. Use the remaining butter to coat the outside surface of the skin and underside of the turkey breast as well.
  4. Season Skin: Sprinkle the surface of the turkey breast with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper. For enhanced flavor, you can let the turkey rest at this stage in the refrigerator for anything from overnight up to two days.
  5. Layer Slow Cooker: Place the halved garlic head and halved brown onion at the bottom of your slow cooker (5L/5 qt recommended). Place the seasoned turkey breast on top, skin side up. Add rosemary and thyme sprigs on top of the turkey.
  6. Slow Cook: Cover and cook the turkey on low for 6 hours, checking after 4 hours to monitor. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the breast.
  7. Rest Turkey: Once cooked, transfer the turkey breast to a baking tray, reserving the cooking juices. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes to retain juices.
  8. Crisp Skin: Remove the herb sprigs from the slow cooker juices. Drizzle the turkey skin with oil (avoid butter here as it burns and doesn’t crisp well). Place the turkey under a preheated broiler/grill about 30 cm (12 inches) from the heat source for 5 to 10 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and bronzed. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Serve: Serve the turkey breast sliced with the juices or optional gravy on the side. Cranberry sauce pairs well as a complement.

Notes

  • This recipe includes a helpful video demonstration on loosening the skin and applying the herb butter.
  • Slow cooking turkey breast without brining is easy and safe while still delivering moist meat.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact.
  • The herb butter bastes the turkey breast from under the skin to keep it juicy during slow cooking.
  • If you want a roasted version, refer to the corresponding roasted turkey breast recipe for a different cooking method.
  • Optional gravy can be made with the reserved slow cooker juices, thickened with flour and dark soy sauce for color.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 387 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 1095 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 52 g
  • Cholesterol: 166 mg

Find it online: https://lickplates.com/garlic-herb-slow-cooker-turkey-breast-recipe/