How long does it take to cook turkey breast in a slow cooker?

For a 1 kg (2 lb) boneless turkey breast, it takes around 5 to 6 hours on low in your slow cooker. Larger turkey breasts may need an extra hour. Always check the internal temperature — it should reach 75°C (165°F) at the thickest part for safe and juicy results. If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can also check out my Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for oven roasting tips.

Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in the slow cooker?

It’s best to thaw your turkey breast completely before cooking. Starting from frozen can make it cook unevenly and spend too long in the “danger zone” temperature range. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slow cooking for the safest, most tender results. For an easy guide on prepping turkey, read my How to Brine Your Turkey article.

How do I keep my turkey breast from drying out?

The slow cooker does most of the work for you, keeping the turkey moist and tender. Still, using a meat thermometer helps ensure perfect doneness without overcooking. You can also spoon a bit of the slow cooker juices over the turkey halfway through cooking for extra moisture.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, and you should! Chopped onion and celery at the bottom add natural flavor and create a delicious base for the gravy. You can also include carrots, parsnips, or even potatoes if you want a complete meal in one pot. For another cozy one-pot meal, you’ll love my Beef and Barley Stew — it has that same homey comfort factor.

How do I make the turkey skin crispy?

The slow cooker won’t brown the skin on its own, but you can easily crisp it under the broiler for about 5 minutes after cooking. Place the turkey breast on a foil-lined tray, skin side up, and broil until golden. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Juicy Easy and Perfect Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Turkey Breast:; 1 boneless turkey breast (about 1 kg or 2 lb); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 small red onion, roughly chopped; 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped; For the Gravy:; 2 cups turkey or chicken stock; ⅓ cup vegetables from the slow cooker; ⅓ cup juices from the slow cooker; 1½ tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch); ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Description

An easy, flavorful Slow Cooker Turkey Breast that delivers juicy meat, golden skin, and homemade gravy — perfect for small holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Turkey Breast:
1 boneless turkey breast (about 1 kg or 2 lb)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 small red onion, roughly chopped
2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
For the Gravy:
2 cups turkey or chicken stock
⅓ cup vegetables from the slow cooker
⅓ cup juices from the slow cooker
1½ tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Mix oil, salt, paprika, oregano, thyme, and onion powder into a paste. Rub all over turkey breast, including under any skin folds.
Place chopped onion and celery in bottom of slow cooker. Lay turkey breast on top, skin side up.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, until internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Transfer cooked turkey to foil-lined tray. Broil for 5 minutes to crisp skin.
To make gravy, blend slow cooker juices, stock, and vegetables with immersion blender. Bring to boil in saucepan.
Mix cornflour with turkey juices until smooth. Slowly whisk into saucepan. Simmer until thickened, 3–4 minutes. Strain for smooth texture. Season to taste.
Serve turkey sliced with gravy and your favorite sides.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Broiling adds crispy skin. Save leftover gravy — it freezes well. Let turkey rest 10 minutes before slicing. Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 200
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 879mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg