Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean spending hours watching a turkey in the oven. A Crockpot turkey breast is one of the easiest ways to prepare a tender, flavorful holiday centerpiece while freeing up your oven for stuffing, casseroles, rolls, and desserts.

These 21 Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipes for an Easy Thanksgiving include classic herb butter, garlic rosemary, maple, cranberry orange, apple cider, honey mustard, Cajun, mushroom gravy, and several comforting stuffed turkey breast variations.

Each recipe includes ingredients, step-by-step instructions, serving suggestions, and helpful tips so you can choose the perfect turkey breast for your Thanksgiving table.

Food-safety note: Turkey breast should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest portion. Cooking time varies according to the size, shape, starting temperature, and slow cooker, so use a reliable food thermometer rather than relying on time alone.

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1. Classic Crockpot Herb Butter Turkey Breast

This classic recipe is perfect when you want traditional Thanksgiving flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 bone-in turkey breast, about 4–6 pounds
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1 onion, sliced

Instructions

1. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
2. Mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast.
4. Spread some herb butter underneath the skin.
5. Rub the remaining butter over the outside.
6. Arrange sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
7. Pour in the broth.
8. Place the turkey breast on top of the onions.
9. Cover and cook according to your slow cooker’s instructions until the thickest portion reaches 165°F.
10. Carefully remove the turkey.
11. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes.
12. Slice and serve with the cooking juices or gravy.

Tip

If you want crispier skin, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and briefly brown it under the oven broiler, watching it carefully.

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2. Crockpot Garlic Rosemary Turkey Breast

Garlic and rosemary make this turkey wonderfully savory and aromatic.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• ½ cup butter
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 cup broth

Instructions

1. Mix butter with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and onion powder.
2. Pat turkey breast dry.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Rub garlic butter under the skin.
5. Spread remaining butter over the turkey.
6. Add broth to the slow cooker.
7. Place turkey breast inside.
8. Cover and cook until it reaches 165°F.
9. Rest for 15–20 minutes.
10. Slice and serve.

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3. Crockpot Turkey Breast With Gravy

If you love turkey and gravy together, this recipe makes both the centerpiece and flavorful cooking liquid.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• 3 tablespoons flour

Instructions

1. Pat turkey dry.
2. Rub with softened butter.
3. Season with herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour broth into the Crockpot.
5. Place turkey breast inside.
6. Cover and cook until 165°F.
7. Remove turkey and let it rest.
8. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan.
9. Mix flour with a little cool water to create a smooth slurry.
10. Whisk slurry into the hot cooking liquid.
11. Simmer until thickened.
12. Season to taste.
13. Slice turkey and serve with gravy.

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4. Crockpot Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Maple syrup adds a delicious fall-inspired sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• ½ cup broth

Instructions

1. Mix maple syrup, butter, mustard, thyme, and garlic.
2. Season turkey breast.
3. Spread some glaze over the turkey.
4. Pour broth into the Crockpot.
5. Place turkey inside.
6. Cook until the thickest portion reaches 165°F.
7. Brush with additional maple glaze near the end.
8. Rest before slicing.
9. Serve with the remaining glaze and cooking juices.

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5. Crockpot Apple Cider Turkey Breast

Apple cider brings warm autumn flavor to this easy slow-cooker recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 1½ cups apple cider
• ½ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Pat turkey dry.
2. Mix butter with sage and thyme.
3. Season turkey.
4. Rub herb butter under the skin.
5. Arrange apple and onion in the Crockpot.
6. Pour in apple cider.
7. Place turkey on top.
8. Cover and cook until 165°F.
9. Rest for 15–20 minutes.
10. Slice and serve with the apple cider juices.

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6. Crockpot Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast

This festive recipe adds sweet-tart cranberry and bright orange flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• ½ cup broth
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Season turkey with salt and pepper.
2. Combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, and orange zest.
3. Add broth to the slow cooker.
4. Place turkey inside.
5. Spoon some cranberry mixture over the turkey.
6. Cover and cook until 165°F.
7. Brush with additional cranberry glaze.
8. Rest.
9. Slice and garnish with orange slices and cranberries.

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7. Crockpot Honey Garlic Turkey Breast

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• ¼ cup honey
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ cup broth
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Mix honey, garlic, butter, and thyme.
2. Season turkey breast.
3. Brush with the honey garlic mixture.
4. Pour broth into the Crockpot.
5. Place turkey inside.
6. Cover and cook until 165°F.
7. Brush with additional glaze.
8. Rest for 15 minutes.
9. Slice and serve.

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8. Crockpot Cajun Turkey Breast

For something different from traditional Thanksgiving flavors, try this boldly seasoned version.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup broth
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Mix butter with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic, and onion powder.
2. Pat turkey dry.
3. Spread seasoned butter over the turkey.
4. Add broth to the Crockpot.
5. Place turkey breast inside.
6. Cover and cook until 165°F.
7. Rest.
8. Slice and serve with cornbread dressing or mashed potatoes.

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9. Crockpot Lemon Herb Turkey Breast

Lemon keeps this rich holiday dish bright and fresh.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• ½ cup butter
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt
• Pepper
• ½ cup broth

Instructions

1. Combine butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, herbs, and garlic.
2. Season turkey.
3. Rub the butter mixture under the skin.
4. Add broth to the slow cooker.
5. Place turkey inside.
6. Cook until 165°F.
7. Rest.
8. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs.

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10. Crockpot Brown Sugar Turkey Breast

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt
• Pepper
• ½ cup broth

Instructions

1. Combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme.
2. Pat turkey dry.
3. Brush with melted butter.
4. Coat with the brown sugar mixture.
5. Pour broth into the Crockpot.
6. Place turkey inside.
7. Cook until 165°F.
8. Rest before slicing.

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11. Crockpot Turkey Breast With Mushroom Gravy

Creamy mushroom gravy makes this turkey especially comforting.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup broth
• ½ cup cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Sauté mushrooms and garlic briefly.
3. Add mushrooms to the Crockpot.
4. Season turkey.
5. Place turkey over mushrooms.
6. Add broth and thyme.
7. Cover and cook until 165°F.
8. Remove turkey and let it rest.
9. Stir cream into the cooking liquid.
10. Simmer the liquid until slightly thickened.
11. Slice turkey.
12. Spoon mushroom sauce over each serving.

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12. Crockpot Turkey Breast With Sage Butter

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• ½ cup butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt
• Pepper
• ½ cup broth

Instructions

1. Melt butter gently.
2. Add sage, thyme, and garlic.
3. Let the mixture cool slightly.
4. Pat turkey dry.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Rub sage butter under the skin.
7. Add broth to the slow cooker.
8. Place turkey inside.
9. Cook until 165°F.
10. Rest before carving.

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13. Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Turkey Breast

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• ½ cup broth

Instructions

1. Mix butter, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
2. Pat turkey dry.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread Parmesan mixture over the turkey.
5. Add broth to the Crockpot.
6. Place turkey inside.
7. Cook until 165°F.
8. Rest.
9. Slice and garnish with fresh parsley.

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14. Crockpot Honey Mustard Turkey Breast

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ cup broth
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Mix honey, Dijon, butter, and thyme.
2. Season turkey.
3. Spread the honey mustard mixture over the turkey.
4. Add broth to the slow cooker.
5. Cook until 165°F.
6. Spoon some sauce over the turkey during cooking if desired.
7. Rest.
8. Slice and serve.

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15. Crockpot Turkey Breast With Onion and Garlic

This simple recipe is excellent when you want a flavorful turkey without a complicated ingredient list.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 1 large onion
• 5 garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 cup broth
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Slice onion.
2. Place onion and garlic in the bottom of the Crockpot.
3. Pat turkey dry.
4. Rub turkey with butter.
5. Season with herbs, salt, and pepper.
6. Place turkey over the onions.
7. Pour broth around the turkey.
8. Cover and cook until 165°F.
9. Rest.
10. Slice and serve with the softened onions and garlic.

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16. Crockpot Apple Rosemary Turkey Breast

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 1 large apple
• 1 onion
• ½ cup butter
• 1 tablespoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ cup broth
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Slice the apple and onion.
2. Arrange them in the bottom of the Crockpot.
3. Mix butter with rosemary and thyme.
4. Pat turkey dry.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Spread herb butter over the turkey.
7. Place turkey over the apples and onions.
8. Add broth.
9. Cook until 165°F.
10. Rest and slice.

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17. Crockpot Turkey Breast With Stuffing

This is a convenient combination for cooks who want turkey and stuffing together.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 1 package stuffing mix
• 2 cups broth, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare stuffing according to the package directions, using broth.
2. Stir in onion, celery, sage, and thyme.
3. Place stuffing mixture in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Pat turkey breast dry.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Rub with butter.
7. Place turkey over the stuffing.
8. Cover and cook according to your slow cooker’s instructions.
9. Verify the turkey reaches 165°F.
10. Rest the turkey before slicing.
11. Serve slices over the stuffing.

Important

The stuffing itself should also reach a safe internal temperature before serving.

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18. Crockpot Cranberry Turkey Breast

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Season turkey breast.
2. Mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, and thyme.
3. Place turkey in the Crockpot.
4. Spoon cranberry mixture over it.
5. Cover and cook until 165°F.
6. Rest for 15–20 minutes.
7. Slice.
8. Spoon cranberry sauce over the top.

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19. Crockpot Italian Herb Turkey Breast

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ cup broth
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Mix olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
2. Pat turkey dry.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Rub herb mixture over the turkey.
5. Pour broth into the Crockpot.
6. Place turkey inside.
7. Cover and cook until 165°F.
8. Rest.
9. Slice and drizzle with cooking juices.

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20. Crockpot Turkey Breast With Creamy Garlic Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ cup Parmesan
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Pat turkey dry.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Melt butter and briefly sauté garlic.
4. Place turkey in the slow cooker.
5. Add broth, garlic butter, and thyme.
6. Cover and cook until the turkey reaches 165°F.
7. Remove turkey and rest.
8. Stir cream and Parmesan into the cooking liquid.
9. Heat gently until the sauce thickens.
10. Slice turkey.
11. Spoon creamy garlic sauce over the slices.

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21. Crockpot Turkey Breast With Cranberry Apple Glaze

This final recipe combines two classic fall flavors for a festive Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 apple, finely chopped
• ¼ cup apple cider
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ cup broth
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Mix cranberry sauce, chopped apple, apple cider, maple syrup, and thyme.
2. Season turkey with salt and pepper.
3. Place turkey breast in the Crockpot.
4. Pour broth around the turkey.
5. Spoon cranberry-apple mixture over the top.
6. Cover and cook until 165°F.
7. Let turkey rest for 15–20 minutes.
8. Slice.
9. Spoon the warm cranberry-apple sauce over each serving.

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🦃 How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast Juicy

Turkey breast is naturally lean, so proper preparation makes a big difference.

1. Don’t Overcook

The most important step is using a thermometer. Remove the turkey when the thickest portion reaches 165°F.

2. Add Some Liquid

Broth, cider, or another appropriate cooking liquid helps create flavorful juices in the slow cooker.

3. Use Butter or Oil

Herb butter adds richness and helps carry seasoning across the surface of the meat.

4. Keep the Lid Closed

Avoid repeatedly opening the Crockpot. Every time the lid comes off, heat escapes and cooking can take longer.

5. Rest Before Slicing

Let the turkey rest for approximately 15–20 minutes before carving.

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🧂 Should You Brine Turkey Breast Before Slow Cooking?

You can, but you don’t have to.

A dry brine can add flavor, especially when you’re preparing the turkey a day ahead.

However, check the package label first. Some turkey breasts already contain an added solution or have been pre-seasoned. In that case, adding a lot of additional salt can make the finished turkey too salty.

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🍗 Bone-In vs. Boneless Turkey Breast

Both work well in a Crockpot.

Bone-In Turkey Breast

Pros:

• Rich flavor
• Attractive presentation
• Often stays moist during cooking

Boneless Turkey Breast

Pros:

• Easy to slice
• Convenient for smaller portions
• Excellent for stuffed or rolled recipes

For a traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece, bone-in turkey breast is a great choice. For convenience, boneless turkey breast is often easier.

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🔥 How to Get Crispy Skin

One drawback of slow-cooking turkey breast is that the skin won’t usually become as crisp as oven-roasted turkey.

Luckily, there’s an easy solution.

After the turkey reaches 165°F:

1. Carefully remove it from the Crockpot.
2. Place it on a foil-lined baking sheet.
3. Pat the skin dry if necessary.
4. Brush lightly with butter or oil.
5. Place under a preheated broiler.
6. Watch closely until the skin is golden and crisp.
7. Remove and rest before slicing.

Never leave the turkey unattended under the broiler.

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🍽️ Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Turkey Breast

These slow-cooker turkey recipes pair perfectly with classic Thanksgiving sides:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Turkey gravy
• Cranberry sauce
• Traditional stuffing
• Green bean casserole
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Sweet potato casserole
• Dinner rolls
• Cornbread
• Roasted carrots
• Macaroni and cheese
• Glazed carrots

Because the turkey is cooking in the Crockpot, you can use your oven for casseroles and other Thanksgiving dishes.

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⏰ Easy Thanksgiving Crockpot Timeline

A Few Days Before

• Thaw frozen turkey breast safely in the refrigerator.
• Check the package for added solution or seasoning.
• Purchase herbs, butter, broth, and vegetables.

The Day Before

• Prepare herb butter.
• Chop onions and garlic.
• Prepare cranberry or maple glaze.
• Dry-brine if desired.

Thanksgiving Morning

• Prepare the turkey.
• Add aromatics and broth to the Crockpot.
• Start cooking according to your slow cooker’s instructions and your turkey’s size.

Near Mealtime

• Check the internal temperature.
• Remove the turkey at 165°F.
• Rest for 15–20 minutes.
• Make gravy from the cooking juices.
• Crisp the skin if desired.
• Slice and serve.

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🦃 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a turkey breast in a Crockpot?

Yes. Turkey breast works very well in a slow cooker and can be a convenient Thanksgiving alternative to a whole turkey.

Is Crockpot turkey breast juicy?

It can be very juicy when cooked correctly. The key is avoiding overcooking and using a thermometer.

What temperature should turkey breast reach?

The thickest portion should reach 165°F (74°C).

How long does turkey breast take in a Crockpot?

It varies based on the turkey’s weight, shape, starting temperature, and your slow cooker. Use the internal temperature as the final measure of doneness.

Should I put liquid in the Crockpot?

A modest amount of broth, cider, or another suitable cooking liquid can add flavor and create useful pan juices. You don’t need to completely submerge the turkey.

Can I put frozen turkey breast in a Crockpot?

For food-safety reasons, don’t rely on a slow cooker to safely cook a frozen turkey breast. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator first.

Should I sear turkey breast before slow cooking?

It’s optional. Searing can add extra browning, but it’s not necessary for a flavorful Crockpot turkey.

How do I make the skin crispy?

After slow cooking, transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and briefly brown the skin under a broiler while watching it closely.

Can I use boneless turkey breast?

Yes. Boneless turkey breast is especially convenient for smaller Thanksgiving meals.

Can I use bone-in turkey breast?

Yes. Bone-in turkey breast works beautifully in the Crockpot and makes an attractive centerpiece.

Should I baste turkey in the Crockpot?

You don’t need to repeatedly baste it. Keeping the lid closed helps maintain the cooking environment.

Can I make gravy with Crockpot turkey juices?

Absolutely. Strain the cooking liquid and thicken it with a roux or a properly mixed flour or cornstarch slurry.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Onion, garlic, carrots, celery, apples, and other appropriate vegetables can add flavor to the cooking liquid.

Can I put stuffing under the turkey?

You can prepare a slow-cooker turkey-and-stuffing recipe, but make sure the stuffing itself reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.

How long should turkey breast rest?

Allow approximately 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Can I prepare Crockpot turkey breast ahead of time?

Yes. Cooked turkey can be refrigerated promptly and reheated carefully. Adding a little broth or gravy while reheating can help prevent the meat from drying out.

How should I store leftovers?

Refrigerate leftover turkey promptly in shallow containers and use or freeze it according to current food-safety recommendations.

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🍂 Final Thoughts

A Crockpot can make Thanksgiving much less stressful. Instead of spending the day monitoring a large turkey in the oven, you can prepare a tender turkey breast in the slow cooker while leaving valuable oven space available for stuffing, casseroles, rolls, and desserts.

For a traditional Thanksgiving flavor, start with the Classic Herb Butter Turkey Breast, Garlic Rosemary Turkey Breast, or Turkey Breast With Gravy.

If you love fall flavors, try the Maple Glazed, Apple Cider, Cranberry Orange, or Cranberry Apple Turkey Breast.

For something different, the Cajun Turkey Breast, Parmesan Garlic Turkey Breast, or Creamy Garlic Turkey Breast are delicious alternatives.

And if you’re feeding a smaller gathering, these recipes are especially useful because you can make just enough turkey without roasting an entire bird.

Pair your favorite Crockpot turkey breast with mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, sweet potatoes, and warm rolls for an easy Thanksgiving dinner that still feels wonderfully festive. 🦃🍂🥔