This Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is a simple and tasty way to enjoy juicy, flavorful turkey without turning on the oven. The turkey breast is seasoned with fresh herbs and plenty of garlic, slowly cooked until tender and perfectly moist. The slow cooker does all the work, making it a great option for busy days or when you want a hands-off meal.
I love making this turkey because it fills the kitchen with the most inviting smell of garlic and herbs. It’s one of those recipes that feels special without any fuss. I usually toss some potatoes and carrots in the slow cooker along with the turkey, so everything cooks together and picks up that great flavor.
It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, sliced up and served with your favorite sides, or even shredded for sandwiches the next day. I always find myself coming back to this recipe when I want comfort food that’s easy and delicious, plus it works great for casual family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: Using a boneless skin-on breast helps keep the meat juicy and adds flavor from the skin. If you can’t find skin-on, a skinless breast works but may be a bit drier.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and parsley bring bright, earthy flavors that complement turkey perfectly. If fresh herbs aren’t available, use 1 tsp each dried, but reduce quantity since dried herbs are stronger.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best for authentic flavor. Garlic powder can be a quick substitute but skip it if you want a more delicate taste.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth during slow cooking. Vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can work in a pinch.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the sauce at the end. Fresh lemon is ideal but bottled lemon juice is a convenient alternative.
How Do You Achieve Tender, Juicy Turkey in a Slow Cooker?
Slow cooking turkey breast can easily dry it out if you’re not careful. Here’s how I make it tender and full of flavor:
- Pat turkey dry: This helps spices stick and lets the skin crisp slightly before slow cooking.
- Season generously: Don’t be shy with herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. They infuse flavor as it cooks.
- Cook skin side up: Keeps juices pooling in the meat rather than losing moisture through the skin.
- Use broth: Pouring broth underneath provides gentle steam, keeping the turkey moist during hours of slow cooking.
- Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer and remove chicken at 165°F to avoid overcooking.
- Rest before slicing: Tent the turkey with foil for about 10 minutes so juices redistribute, making slices tender and juicy.
These steps make the slow cooker method foolproof for tender turkey every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – the star of this recipe; it cooks the turkey low and slow for tender meat without babysitting.
- Sharp knife – helps you trim and slice the turkey breast cleanly after cooking.
- Cutting board – a stable surface to prepare and carve your turkey safely.
- Small bowl – to mix your garlic and herb seasoning easily before rubbing it on the turkey.
- Spoon or brush – perfect for spreading olive oil and seasoning evenly over the turkey.
- Meat thermometer – lets you check that the turkey is cooked perfectly to 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- Foil – handy for tenting the turkey while it rests so the juices stay locked in.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey breast for boneless chicken breast if you want a faster cook time and similar flavors.
- Add sliced mushrooms or pearl onions to the slow cooker for extra earthiness and texture.
- Try rosemary and sage instead of thyme for a classic Thanksgiving twist.
- Mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard with the herbs and garlic for a tangy, slightly spicy kick.
How to Make Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey:
- 2 to 3 lb boneless skin-on turkey breast
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional: fresh herb sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then 4 to 5 hours to cook in the slow cooker. After cooking, allow 10 minutes to rest before slicing and serving. It’s a hands-off, easy meal that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas while you go about your day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey:
Pat your turkey breast dry using paper towels to help the seasoning stick better. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Season and Place in Slow Cooker:
Rub the olive oil all over the turkey breast, then press the herb and garlic mixture onto the meat evenly. Place the turkey breast skin side up inside your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth around the turkey, keeping it in the base to keep the meat moist.
3. Cook and Finish:
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When done, carefully remove the turkey and tent loosely with foil to rest for 10 minutes for juicy tenderness.
4. Make the Sauce and Serve:
Pour the cooking juices into a small pan, add lemon juice, and simmer briefly over medium heat to reduce slightly into a flavorful sauce. Slice the turkey breast, drizzle with this garlic herb sauce, and garnish with fresh herb sprigs if you’d like. Serve with your favorite sides like roasted potatoes and green beans.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Breast in the Slow Cooker?
It’s best to use fully thawed turkey breast to ensure even cooking and food safety. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing before seasoning and cooking.
Can I Cook This on High in the Slow Cooker?
You can, but the cooking time will be shorter—usually around 2 to 3 hours. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature to avoid drying out the turkey.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep the meat moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker?
Yes! Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions make great add-ins. Just place them in the bottom of the slow cooker beneath the turkey so they cook evenly and soak up those delicious flavors.
