Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Gravy

When the holidays roll around, preparing a turkey doesn’t have to be a time-consuming, stressful ordeal. This Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast recipe makes it easy to get tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey without even needing the oven. By cooking in a slow cooker, the turkey breast stays incredibly moist and is infused with fresh herbs, butter, and a touch of orange juice for extra depth. Top it off with an optional gravy made from the turkey drippings, and you have a holiday-worthy main dish that’s a breeze to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow-cooker turkey breast is perfect for smaller gatherings or those who want a simpler option for holiday dinners. The fresh herbs, garlic, and butter create a mouthwatering flavor profile, and cooking low and slow keeps the meat tender. Plus, with the option to broil the skin for a crispy finish and make a delicious homemade gravy, you can enjoy all the best parts of a traditional roast turkey with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Turkey

• 1 large white or yellow onion, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
• 1 (7-pound) bone-in turkey breast, skin on
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2–3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
• 1–2 teaspoons kosher salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• ½–1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup orange juice (or substitute with chicken broth)
• ¼ cup reduced sodium chicken broth

For the Gravy (Optional)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups broth (from turkey drippings in the slow cooker)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Lightly coat the ceramic portion of a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Scatter the diced onion chunks over the base of the slow cooker. The onions will add flavor to the turkey and the drippings for the gravy.

Step 2: Season the Turkey

1. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
3. Rub this butter mixture all over the turkey breast, including underneath the skin if possible, to infuse the turkey with flavor. Take care not to tear the skin.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey

1. Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the orange juice and chicken broth around the turkey to keep it moist and add extra flavor.
3. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for about 3 hours or on LOW for about 5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Use a digital thermometer for accuracy.

Step 4: Optional Crispy Skin

1. For a crispy, golden-brown skin, preheat your oven’s broiler to 500°F.
2. Carefully transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet with a wire rack.
3. Place it under the broiler for 5 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning, until the skin is golden and crisp.

Step 5: Make the Gravy (Optional)

1. Strain the cooking juices from the slow cooker, discarding the onion chunks. Add extra broth if necessary to make 2 cups of liquid.
2. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux.
3. Gradually add the strained broth, whisking constantly, and let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

1. Slice the turkey breast as desired and serve hot with the homemade gravy on the side.

Recipe Notes

• Crispy Skin Tip: If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler presentation, you can skip the broiling step.
• Orange Juice Substitute: For a savory option, use chicken broth instead of orange juice for a classic flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Turkey leftovers are great for sandwiches, salads, and soups.

Nutrition Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 hours (slow cooker on LOW)
• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 8 servings

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast is an easy and delicious way to serve turkey for any occasion, especially when oven space is limited. The slow cooker keeps the turkey tender and juicy, while fresh herbs and spices add wonderful flavor. Paired with a homemade gravy, it’s a crowd-pleasing main that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep. Give it a try and enjoy a no-fuss, flavorful turkey that everyone will love!

Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

With aromatic herbs and butter gently infusing a bone-in turkey breast, this slow cooker recipe offers tender, juicy meat ideal for your holiday spread. The subtle citrus notes from orange juice complement the rich, savory flavors, while the optional broiling step delivers a crispy, golden-brown finish to the skin. Serve it with homemade gravy, crafted from the turkey’s own drippings, for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey
1 large white or yellow onion, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
1 (7-pound) bone-in turkey breast, skin on
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2–3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
1–2 teaspoons kosher salt, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
½–1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup orange juice (or substitute with chicken broth)
¼ cup reduced sodium chicken broth
Gravy
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups broth (from turkey drippings in the slow cooker)
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the ceramic portion of a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Scatter the onion chunks over the base of the cooker.
Season the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, paprika, and pepper. Rub this butter mixture over the turkey breast, including underneath the skin if possible, taking care not to tear it.
Cook the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Pour the orange juice and reduced sodium chicken broth around the turkey. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for about 3 hours or on LOW for about 5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Use a digital thermometer for accuracy.
Optional Crispy Skin: For crispy skin, preheat the broiler to 500°F. Transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet, place on a wire rack, and broil for 5 minutes or until the skin is golden and crispy. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
Make the Gravy (Optional): Strain the cooking juices from the slow cooker, discarding onion chunks. Add additional broth if necessary to make 2 cups. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat, then whisk in the flour to make a roux. Gradually add the broth, whisking constantly, and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Slice the turkey breast as desired and serve with gravy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (slow cooker on LOW)

Nutrition

• Calories: 350