Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a foolproof, super flavorful turkey recipe that’s both easy and hands-off, you’ve got to try my Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe. This dish is a game changer — juicy, tender turkey infused with fresh herbs and garlic butter, all cooked perfectly in the slow cooker while you go about your day. Trust me, you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and how your family will go crazy for it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a comforting, aromatic turkey that’s so tender it practically melts in your mouth. I recommend fresh herbs whenever possible—they bring your dish to life in ways dried ones just can’t match.

• Turkey breast: Choose a bone-in, skin-on breast—it holds moisture better and the skin crisps up beautifully at the end.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning essentials that enhance all the other flavors.
• Brown onion: Adds a subtle sweet depth and pairs perfectly with garlic.
• Head of garlic: Love garlic? Me too—this whole head roasted alongside makes the aroma irresistible.
• Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs: If you can get fresh herbs, grab them; their fragrance is unbeatable.
• Oil for drizzling: Use a neutral oil like canola to crisp the skin under the broiler without burning.
• Unsalted butter: The base for the herb butter—softened for easy mixing and slathering.
• Minced garlic cloves: For that garlic punch inside the butter.
• Fresh sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley: Finely chopped for the herb butter, adding layers of fragrance and flavor.
• Chicken broth or stock: For topping up juices if needed during slow cooking.
• Flour: To thicken your gravy from the cooking juices.
• Dark soy sauce or gravy coloring: Adds depth and rich color to your gravy.

Variations

I love giving this recipe a little twist here and there depending on the season or what I have in my herb garden. Feel free to personalize it—you’ll find it’s pretty forgiving and flexible!

• Herb Swap: When fresh thyme or rosemary aren’t available, dried herbs work fine—just reduce quantities slightly to avoid overpowering.
• Spice it Up: My family loves a hint of smoked paprika or chili flakes added to the garlic butter for a subtle smoky warmth.
• Unstuffed Version: Sometimes I skip placing herbs inside the cavity and instead mix them into the butter and slather under the skin for even faster prep.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter in the herb mixture for a lighter, dairy-free option that still tastes amazing.

How to Make Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

This is where the magic starts. Soften your butter and mix it with minced garlic and finely chopped fresh herbs—sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley are my go-to combo. Add salt and pepper to balance it all out. Once combined, this butter mixture will not only flavor the turkey but also help keep it moist throughout the slow cooking.

Step 2: Loosen the Turkey Skin

Pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels. Using a small sharp knife, carefully create a small slit between the skin and meat on one side. Then gently slide a tablespoon under the skin, working it all over to loosen it without tearing. This step lets you get that garlic herb butter underneath the skin—truly a game changer for moist, flavorful meat! Here’s a tip: If you’ve never done this before, watch a quick video tutorial online—it really helps visualizing the technique.

Step 3: Slather the Herb Butter

Spoon about two-thirds of your garlic herb butter under the loosened skin, smoothing it evenly over the meat. Then spread the remaining butter all over the turkey skin and underside. This creates layers of flavor and helps crisp the skin later. Sprinkle the surface with salt and pepper. If you want, you can let the turkey rest covered in the fridge overnight or up to two days at this point to deepen the flavors.

Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place the halved garlic head and brown onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the turkey breast skin side up on top and scatter fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs over it. This aromatic bed enhances the turkey’s flavor during the slow cook. If your slow cooker lid doesn’t fit snugly, add a little chicken broth to keep things moist; otherwise, it usually isn’t necessary.

Step 5: Slow Cook Your Turkey

Cook the turkey on low for about 6 hours. I always check around the 4-hour mark just to be safe—slow cookers can vary. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast; once it reads 75°C (165°F), your turkey is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

Step 6: Let It Rest, Then Crisp the Skin

Carefully transfer your turkey to a baking tray and save all those delicious juices from the slow cooker. Loosely cover the bird with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes—resting is key to juicy slices. Now, remove the herb sprigs, drizzle a little neutral oil over the skin (but not butter, as it burns easily), and place under the broiler/grill set about 12 inches away for 5 to 10 minutes. Watch closely as the skin crisps up to a beautiful golden bronzed finish. This final step is pure indulgence!

How to Serve Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this turkey with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves just before plating—it adds a fresh green pop and a lovely herbaceous aroma. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens the rich flavors wonderfully, too.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts. A classic cranberry sauce adds that perfect sweet-tart contrast. You could throw in a fresh green salad or some buttery dinner rolls to round everything out.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special gatherings, I slice the turkey and fan it out on a large platter surrounded by roasted herbs and edible flowers—it looks stunning and invites your guests to dig in. Setting small bowls of cranberry sauce and gravy alongside completes the elegant look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly wrap leftover turkey in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It usually keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, which is great for quick turkey sandwiches or salads.

Freezing

Freezing this turkey works well. Slice it up first and store portions in freezer bags with any reserved juices to maintain moisture. When you thaw it, I recommend overnight in the fridge to keep the texture just right.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the turkey slices covered in foil into a 325°F (160°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, adding some reserved broth or gravy to keep it juicy. The slow heat helps preserve tenderness without drying out your meat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites because it takes the stress out of cooking turkey while delivering seriously impressive results. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a comforting dinner, it’s easy, delicious, and makes you look like a pro. I hope you love it as much as my family does—give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

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