I absolutely love this Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Vegetables Recipe because it takes all the stress out of making a perfectly moist turkey breast. When I first tried this method, I was amazed at how tender and flavorful the turkey turned out — no dry slices in sight! It’s a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or those cozy Sunday suppers when you want something comforting but fuss-free.
You’ll find that layering the turkey on a bed of veggies and cooking it low and slow in the crockpot not only keeps the meat juicy but also gives you a delicious side of tender, savory carrots, celery, and onion all in one pot. Plus, the butter and spice rub blend infuses the turkey with so much flavor, making this Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Vegetables Recipe a staple in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Juiciness: The slow cooker keeps the turkey moist without drying it out, even if you step away from the kitchen.
- One-Pot Flavor: Cooking on a vegetable bed infuses the meat and sides with rich flavor, saving time on extra prep.
- Easy & Hands-Off: Perfect for busy days when you want something hearty without constant babysitting.
- Versatile Meal: Great for family dinners, meal prepping, or even small get-togethers with plenty of leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a flavorful and succulent turkey breast with tender vegetables. Choosing a fresh turkey breast with skin on helps lock in moisture, and the homemade butter rub adds a depth of spice that’s better than store-bought seasoning.
- Butter: Softened butter absorbs the spices perfectly and helps brown the turkey skin wonderfully if you broil it afterward.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning—I always recommend kosher for its texture and flavor balance.
- Onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika: A straightforward spice mix that makes the turkey aromatic and flavorful without overpowering.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the crockpot, keeping everything tender.
- Celery, carrots, yellow onion: Classic root veggies that create a savory rack for the turkey and soak up delicious juices during cooking.
- Boneless turkey breast with skin: Choose a fresh, good-quality breast weighing around 2 to 2 ½ pounds for perfect cooking time and texture.
Variations
I love tweaking this Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Vegetables Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry, and I encourage you to do the same. Personalizing the herbs, veggies, or cooking times can make this recipe fit any mood or occasion.
- Herb Boost: I sometimes add fresh thyme or rosemary to the butter rub for an herby twist my family goes crazy for.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the spice mix gives the turkey a gentle heat that really wakes up the flavors.
- Vegetable Swap: I’ve swapped carrots and celery with parsnips or sweet potatoes for a fall-inspired version that’s just as tasty.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s great for friends and family with dietary restrictions.
How to Make Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Butter Spice Rub and Apply It
Start by softening your butter until it’s easy to work with—you want it smooth, not melted. Then mix in kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika to form a fragrant paste. Spread this mixture evenly over the entire turkey breast, making sure to cover all sides and especially under the skin where the flavor really sinks in. This is where the magic starts: the butter keeps the meat moist, and the spices build a beautiful savory crust.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables and Pour the Broth
Pour one cup of chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker — this acts like a steam bath to keep everything tender. Add the halved celery stalks, quartered carrots, and sliced yellow onion, spreading them evenly to create a cozy bed for the turkey. These veggies release their natural sweetness and soak up the turkey’s juices while cooking, becoming a delicious side you’ll want to dive into.
Step 3: Add the Turkey Breast and Cook Low and Slow
Place your turkey breast skin side up on top of the vegetables—this keeps the flavorful butter rub on the skin while allowing the bottom to rest on the veggie bed. Cover with the crockpot lid and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. The key here is low and slow; rushing this will dry out your turkey. You want to cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F, which you can check with a good kitchen thermometer.
Step 4: Optional Broil for Crispy Skin
If you’re like me and love that crispy, golden skin on turkey, transfer the cooked breast to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes. Just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn—broilers work fast! Rest the turkey for about 10 minutes before slicing; this helps the juices redistribute and keeps every slice juicy and tender.
Pro Tips for Making Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Vegetables Recipe
- Room Temperature Turkey: I always let my turkey rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before rubbing in the butter—it helps the seasoning soak in better.
- Vegetable Variety: Adding a few garlic cloves or fresh herbs like thyme to the veggies amps up the aroma and taste during cooking.
- Thermometer Timing: Invest in a reliable instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking—trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Resting the turkey after cooking lets the juices redistribute, preventing dryness when you slice it up.
How to Serve Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves—it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens up the rich turkey and veggies. Sometimes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving lends a lovely zing that cuts through the buttery flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Vegetables Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all those flavorful juices. I also love serving it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for some texture contrast and extra veggie goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served the sliced turkey breast on a large platter surrounded by the cooked vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. It makes for a beautiful centerpiece that looks as good as it tastes. Another fun idea is to build open-faced turkey sandwiches with thick slices on crusty bread, topped with some of the succulent crockpot veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover turkey breast and vegetables together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps really well for up to 4 days. I find the flavors even deepen overnight, making for easy and delicious next-day meals or sandwiches.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen slices of this turkey breast and the cooked vegetables separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. When properly wrapped, they last up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the turkey and veggies in the oven wrapped in foil at 325°F until heated through—this helps retain moisture better than the microwave. If you’re in a hurry, microwave on medium power in short intervals, making sure to cover to avoid drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed turkey breast for this Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Vegetables Recipe so that it cooks evenly. Cooking from frozen may increase cooking time and affect texture, making it harder to reach the correct internal temperature safely.
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How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
Using an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable method. The turkey breast is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part. Overcooking will dry it out, so keep an eye on it especially towards the end of cooking.
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Can I use white wine instead of chicken broth?
Yes! Substituting chicken broth with white wine adds a lovely depth and subtle acidity that complements the turkey nicely. Just keep the quantity the same, and it will work beautifully in the crockpot.
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Is it okay to cook this turkey breast without vegatables?
You can skip the vegetables, but I highly recommend keeping them—they create a flavorful base, help steam the turkey gently, and provide a tasty side dish all in one. Without them, the turkey might cook a bit faster and you lose that wonderful veggie infusion.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Vegetables Recipe has become one of those trusted go-to meals in my kitchen—I love how it delivers consistent, tender, and flavorful results with so little effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or hosting a small gathering, this recipe makes life easier without sacrificing taste. I truly encourage you to give it a try and see how wonderfully hands-off yet impressive a crockpot turkey can be!
PrintJuicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe delivers a juicy, tender turkey breast cooked slowly in a crockpot with aromatic vegetables and a flavorful butter seasoning. Perfect for a hassle-free, delicious meal with a beautifully browned skin if finished under the broiler.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Vegetables & Broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 stalks celery (halved)
- 3 carrots (quartered)
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced into ½” wedges)
Protein
- 1 boneless turkey breast with skin (about 2 to 2 ½ pounds)
Instructions
- Prepare the butter seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Season the turkey breast: Evenly spread the butter mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to cover the skin side thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Add broth and vegetables to slow cooker: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the crockpot. Add the halved celery stalks, quartered carrots, and sliced onion wedges to the broth, creating a flavorful bed for the turkey breast.
- Place the turkey on vegetables: Carefully set the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetable mixture in the crockpot, skin side facing up.
- Cook low and slow: Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Optional broil for crispy skin: Remove the turkey breast from the crockpot and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the skin is browned and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Let the turkey breast rest for about 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Say goodbye to dry turkey and hello to this juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe! It turns out perfect every single time.
- Using butter under the skin or spread evenly adds moisture and flavor.
- Vegetables can be served alongside the turkey or used as a base for gravy.
- The optional broiling step gives a beautiful browned skin resembling oven-roasted turkey.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces cooked turkey breast
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg