If you’re looking for a hands-off, ridiculously delicious way to enjoy turkey any time of the year, I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe enough. It’s tender, juicy, and buoyed by an herbal seasoning blend that makes every bite sing. Trust me, once you try this, your slow cooker will become your new best friend for easy, comforting meals.

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Why This Recipe Works

Low and Slow Cooking: The slow cooker ensures the turkey breast stays super moist and tender without any babysitting.
Herb and Spice Blend: Garlic, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of paprika create a fragrant, well-rounded flavor profile.
Hands-Off Convenience: Mix, rub, and let it cook — perfect for busy days or when you want dinner ready without fuss.
Versatility: Perfect for weeknight dinners or even holiday meals without heating up your whole oven.

Slow Cooker Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast, easy turkey breast recipe, juicy turkey in slow cooker, herbal turkey breast, healthy slow cooker poultry - A sliced roasted piece of white meat with a brown outer crust sits on a bed of cooked onion slices, halved roasted garlic, and fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme inside a dark pan. The meat is thick, with a juicy, firm inside that contrasts with its slightly crispy browned edge. The onions look soft and lightly browned, while the garlic reveals golden cloves. The green herbs add a fresh touch around the meat. The background surface is white marble. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe is in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each component plays a role in building layers of flavor while keeping the meat juicy and tender, so picking fresh herbs and good-quality broth really makes a difference.

Garlic powder: Gives a lovely savory depth and pairs beautifully with fresh garlic in the cooker.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and color that makes the turkey look as good as it tastes.
Onion powder: Boosts the natural sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile without overpowering.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning evenly and enhancing the herb flavors.
Ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and a touch of sharpness to balance the herbs.
Olive oil: Helps the rub stick to the turkey and promotes browning if you choose to broil at the end.
Chicken broth: Keeps the turkey moist and infuses subtle savory notes during slow cooking.
Boneless turkey breast: The star of the show — lean, tender, and perfect for slow cooking.
Garlic head (halved): Roasts gently in the cooker, releasing mellow sweet garlic flavor.
Yellow onion (halved): Provides a natural bed for the turkey and infuses juicy sweetness.
Fresh thyme & rosemary sprigs: Fresh herbs give the turkey that signature herbaceous aroma and flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about the Slow Cooker Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to your taste. I often jazz it up depending on the season or whatever fresh herbs I have lying around—you’ll find your own signature spin in no time.

Variation: I sometimes swap rosemary for sage in the fall for that cozy, classic turkey vibe. It’s delicious and brings a warmer aroma.
Dietary tweaks: For a dairy-free or paleo twist, just skip the gravy or opt for a simple pan jus made with broth and herbs.
Make it spicy: If you like a kick, sprinkle in a little cayenne or chopped fresh chili with the rub. It wakes up the flavors beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Herb-Spice Paste

Start by mixing the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a small bowl until you get a smooth, spreadable paste. This is where the magic starts, so don’t rush—make sure each spice is evenly distributed. This paste will infuse your turkey breast with incredible flavor while helping lock in moisture.

Step 2: Rub It In and Prep Your Slow Cooker

Generously rub the seasoning paste all over the turkey breast—don’t be shy! Get those nooks and crannies coated. Then, place the sliced onion and halved garlic head in the bottom of your slow cooker—they create a natural rack and flavor base. Pour the chicken broth over the onions and garlic; this creates steam to keep everything juicy.

Step 3: Cook with Fresh Herbs

Lay the turkey breast on top of the garlic and onion, aiming to keep it out of the broth if you can—it keeps the texture perfect. Tuck the sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary around the turkey for that lovely herb aroma. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You want to cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F—use a meat thermometer for best results.

Step 4: Optional Crispy Finish

If you’re like me and crave crispy skin on turkey breast, once the slow cooker’s done, pop the turkey on a wire rack over a baking sheet and broil on low for 5-8 minutes. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. This step adds a nice contrast to the tender, juicy meat inside.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use a Meat Thermometer: Relying on exact temps ensures perfectly cooked turkey every time — no guessing games!
Don’t Skip Fresh Herbs: They really elevate the flavor beyond dried herbs; plus, their aroma fills your kitchen with such warmth.
Keep Turkey Off the Liquid: Placing the turkey on the onion and garlic bed helps prevent sogginess and cooks it more evenly.
Let It Rest After Cooking: Allow the turkey to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to keep all those juices locked in.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or thyme right on top of the sliced turkey—it adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbal note. Sometimes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens it up wonderfully without overpowering that cozy herb seasoning.

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad. On colder days, I can’t resist serving it with buttery green beans or a wild rice pilaf infused with extra herbs.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, slice the turkey breast into medallions and fan them out on a platter with roasted garlic cloves and herb sprigs artfully arranged around the edges. It looks impressive but is so easy—and seriously tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover turkey tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps for up to 4 days, and I always find the flavor deepens after resting overnight.

Freezing

If I ever have a big batch, freezing sliced turkey breast in freezer-safe bags works great. Just separate slices with parchment paper for easy portioning. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months without losing much flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming turkey slices in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Microwaving works too, but watch the time to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this slow cooker recipe?

You can, but bone-in breasts may require longer cooking times to reach the safe 165°F internal temperature. Also, the bone can make the meat a bit more flavorful but might alter the cooking texture slightly—so keep a meat thermometer handy!
Is it necessary to broil the turkey after slow cooking?

Not at all! Broiling is just an optional step to crisp the skin if you like. The turkey is fully cooked and tender after slow cooking, so you can skip this if you prefer softer skin or are short on time.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked in the slow cooker?

The safest way is to use a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Once it reads 165°F, your turkey is perfectly cooked and safe to serve.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the turkey?

Absolutely! Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips can be added to the bottom with the onions and garlic. Just keep in mind that cooking times may be a little longer, and veggies might get very soft, which can be wonderful for a comforting meal.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s reliable, flavorful, and stress-free. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers that shine in sandwiches and salads, this recipe delivers every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!