This herb-infused slow cooker turkey breast is what I make when I want something comforting and special without committing to a full roast turkey.
It’s simple, quietly flavorful, and perfect for days when you want a hands-off main that still feels thoughtful.
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and the result is tender, juicy turkey that slices beautifully.
Behind the Recipe
I started making turkey breast this way after realizing how forgiving it is in the slow cooker. With a few aromatics, citrus, and steady low heat, the meat stays moist and absorbs flavor slowly. This version became a favorite because it works just as well for a small gathering as it does for weekly meal prep.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
Slow-cooked turkey breast is a modern adaptation of traditional roasting, designed for convenience and moisture retention. Using citrus and herbs is a classic pairing that dates back centuries, helping balance the richness of poultry.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Hands-off cooking: Minimal prep, slow cooker does the rest
- Juicy results: Low heat prevents drying
- Simple ingredients: No complicated seasoning
- Versatile: Works for holidays or everyday meals
- Meal-prep friendly: Excellent leftovers
- Naturally flavorful: Herbs and citrus infuse gently
- Great for smaller households: No whole turkey needed
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Pat turkey dry: Helps seasoning adhere
- Cook skin-side up: Keeps meat moist
- Use fresh herbs: Better aroma than dried
- Let it rest: Locks in juices before slicing
- Slice against the grain: Ensures tenderness
Ingredients in This Recipe
- Turkey breast (3 lbs): Lean, tender cut ideal for slow cooking
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps seasoning stick and adds richness
- Garlic (3 cloves): Savory aromatic base
- Fresh rosemary (2 sprigs): Earthy herbal flavor
- Orange (1, sliced): Adds brightness and moisture
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances natural turkey flavor
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Mild warmth and balance
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker: For gentle, even cooking
- Chef’s knife: For slicing turkey cleanly
- Cutting board: Stable surface for carving
- Measuring spoons: Accurate seasoning
- Cooking tongs: Easy and safe handling
Instructions for Making This Recipe
- Season turkey: Pat dry, rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Place in slow cooker: Skin-side up
- Add aromatics: Scatter garlic and rosemary
- Add citrus: Arrange orange slices on and around turkey
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours
- Rest: Transfer turkey and rest for 10 minutes
- Slice: Cut against the grain
- Serve: Drizzle with cooking juices
Ingredient Substitutions
- Rosemary: Thyme or sage
- Orange: Lemon or clementine
- Olive oil: Melted butter for richness
Ingredient Spotlight
- Turkey Breast: Lean protein that benefits from slow, moist heat
- Citrus: Gently tenderizes and perfumes the meat
Herb-Infused Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels, then rub it all over with olive oil, salt, and black pepper to season evenly.
- Place the turkey breast into the slow cooker, positioning it skin-side up for even cooking and maximum moisture retention.
- Scatter the minced garlic over the turkey, then tuck sprigs of rosemary around the meat for fragrant aromatics.
- Layer slices of orange and lemon on top of and around the turkey, which will release citrus oils during slow cooking.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Let it cook gently for about 8 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and becomes tender when pierced with a fork.
- Once cooked, carefully transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the turkey breast against the grain into thick or thin pieces, revealing a juicy, tender interior infused with herbs and citrus.
- Serve the turkey slices with a drizzle of the flavorful juices from the slow cooker for a beautifully moist presentation.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
- Juicy meat: Comes from slow, low heat
- Subtle citrus: Adds freshness without overpowering
- Herb aroma: Builds gradually during cooking
What to Avoid
- High heat setting: Can dry the turkey
- Skipping rest time: Loses juices
- Over-seasoning: Turkey flavor should shine
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 42 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make ahead: Ideal for planned meals
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Freezing: Freeze sliced turkey with juices
How to Serve This Dish
- With roasted vegetables: Balanced plate
- With mashed potatoes: Classic pairing
- In sandwiches: Excellent cold or reheated
Creative Leftover Transformations
- Turkey wraps: Add greens and mustard
- Turkey soup: Use broth and leftover meat
- Turkey pasta: Stir into creamy sauces
Variations to Try
- Garlic-forward: Add extra cloves
- Holiday-style: Add thyme and sage
- Citrus mix: Use orange and lemon together
- Butter-based: Replace oil with butter
- Peppery: Increase black pepper slightly
FAQs
- Can I use boneless turkey breast? Yes
- Does skin-on matter? Helps retain moisture
- Can I cook it longer? Yes, up to 9 hours
- How do I keep it moist? Cook low and rest
- Can I add vegetables? Yes, add near the bottom
- Is this freezer-friendly? Very
- Can I make gravy? Yes, from the juices
- Is this good for holidays? Absolutely
- What herbs work best? Rosemary and thyme
- Can I double it? Only if slow cooker is large enough
Hi, I’m Anjali Arora, the quietly curious mind behind Landscape Insight. I’ve always been most comfortable in my own space. I’m not great at small talk (it still makes me a little uneasy), and I’ve never been the loudest person in the room. What I have always carried with me, though, are two steady loves that shape how I move through the world: animals and food.
