This Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is a wonderfully easy and flavorful way to make a juicy turkey dinner without much fuss. The turkey breast gets tender and moist as it slowly cooks with plenty of garlic and fresh herbs, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma that makes mealtime something to look forward to. It’s a simple recipe that turns a lean cut of meat into something truly tasty and special.
I love using the slow cooker for this recipe because it lets all those herbs and garlic really soak into the turkey, making every bite full of flavor without having to spend hours watching the oven. Plus, it’s great to set it up in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat meal. If you want an extra touch, I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten all the flavors—it’s a little trick that makes a big difference!
When I serve this turkey breast, I like to keep things simple—roasted veggies or a fresh salad go perfectly alongside it. It’s the kind of dish that’s just as lovely for a weeknight dinner as it is for a casual weekend get-together with friends. I always find that having leftovers around is a bonus since they make incredible sandwiches or salads the next day. This recipe has quickly become one of my favorites when I want something hearty and delicious with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: The star here is a boneless turkey breast. It’s lean and becomes tender with slow cooking. If you can’t find turkey, a large chicken breast or pork loin works well too.
Garlic & Fresh Herbs: Fresh garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley give this recipe its bright flavor. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs are fine—just use half the amount.
Chicken Broth: This keeps the turkey moist while cooking. You can swap it with vegetable broth or even water if needed, but broth adds more flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps create that herb paste and adds richness. Any mild oil like avocado or canola can be used as a substitute.
How Do You Keep Turkey Breast Moist in a Slow Cooker?
Turkey breast can dry out easily, so keeping it juicy needs a few tricks:
- Pat the turkey dry before seasoning—this helps the herb paste stick well.
- Cook on low heat for several hours rather than high heat; this gentle cooking keeps the meat tender.
- Add some chicken broth to the slow cooker to create steam and keep the turkey moist.
- Let the turkey rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute inside the meat.
- Optional searing before slow cooking adds color and extra flavor but isn’t necessary.
Following these steps ensures your turkey comes out tender, flavorful, and far from dry every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – perfect for tender, hands-off cooking that keeps the turkey moist and flavorful.
- Cutting board – makes slicing the turkey easy and safe after it rests.
- Sharp chef’s knife – helps you cut clean, even slices without tearing the meat.
- Small mixing bowl – for combining the garlic, herbs, and oil into a paste.
- Meat thermometer – ensures your turkey is cooked to a safe 165°F without overcooking.
- Optional skillet – handy if you want to sear the turkey breast before slow cooking for extra flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use lemon zest and juice to add bright citrus notes that brighten the herb flavors.
- Swap turkey breast for boneless chicken breast for a quicker and lighter option.
- Add sliced mushrooms or diced onions around the turkey in the slow cooker for extra veggies and flavor.
- Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the herb paste for a subtle tangy kick.
How to Make Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Turkey and Herb Mixture:
- 2 to 3 pounds boneless turkey breast
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes preparing the turkey and herb mixture, followed by 4 to 5 hours on low heat (or 2.5 to 3 hours on high) cooking in the slow cooker. Finally, allow 10 minutes for the turkey to rest before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey:
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasoning stick and can improve browning if you choose to sear the meat.
2. Make the Garlic Herb Paste:
In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, dried sage, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and olive oil until well combined into a paste.
3. Season the Turkey:
Rub the herb paste all over the turkey breast evenly, making sure every surface is coated.
4. Sear the Turkey (Optional):
For deeper flavor and color, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey breast on all sides for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Then transfer to the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cook the Turkey:
Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth around (not directly on) the turkey to keep the herb coating in place. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2.5 to 3 hours. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest the Turkey:
Transfer the cooked turkey breast to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute for juicy slices.
7. Serve:
Optionally, stir lemon juice into the slow cooker juices to create a bright, flavorful sauce. Slice the turkey breast and spoon the juices over the meat. Serve alongside your favorite sides like roasted potatoes and green beans.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Breast for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Cooking frozen turkey in the slow cooker is not recommended as it can affect the texture and safety of the meat.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the garlic herb paste and rub it on the turkey a day ahead, then store it covered in the fridge. When ready, just place it in the slow cooker with broth and cook as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover turkey slices and any juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to avoid drying out the meat.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Add sturdy vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or green beans around the turkey at the start of cooking for a complete meal. Just keep in mind that dense veggies may require slicing into smaller pieces to cook fully within the time frame.
