Slow Cooker Herbed Turkey Breast | Easy Thanksgiving Recipe | By Laura Ann Villanueva | Publisher Eatyournutrition

This slow cooker herbed turkey breast is an easy Thanksgiving recipe for a smaller gathering, with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage bringing familiar holiday flavor. A boneless turkey breast cooks over onion and celery while the oven stays available for your favorite sides.

🦃 An Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe For A Smaller Gathering

You do not need to roast a whole bird to bring turkey to the Thanksgiving table. A boneless breast can be a practical option when you are feeding a smaller group, prefer white meat, or want a second turkey dish without using another oven rack.

This recipe keeps the seasoning simple and uses olive oil instead of a butter rub. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, but a food thermometer is essential for knowing when the turkey is ready. Plan your sides around a cooking window rather than an exact finish time.

✨ 10 Simple Ways to Start Healing Your Gut — Naturally

Subscribe to the FREE newsletter for the latest nutrition tips, recipes, and so much more. Receive this FREE guide today.

SIGN ME UP

We use your personal data for interest-based advertising, as outlined in our Privacy Notice.

🧡 Thanksgiving Flavor With A Simpler Routine

The appeal of an easy slow cooker Thanksgiving turkey breast is flexibility. You can prepare the vegetables and herb mixture ahead, set up your sides while the turkey cooks, and keep the ingredient list familiar.

The slow cooker produces moist heat, so the skin will not become crisp on its own. If your roast has skin, a short optional broil adds color. You can also skip that step and serve sliced turkey with a little cooking liquid.

🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need For Slow Cooker Herbed Turkey Breast

This slow cooker turkey breast recipe is pretty simple to make and allows for less stress during a busy holiday.

• Boneless Turkey Breast Roast: Choose an approximately 3-pound roast that fits with the lid fully closed. This method is written for boneless breast, not a whole turkey.

• Onion and Celery: Form a simple aromatic base.

• Low-Sodium Broth: Adds liquid and savory flavor. Check gluten-free labeling.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute the herb rub.

• Garlic: Provides a savory foundation.

• Rosemary, Thyme, and Sage: Classic turkey seasonings without a packaged gravy mix.

• Lemon Zest: Adds brightness without making a sour sauce.

• Salt and Pepper: Adjust the salt if your turkey is injected, seasoned, or pre-brined.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Allergen Notes

Check the turkey label, added solutions, seasoning packets, and broth for gluten and other ingredients you avoid. Set aside any packaged gravy rather than assuming it is gluten-free. The olive oil herb rub contains no milk, but pre-seasoned roasts can have additional ingredients.

👩‍🍳 Directions: How To Make Slow Cooker Herbed Turkey Breast

Herb turkey breast is the perfect recipe for a small Thanksgiving dinner. Learn how easy it is to make it.

Step 1: Prepare The Turkey

Start with a fully thawed, approximately 3-pound boneless turkey breast roast. Remove the outer packaging and any gravy packet. If it has cooking netting, follow the package directions about leaving it on during cooking. Do not rinse raw turkey. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Build The Flavor

Arrange the onion wedges and celery in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker and pour in the broth. Mix the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Rub over the turkey. If skin-on, gently work some seasoning under the skin without removing it.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Done

Place the turkey on the vegetables, skin-side up if applicable. Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 4-6 hours, starting temperature checks around 4 hours. Cook until the thickest part reaches 165°F in several places. Slow cookers and roast shapes vary; temperature determines doneness, not the clock. Keep the lid closed except for necessary temperature checks, and follow your appliance’s guidance for poultry and capacity.

Step 4: Rest And Slice

Transfer the turkey to a clean cutting board and rest for about 15 minutes before slicing across the grain. Remove any netting as directed. For skin-on turkey, you may first transfer it to a broiler-safe metal pan and broil briefly until browned, watching constantly; do not put the slow cooker insert under a broiler.

Step 5: Serve With The Juices

Spoon a little hot cooking liquid over the slices or serve it alongside. Discard the cooked aromatics if desired. Refrigerate leftover turkey and juices promptly in shallow containers.

🌿 Wellness Spotlight: Functional Nutrition Benefits

Turkey breast contributes protein to the holiday plate. The olive oil and herbs add flavor with a short ingredient list, while choosing a low-sodium broth gives you more control over seasoning.

Round out the meal with vegetables and the starches you enjoy, such as potatoes, rice, or gluten-free stuffing. A satisfying Thanksgiving dinner can include your favorite foods without turning every side into a lighter version.

🧡 Learn How To Make An Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Breast

Start fully thawed, keep the lid closed during cooking, and check the thickest part with a thermometer. Resting makes slicing easier, but the turkey should already reach 165°F before it leaves the slow cooker.