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Best Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

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This incredibly juicy and flavorful slow cooker turkey breast with garlic herb butter is a foolproof recipe that makes you look like a kitchen hero with almost no effort. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any gathering, it’s set-it-and-forget-it magic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (5–7 pounds)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
  • Optional: a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage

Instructions

  1. Make the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix with a fork until well combined. The mixture should be spreadable but not melted.
  2. Prep the turkey breast: Remove the turkey breast from packaging and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Place on a cutting board, breast side up. Using your fingers, gently loosen the skin from the meat starting at the neck end, being careful not to tear the skin.
  3. Apply the herb butter: Take about two-thirds of the garlic herb butter and spread it directly onto the meat under the skin. Spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey breast, including the skin and underside.
  4. Prepare the slow cooker: Place the quartered onion and celery chunks in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Pour in the broth. Add optional fresh herb sprigs if using.
  5. Add the turkey: Carefully place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables, breast side up. It should fit snugly but not be crammed in.
  6. Cook on low: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours for a 5-7 pound turkey breast. Start checking at the 4-hour mark. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
  7. Rest before slicing: Carefully transfer the turkey to a cutting board using tongs. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
  8. Slice and serve: After resting, carve the turkey breast against the grain into thick, even slices. Spoon some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker over the slices for extra moisture and flavor.

Notes

Don’t skip getting the herb butter under the skin—it’s key for flavor. Pat the turkey dry so the butter sticks. Use low heat, not high. Let the turkey rest before slicing. If you want crispy skin, broil the cooked turkey for 3-5 minutes. The turkey tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker turkey breast, garlic herb butter turkey, easy turkey recipe, juicy turkey breast, holiday turkey, set it and forget it turkey

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/best-slow-cooker-turkey-breast-with-garlic-herb-butter-recipe/