I insisted on doing the standard meal – I mean, it’s tradition. But rather than doing a whole turkey, I just did a turkey breast.
That was the first year I did my turkey breast in a slow cooker. It was so easy, so tender and moist. I enjoyed it so much, I did two turkey breasts for a big family gathering one year rather than a whole turkey.
Always looking to improve things, I took the method from my Garlic Roasted Chicken in my cookbook and used the butter mixture to coat the turkey. It turned out amazing! It kept is super moist and added GREAT flavor.
So if you’ve got a smaller gathering this year or just love turkey other times of the year, this Butter Basted Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is a winner! And it’s so dang easy!
Butter-Basted Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 (5 to 7 lb) bone-in turkey breast, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Remove turkey from packaging and remove any giblets, gravy packets, and the neck if they are in the cavity. Don't rinse the turkey. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This helps the butter mixture stick to the bird. I
- n a medium bowl, combine the butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined. Rub the butter mixture over the entire bird. Carefully separate the skin from the meat over the breasts and rub butter mixture between the skin and meat.
- Place the turkey in the slow cooker, breast side up and cover. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. To crisp the skin up, place on a oven-safe platter and place under the broiler of the oven on low until crisp and golden brown. Allow to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For an even more moist and tender turkey, cook with the breast side down. Just be prepared that you won't really be able to slice the turkey this way; it will just fall off the bone. The presentation isn't great with this method, but the meat is super moist.
Making This Recipe?Tag me on Instagram: @SouthernBite using the hashtag #SouthernBite, so I can see how it turned out!
Joan Brown says
I have enjoyed your posts and recipes and have made many of your dishes—— and never been disappointed. A great big thanks from north of the border, Stacey.Keep them coming .
Joan
Stacey says
You are so welcome! Thanks for your kind words, Joan!
Elizabeth says
Stacey, this recipe sounds wonderful and can’t wait to make it. However, I am wondering if you have a recipe for a ham cooked in the crockpot? So many people are now cooking their holiday hams in the crockpot. Since this will be my first time cooking a ham in the crockpot, I want to run it pass you first to see if you have a recipe for ham cooked in the crockpot? That way for Thanksgiving or Christmas I could have the turkey in the oven and the ham in the crockpot baking at the same time for the holidays. Love all your recipes and have made many of them with great reviews. Keep them coming!
Stacey says
Hi Elizabeth! Here’s a recipe for a slow cooker ham that I did for Betty Crocker a few years ago… https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-southern-style-ham/c218d13c-a52b-4bc9-9252-ecc2d84a3bb5
Tricia says
Stacey, The turkey recipe sounds good. I would like to make turkey gravy. Is there enough drippings to make about a cup or two of gravy or do I need to add some broth?
Stacey says
Every turkey is different, but I think you’d be able to get at least a cup of broth.
Cindi says
This sounds great! I just bought a turkey breast at the store since it’s only going to be two of this this year, and I wasn’t quite sure how to cook it. Here you are with this timely post that answered the question.
Stacey says
Well, I’m just tickled the timing was right! Y’all enjoy!
Leslie Jefferson says
I have a 5 quart crock pot, is that too big for this recipe? It sounds delicious!
Stacey says
No, that will probably work depending on the size of your turkey.
Sue Jones says
Tried this today and it was delicious! Had a heck of a time spreading the rub, kept sticking to my hands. Is there a trick to this? Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!, Sue
Stacey says
So glad you enjoyed it! There’s not much of a trick. It’s just kind of messy. 🙂
Sue Jones says
Well worth the mess!! Will always do it this way.
Stacey says
Ha! Love hearing that!
Sue says
I found that if the butter is not soft enough due to it’s not warm/soft enough, it won’t spread. I popped my butter mixture into the microwave for 3-5 second increments, which softened it up without melting it and then it stuck to and spread across the skin perfectly! It’s cooking in my Crock-Pot as I type!
Stacey says
Great tip! Hope you enjoy!
Janet says
Is this a recipe for a turkey breast or for a while turkey? The instructions are a little confusing when you say to ru b the butter mixture over the entire bird
Stacey says
It’s a bone-in turkey breast.
Viv says
Salted or unsalted butter?
Stacey says
Unsalted works best if you’r looking to watch your sodium intake, but either will work.
Meghan Kelly says
Do I make it the same way if I am just using a turkey breast with no bone? This sounds amazing but need to know if I can make it without the bone. Fingers crossed. Lol
Beth says
Did this turn out good with the turkey breast no bone? I have one in my freezer with no bone-in and I want to use this recipe for it but not sure if it’ll turn out as good as the bone-in. Thank you in advance.
Emily says
Could you add other spices in addition to the garlic powder and if so, what do you suggest? Can’t wait to try this!
Stacey says
Sure! Adding a poultry seasoning would be perfect!
Silveria says
Could you do this with a whole turkey just a small one? And could i put cooked stuffing in it lile a regular turkey on the oven?
Stacey says
If it fits in your slow cooker, absolutely! I wouldn’t recommend stuffing it though.
Melissa says
This was my first bone in turkey attempt and it’s a winner! Even my friends that aren’t big turkey people said it was one of the best they’ve had! I want to make a stock for turkey soup with the leftovers, any recommendations? I’ve only done stock once before but the person who carved the turkey did a far better job than I did but I managed to get most of the meat off for the soup. Curious if you have any suggestions for the stock.
Stacey says
So glad it turned out great for you!! I love making stock in my slow cooker! Here’s the method I use… https://www.themagicalslowcooker.com/slow-cooker-turkey-stock/
Karen says
Do I need to add any liquid like water with a bone in Turkey breast?
Stacey says
Nope. No need. Enjoy!!
Nana says
This is a good idea as while I personally am a fan of the dark meat, most of my family opts for white meat. Fixing an extra breast will assure there is enough to have an ample amount.
Stacey says
Great idea! Hope y’all have a happy Thanksgiving!
Jackie Clonan says
Hi Stacey…..I’m a Buffalonian, [New York] quickly becoming a Southerner via food and your recipes! I too made this before. You are correct in all the tips. It isn’t as pretty because it’s so tender but its so good — super moist. If you’re only making breast who cares if not that pretty. If anyone is interested, Butterball makes so many choices in breast, w/wo bones and white/dark. I’m buying 2 – 3 lb boneless breasts containing white & dark meat. First time for that. And the other part is they give you a gravy so no worry about having to make your own in crockpot. Tho I do add a little broth to mine. These special Butterballs can always be found @ my fav store, WALMART! And, BTW, I order online and hubby picks up – I need a new hip and Walmart offers this free and customer caring option. Everyone enjoy your holiday! Also making your spoon cornbread Stacey!
Stacey says
Thanks, Jackie! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed this one! And thanks for the tips about the turkeys! I’m sure that will be super helpful to some folks.
Tom says
Recipe looks very inviting. My question, slow cook on HIGH or LOW setting?
Stacey says
You’ll want to cook this on low.
Reed says
Cooking this tomorrow with a little creole seasoning and onion added! Can’t wait!!
Stacey says
Creole seasoning adds such great flavor! I added some to mine this year too!
Sarah Gryniewicz says
I am planning on making this today. About how long will it need in the broiler to crisp?
Stacey says
Not long at all – perhaps just a few minutes, depending on how hot your broiler gets. Just be sure to watch it very carefully.
Candice Robbins says
I had a small boneless turkey breast (about 3 lbs) in my freezer that I bought to try a crockpot recipe for. Made this tonight and it was delicious! The perfect Sunday dinner. I reduced the cooking time by an hour and reduced the amount of butter. It was perfect!
Stacey says
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, Candice! It makes a super moist, delicious turkey, right?
Tim Gmeiner says
I’m also asking about the boneless breast, which I have…I assume it should be thawed first, but since it’s boneless and smaller than 5 lbs, do I need to cut back on cooking time? Thanks!!
Stacey says
Hey Tim! Yes, I do recommend thawing it in the fridge for a few days before cooking it. Four hours on low should be plenty as along as it’s thawed completely.
Tim Gmeiner says
Gosh, You’re good! I was just digging for the recipe again and decided to read the comments….lo and behold, you answered mine…Bless you, child! Thank You so much.
Deborah D. says
I made your butter dipped breast last night using two of the butterball 3lb. turkey breast roast. OMG. They are so amazing. I think I will actually like turkey now. The flavor is wonderful. Thank you. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Stacey says
So glad to hear your enjoyed this, Deborah!! Happy Thanksgiving!
dezi says
Well, Stacey. For the first time, in the history of ever, I made a moist, juicy turkey……thanks to you. Your recipe performed very well. We all loved it. Of course, all our turkeys will be cooked his way! Thank you a ton.
Stacey says
Awesome! So glad to hear y’all enjoyed it!
Deb says
I tried this turkey recipe for Thanksgiving dinner last week, it was A MAZ ING!!! I will be doing this ALL the time when turkey is called for at dinner!!! We LOVED it! Thank you!
Stacey says
Ha! I’m so glad to hear that y’all enjoyed it!