Butterball Turkey Breast Roast (Crock Pot)

There’s something so comforting about a perfectly cooked turkey breast: juicy, tender meat with just the right amount of seasoning, ready to be served with minimal fuss. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by roasting a turkey for holidays or a big family dinner, this Crock Pot Butterball Turkey Breast Roast is the solution you’ve been waiting for. It’s hands-off, foolproof, and delivers succulent turkey every single time.

Using a slow cooker to prepare turkey breast is a game-changer. It eliminates the worry of drying out your meat, frees up your oven for side dishes, and allows the flavors of herbs, spices, and cooking juices to meld beautifully. This method works just as well for a special holiday dinner as it does for an easy weeknight family meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a stress-free turkey recipe or a beginner trying your first poultry roast, this guide will walk you through everything: ingredients, tools, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, serving ideas, and more. By the end, you’ll feel confident creating a tender, flavorful turkey breast in your Crock Pot with little effort and maximum reward.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does the work while you focus on other dishes—or relax.
• Perfectly juicy turkey: Slow cooking locks in moisture, avoiding dry, overcooked meat.
• Foolproof method: Minimal prep, clear steps, and reliable results.
• Flexible flavoring: Customize herbs and spices to your taste.
• Ideal for holidays or everyday meals: A stress-free centerpiece for any occasion.
• One-pot convenience: Cooking juices can be used for gravy or to flavor vegetables added underneath the turkey.

Ingredients Breakdown (Exact Measurements)

Servings: 8

Turkey & Seasoning

• 1 Butterball turkey breast roast (3–9 lbs), thawed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or nonstick spray
• Salt, pepper, herbs, and spices (thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, paprika)
• ½ cup broth, wine, or water

This minimal, wholesome ingredient list is designed to highlight the natural flavor of the turkey while infusing it with aromatic herbs and spices.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (Crock Pot) – large enough to accommodate your turkey breast
• Meat thermometer – essential for checking doneness
• Aluminum foil – to tent the turkey and allow it to rest
• Basting brush or small spoon – to apply oil or nonstick spray
• Paper towels – for patting the turkey dry

Optional: roasting rack or a layer of chopped vegetables under the turkey to create a one-pot meal and add flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. If using a boneless roast, leave the netting on—this helps hold the shape during slow cooking.

2. Season

Spray or brush the turkey with olive oil or nonstick spray. Rub generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices. A classic mix is thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and paprika. This step ensures every bite is flavorful and aromatic.

3. Place in Slow Cooker

Position the turkey skin-side up in the slow cooker. Pour ½ cup of your chosen liquid (broth, wine, or water) around the turkey—not over the top—to keep the seasoning in place and provide moisture.

4. Cook on Low

Cover with the slow cooker lid. Cook on LOW for 4 hours, then check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It should read around 140°F at this stage.

5. Continue Cooking

If the turkey has not reached 165°F, continue cooking for another 1–2 hours on LOW, checking occasionally. Cooking times vary depending on the size of your turkey breast (3–9 lbs).

6. Rest

Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, carefully remove the turkey from the slow cooker. Tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

7. Remove Netting

If your turkey was boneless and wrapped in netting, remove it carefully after resting, then slice the turkey as desired.

Tips & Variations

Herb & Spice Variations

• Classic: Thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, paprika
• Smoky: Smoked paprika and a touch of cayenne
• Lemon & herb: Add lemon zest and parsley
• Holiday blend: Sage, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of nutmeg

Flavor Enhancements

• Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery under the turkey for extra flavor and a one-pot meal.
• Use wine or a combination of broth and apple cider to create a richer cooking liquid.

Vegetarian/Side Dish Ideas

• Use the turkey juices to cook rice, quinoa, or lentils alongside the roast.
• Roast root vegetables separately, then toss with slow cooker juices for a quick side dish.

Cooking Notes

• Always thaw your turkey before slow cooking; never cook from frozen.
• Avoid lifting the lid frequently—each peek reduces the temperature and extends cook time.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste & Texture

• Tender and juicy: Slow cooking preserves moisture.
• Aromatic herbs: Thyme and rosemary impart earthy, fragrant notes.
• Mild smoky richness: Paprika adds a subtle smokiness without overpowering.
• Savory depth: The natural juices of the turkey meld with the herbs and broth for a naturally flavorful result.

Best Sides

• Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
• Green beans or asparagus
• Stuffing or wild rice
• Cranberry sauce for a festive touch

Even simple roasted vegetables taste elevated when cooked with the turkey juices.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Potassium: 300 mg
• Vitamin A: 80 IU
• Vitamin C: 1 mg
• Calcium: 20 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

This is a high-protein, low-carb main dish suitable for family dinners, holiday meals, or weeknight cooking.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

Make-Ahead

• Season the turkey a few hours in advance and refrigerate to allow flavors to penetrate.
• Chop vegetables ahead of time for a one-pot meal variation.

Storage

• Refrigerate cooked turkey for up to 4 days.
• Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat slices in a skillet or covered dish with a bit of broth to retain moisture.
• Do not overheat, as turkey can dry quickly once cooked.

FAQs

1. Can I cook a larger turkey breast in the slow cooker?

Yes. Adjust cooking time based on weight. For a 9 lb turkey, allow 6–8 hours on LOW.

2. Can I use boneless or bone-in turkey?

Both work, but bone-in may require slightly longer cooking time. Netting helps maintain shape for boneless breasts.

3. Can I add vegetables underneath the turkey?

Absolutely. Carrots, celery, and onions work well, creating a flavorful side dish while keeping the turkey elevated.

4. How do I make gravy with the juices?

Pour cooking juices into a small saucepan. Mix a slurry of cornstarch and water, whisk into the liquid, and cook until thickened.

5. Is it okay to cook turkey from frozen?

No. Always thaw completely before slow cooking.

6. How do I ensure the turkey stays juicy?

Use LOW heat, don’t overcook, and let it rest covered with foil before slicing.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep & Season	10 minutes
Cook on LOW	4–6 hours (depending on size)
Rest	15 minutes
Total Time	6–6.25 hours

Serving Suggestions

• Slice turkey breast against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Serve on a large platter with vegetables and herbs for presentation.
• Use leftover turkey in sandwiches, wraps, or soups.
• Pour over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables with cooking juices for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations (Creative Twists)

1. Herb-Butter Infused Turkey

• Mix softened butter with herbs and rub under the skin before slow cooking.

2. Citrus Turkey

• Add slices of orange or lemon under the turkey for bright, fresh flavor.

3. Garlic & Shallot Turkey

• Add roasted garlic cloves and shallots under the turkey for a deep, savory taste.

4. Wine & Mushroom Variation

• Add white wine and mushrooms to the slow cooker for a rich, earthy flavor profile.

Ingredient Spotlight

Butterball Turkey Breast

• Thaw completely before cooking.
• Choose the size based on the number of servings needed (3–9 lbs).
• Use netting to maintain shape if boneless.

Olive Oil

• Helps brown the skin and adhere seasoning.
• Can substitute with nonstick spray for a lower-fat option.

Herbs & Spices

• Thyme and rosemary add classic turkey aroma.
• Garlic powder and paprika enhance flavor without overwhelming the meat.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Check internal temperature: Turkey must reach 165°F to be safe and juicy.
• Avoid lifting the lid often: Keeps cooking temperature consistent.
• Rest before slicing: Ensures juices redistribute for tender slices.
• Use the juices: Make gravy or baste vegetables for extra flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator

• Store cooked turkey breast slices in airtight containers up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Wrap turkey tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container.
• Freeze up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat slowly in the oven or covered skillet with a splash of broth.
• Avoid microwave reheating if possible to prevent dryness.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbohydrates	1 g
Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Cholesterol	90 mg
Sodium	420 mg
Potassium	300 mg
Notes	Low-carb, high-protein, Halal-friendly

Conclusion

This Butterball Turkey Breast Roast in the Crock Pot is a simple, stress-free, and foolproof way to enjoy juicy, flavorful turkey without heating up your oven. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, preparing a weeknight family meal, or making a one-pot meal with vegetables underneath, this method delivers consistent, delicious results every time. Minimal prep, maximum flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness make this recipe a keeper in any household.

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