Lazy Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast

Slow cooker bone-in turkey breast is a juicy and tender turkey treat. This easy recipe is perfect for a regular family meal but also delicious enough to serve at a small gathering or holiday dinner.

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Turkey breast sliced and ready to serve with gravy on top

I love how flexible turkey is. It can be eaten hot or cold. You can purchase it cooked, raw, natural, totally processed and every thing in between. You can cook it either as boneless turkey breast or on the bone. It is like a blank canvas to which you can add all kinds of great flavor. Anything and everything from BBQ to lemon-garlic works.

close up of finished turkey with gravy on top

This crockpot turkey recipe is a perfect option for a small family gathering. Alternatively, it is an easy way to add some extra breast meat alongside a whole turkey. Making it also great for a larger gathering, such as Thanksgiving dinner.

AND it is the perfect way to save oven space for all those yummy holiday sides dishes!

📝Shopping list

To make this crockpot turkey breast recipe you will need:

Turkey breast - 6-7 lbs. of turkey on the bone with skin.
Carrots - I use the precut baby carrots (because I am lazy 😉 but fresh cut works too.
Celery
Onion - diced or sliced
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Pepper - freshly ground black pepper is my first choice
Chicken soup mix - or one crumbled bouillon cube
Sage - dried
Rosemary - dried
Thyme - dried
olive oil - to be applies in either spray form or with a basting brush

Exact quantities can be found in the recipe card below.

🥣Preparation

If you are using a slow cooker liner, adding it to your slow cooker is always the first step! If you prefer not to use a liner, spray your slow cooker with a non-stick agent of choice. I prefer an olive oil spray.

Add carrots, celery and onion to bottom of the slow cooker. Place turkey BREAST SIDE DOWN on top of vegetables.

vegetables laying in bottom of a black oval crockpot

Using a small bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Spray or rub olive oil on the turkey breast. If you intend to keep the skin on, rub both over and under the skin.

I generally serve my turkey without skin but keep it on during cooking to help keep the breast moist. So, I only add olive oil under the skin,

looking down on a bowl of all spices mixed together — Dry turkey rub ingredients mixed together

Next, rub the spice mixture all over your turkey. Again, if you will be eating the turkey skin, use the rub both on top of the skin and under it. My turkey only has rub underneath the skin.

a view of raw bone in turkey breast with spice rub under the skin

Optional: add more onions inside of turkey breast cavity for some extra moisture and flavor.

top view of raw bone-in turkey breast covered in spice rub with onion inside

Hint: To help keep clean up to a minimum, add turkey rub onto breast after it has been placed in the slow cooker.

⏲Cooking

Cover and cook on low for 5 - 7 hours. Turkey breast is ready to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. You do not want to cook it beyond that temperature or you will wind up with dry meat. White meat tends to be much dryer than dark meat and not nearly as forgiving.

top view of slow cooked bone-in turkey breast still in slow cooker

Once turkey is fully cooked, remove from slow cooker and allow to rest for about 10 minutes. If you plan to serve without skin, this is the time to remove it. For crisp skin, place breast under the broiler for several minutes. Keep an eye on it, though. Skin can go from crispy to burnt very quickly.

Slice and serve promptly.

top view of juicy bone-in turkey breast mid way through slicing — Close up view of moist turkey breast during slicing

🍽Serving Suggestions

I am not sure I could possibly list all the best ways to serve this easy turkey breast recipe. It is, of course, great with all the usual, delicious side dishes. Some examples of which are:

mashed potatoes
cranberry sauce
cheesy potatoes
green beans
stuffing (dressing)
sweet potatoes
mixed steamed vegetables
corn

It is also wonderful served warm in an open-faced sandwich with gravy.

looking down on sliced slow cooker bone-in turkey breast with gravy

Leftover turkey

Leftovers also come with endless possibilities: turkey soup, turkey buffalo dip, and turkey salad are but a few of many options. Cold turkey sandwiches are always a welcome and easy meal.

Leftovers of this slow cooker turkey breast recipe can be stored in airtight containers or bags. They will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or about 4 months in the freezer.

Great slow cooker turkey recipes

😉Hints & Hacks

To ensure that you serve the most juicy turkey breast possible, serve as soon after cooking as you can.
If you are starting with a frozen turkey breast, make sure it is thoroughly defrosted prior to cooking time. It can take the better part two days for a breast of this size to defrost. Be sure to defrost in the refrigerator and not on the countertop.
To confirm exactly when your slow cooker bone-in turkey breast is finished cooking, a meat thermometer is helpful. Turkey is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using an electric knife is the easiest way to slice turkey.
I always suggest the use of a slow cooker liner for easy clean up. I like to buy mine in bulk for a cheaper per-piece price.
In the market for a new crock pot? I love mine! The built in thermometer is especially helpful with this recipe!

❓Most asked question

What is the laziest way to make flavorful turkey gravy?

Mix a turkey gravy packet with the drippings from your slow cooker. Next, heat it in the microwave in 30-60 second intervals until desired thickness is reached. This simple recipe will add wonderful flavor and moisture to your dish without any extra hassle.