Name: Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 to 4 pound Butterball boneless turkey breast roast thawed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted; 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; 1 small yellow onion sliced; 3 cloves garlic smashed; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon dried sage; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish optional

Juicy, buttery turkey without wrestling a whole bird into the oven? That’s exactly what this Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast delivers. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with tender slices of turkey and a rich, savory gravy made right from the drippings.

I love this recipe for busy holidays, small Thanksgiving gatherings, or any Sunday when I want that comforting turkey dinner feeling without spending the day basting. It’s hands-off, crowd-pleasing, and so flavorful you’ll want to make it long after the holidays are over.

Why Make Butterball Turkey Breast in the Crockpot?

Turkey breast can be a little fussy in the oven—one minute it’s juicy, the next it’s dry and overcooked. Using the crockpot gives you a huge head start toward success.

In the slow cooker, the Butterball turkey breast gently bathes in seasoned broth and its own juices. The low, steady heat keeps the meat moist and forgiving, which means you don’t have to hover with a baster or constantly check the temperature.

I also love that the crockpot frees up the oven for all the sides. Plus, the leftover cooking liquid is liquid gold for making a silky, flavorful gravy with almost zero effort.

Ingredients for Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast

For this recipe, I stick to simple, cozy pantry ingredients that highlight the natural flavor of the Butterball turkey. Each one earns its place in the crockpot.

Butterball turkey breast roast – The star of the show. I use a Butterball boneless turkey breast for consistent results and tender slices.
Olive oil and melted butter – A combination of fats helps the seasoning cling to the turkey and adds rich, buttery flavor.
Chicken broth – Keeps the turkey moist as it cooks and becomes the base for an easy, flavorful gravy.
Onion – Sliced onion sits under the turkey, adding sweetness and flavor to both the meat and the drippings.
Garlic – Fresh garlic brings a savory backbone that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
Kosher salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning every bite of the turkey and balancing the richness.
Paprika – Adds gentle warmth and a gorgeous golden color to the outside of the turkey breast.
Dried thyme, rosemary, and sage – Classic poultry herbs that give the turkey that familiar holiday flavor.
Cornstarch – Whisks into the drippings at the end to turn them into a silky, lump-free gravy.
Fresh herbs (optional) – A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley at the end makes the platter look extra special.

How To Make Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast

Once the turkey is thawed, the crockpot does most of the work. I like to take a few extra minutes at the beginning for seasoning and (optional) searing, because it really pays off in flavor.

Step 1: Thaw and Dry the Turkey Breast

If your Butterball turkey breast is frozen, thaw it completely in the refrigerator according to the package directions. This usually takes at least 24 hours, sometimes a bit longer depending on the size.

When it’s fully thawed, remove the outer packaging and any gravy packet that might be included. Pat the turkey breast very dry with paper towels. Dry skin is the secret to beautiful browning later on.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoning Rub

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Stir until you have a fragrant paste.

Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast—on the top, sides, and bottom. If there’s a mesh netting around the roast, rub the seasoning right over it. You want every bit of the surface coated in flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Turkey (Optional but Worth It)

This step is technically optional, but I almost always do it because it adds so much flavor.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and carefully place the seasoned turkey breast in the pan. Sear for a couple of minutes on each side, just until nicely golden. You’re not trying to cook it through—just building flavor and color.

Once seared, transfer the turkey breast to a plate while you set up the crockpot.

Step 4: Set Up the Crockpot

Scatter the sliced onion and smashed garlic cloves over the bottom of your slow cooker. This little “bed” keeps the turkey elevated so it doesn’t sit directly on the heat source and infuses the drippings with extra flavor.

Pour the chicken broth around (not over) the onions and garlic. You want the seasoning to stay mostly on the turkey while the broth simmers underneath.

Nestle the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onions, skin-side up if yours has skin.

Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender and Juicy

Cover the crockpot and cook the turkey breast on LOW until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part. For most Butterball turkey breasts, this takes about 4 hours, but slow cookers can vary—start checking around the 3 1/2 hour mark.

Try not to lift the lid too often; every peek releases heat and extends the cooking time. When the temperature hits 165°F, turn off the slow cooker and carefully transfer the turkey to a cutting board.

Step 6: Broil the Skin for Crispiness

If your turkey breast has skin, you can take it from cozy to show-stopping with a quick trip under the broiler.

Place the cooked turkey breast on a foil-lined baking sheet, skin-side up. Slide it under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely, until the skin is deeply golden and crisped in spots. It happens fast, so don’t walk away.

Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Make Quick Gravy

Let the turkey breast rest for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute so every slice stays moist.

While it rests, strain the cooking liquid from the crockpot into a small saucepan, discarding the solids. Bring it to a gentle simmer.

Whisk cornstarch with a little cold water in a separate bowl to make a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering drippings. Cook for a minute or two until the gravy thickens and turns glossy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Slice the turkey breast against the grain and serve it with plenty of that rich, slow-cooker gravy spooned over the top.

Serving and Storing Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast

I like to fan the turkey slices on a warm platter and drizzle a little gravy over the top, then pass extra at the table. A sprinkle of fresh herbs makes it look like it came straight out of a holiday magazine spread.

Leftovers keep really well. Store turkey and gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The turkey reheats beautifully in the microwave when you splash a bit of broth or gravy over the slices first.

If you want to freeze leftovers, let the turkey cool completely, then package it in freezer bags with a little gravy to keep it moist. It will keep well for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

What to Serve With Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast?

This crockpot turkey breast plays nicely with so many sides, from classic holiday dishes to easy weeknight staples. Here are some of my favorite ways to round out the plate.

Creamy Potato Sides

Mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or even cheesy potato casseroles are perfect for soaking up that slow-cooker gravy. They also make the meal feel extra cozy and comforting.

Bright, Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a medley of root veggies complement the richness of the turkey. A little olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon go a long way.

Simple Green or Chopped Salads

A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and keeps the meal feeling balanced. I love tossing mixed greens with cranberries, pecans, and feta.

Bread for Dunking

Warm dinner rolls, crusty bread, or buttery biscuits are perfect for swiping through the gravy and any juices left on your plate.

Cranberry and Fruit Sides

Cranberry sauce, cranberry-orange relish, or even a simple fruit salad bring sweetness and acidity that make the savory turkey shine.

Want More Turkey Dinner Ideas?

If this Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast becomes a regular at your table, you might enjoy a few more turkey-focused recipes and sides to build out your menu:

Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet for a cozy, one-pan weeknight dinner that still feels special.
The Best Turkey Meatloaf when you’re craving classic comfort food with a lighter twist.
Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe to turn leftover turkey into a hearty, veggie-packed meal.
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes as a creamy, crowd-pleasing side that belongs next to any turkey dinner.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this slow cooker turkey idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to make a holiday feast or an effortless Sunday dinner.

Tried it with your own twist—maybe a smoky paprika rub or a splash of white wine in the gravy? I’d love to hear how it turned out, so feel free to share your tweaks or questions in the comments.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations from Savor Queen over on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite dinner might be waiting there.