Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast

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Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast is the kind of main dish that makes a cozy dinner feel special without turning your whole day into a cooking project. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, giving you tender slices of turkey breast with rich savory flavor, a beautifully seasoned exterior, and plenty of juices for serving.

This is a wonderful option for holiday meals, Sunday suppers, and smaller gatherings when you want all the comfort of a turkey dinner without roasting a whole bird. It is simple, reliable, and easy to pair with your favorite sides, which makes it perfect for both busy weeknights and festive family tables.

Why You’ll Love This Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast

This recipe keeps things easy while still delivering that classic homemade turkey flavor everyone looks forward to. The crockpot helps the meat stay moist, and the gentle cooking gives you slices that are tender enough for serving with mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, or even tucked into leftover sandwiches the next day.

You will also love how practical it is. There is no need to heat up the oven for hours, no basting every few minutes, and no stress about managing a giant bird. It is a great solution for smaller households, holiday menus with limited oven space, or any time you want a hearty dinner with very little hands-on work.

Can You Really Make a Juicy Turkey Breast in the Crockpot?

Yes, and that is exactly why this recipe works so well. A turkey breast cooks beautifully in the crockpot because the enclosed heat and moisture help prevent it from drying out. When it is seasoned well and cooked until just done, the result is flavorful, sliceable turkey that tastes like it took much more effort than it actually did.

The key is not rushing the process. Low and steady heat gives the meat time to become tender while soaking up all the buttery, herby flavor in the pot. If you want a golden finish, you can always place the cooked turkey under the broiler for a few minutes before slicing, but even straight from the slow cooker it is delicious.

Ingredients

Before you start, gather a few simple ingredients that work together to keep the turkey flavorful, juicy, and aromatic from start to finish.

• Butterball turkey breast: The star of the dish, offering a convenient bone-in or boneless option that cooks up tender in the slow cooker.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the seasoning over the surface of the turkey.
• Garlic: Brings deep savory flavor that pairs beautifully with poultry.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and aroma as it cooks beneath and around the turkey.
• Chicken broth: Helps create moisture in the crockpot and forms a flavorful base for the pan juices.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere and adds a little extra richness.
• Paprika: Gives warm color and a gentle smoky-sweet flavor.
• Dried thyme: Adds earthy, classic holiday-style herb flavor.
• Dried rosemary: Brings a woodsy note that complements turkey especially well.
• Dried sage: Adds the familiar savory flavor people expect in turkey dishes.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the turkey and seasoning blend.
• Black pepper: Adds a little bite and balances the richness.
• Cornstarch: Useful if you want to thicken the cooking juices into a simple gravy.
• Fresh parsley: A bright finishing touch for color and freshness.

How To Make the Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast

Take a few minutes to season everything well at the beginning, then let the crockpot take over.

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the crockpot insert or add a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking. Scatter the onion in the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base and help lift the turkey slightly so it is not sitting flat against the bottom.

Step 2: Mix the Butter and Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, garlic, paprika, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and black pepper. Stir until it forms a spreadable herb mixture that can be rubbed evenly over the turkey.

Step 3: Season the Turkey Breast

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks well. Rub the butter mixture all over the outside, making sure to coat the top and sides thoroughly for the best flavor.

Step 4: Add the Turkey to the Crockpot

Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onion layer. Pour the chicken broth around the turkey rather than directly over the top so the seasoning stays in place.

Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low until the turkey breast is fully cooked and tender. The exact time can vary depending on the size of the turkey breast and whether it is bone-in or boneless, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer in the thickest part.

Step 6: Rest Before Slicing

Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey breast from the crockpot and let it rest before slicing. This gives the juices time to settle back into the meat, which helps every slice stay moist.

Step 7: Optional Gravy Finish

If you want gravy, strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer it with a cornstarch slurry until slightly thickened. Spoon it over the sliced turkey for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.

Best Ways to Serve Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast

This recipe comfortably feeds about 6 to 8 people, depending on the size of the turkey breast and what you serve alongside it. For a holiday-style meal, pair it with mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, or roasted carrots. It also works beautifully for a relaxed family dinner with rice, buttered noodles, or a simple salad.

For leftovers, sliced turkey is incredibly versatile. Tuck it into sandwiches, layer it onto toasted rolls with gravy, or use it in wraps and grain bowls. It is one of those dishes that feels just as useful the next day as it does fresh from the slow cooker.

How to Store Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast

Let the turkey cool slightly before storing, but do not leave it at room temperature for too long. Transfer sliced or shredded turkey to an airtight container and spoon a little of the cooking liquid over the top to help it stay moist in the refrigerator.

Stored properly, it keeps well in the fridge for several days. For longer storage, wrap portions tightly and freeze them in freezer-safe containers or bags. If possible, freeze the turkey with a little extra broth or gravy so it reheats more gently later.

To reheat, warm the turkey slowly in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in a covered baking dish with a splash of broth. Avoid overheating, since that can dry out the meat. Low, gentle reheating is the best way to keep the texture tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to thaw the Butterball turkey breast before slow cooking?

Yes, the turkey breast should be fully thawed before it goes into the crockpot. That helps it cook more evenly and safely from the center outward.

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

Absolutely. Boneless turkey breast works very well in the crockpot and is often even easier to slice for serving. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature since boneless cuts can cook a little faster.

How do I keep turkey breast from drying out?

The best way is to cook it on low, use a flavorful butter mixture, and remove it as soon as it reaches doneness. Letting it rest before slicing also makes a big difference.

Can I make gravy from the crockpot juices?

Yes, and it is one of the best parts of this recipe. The juices in the slow cooker are packed with flavor from the turkey, herbs, butter, and broth, so they make an easy homemade gravy.

What side dishes go best with Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast?

Classic comfort sides are always a great choice. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls all pair beautifully with this turkey.

Want More Turkey Dinner Ideas?

If Butterball Crockpot Turkey Breast hits the spot, you might also enjoy these comforting dinner favorites:

• Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast for a festive holiday centerpiece.
• Smothered Turkey Wings with Gravy when you want deep, savory comfort food.
• Juicy Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Caramelized Onions and Provolone for an easy turkey dinner with a different twist.
• Mama’s Cornbread Dressing as the perfect side to round out your turkey table.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep it classic with herbs and gravy, or add your own spin with extra garlic, citrus, or spices?

I love hearing how these recipes make it to your table. For even more home-cooked meal ideas, visit Life With Livia for daily recipe inspiration.

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