Looking for a hearty, hands-off meal that tastes like a festive feast without all the fuss? This slow cooker three-pound boneless turkey breast offers maximum flavor and minimal effort. By slowly braising in a medley of herbs and aromatics, the turkey turns succulent and tender, with a ready-made gravy that’s perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

- 1 three-pound boneless turkey breast (skin-on if possible)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
Begin by patting the turkey breast dry with paper towels, which helps the skin crisp up a bit and locks in flavor. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Rub this mixture evenly over the turkey breast.
Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey breast on each side for about two minutes, just until it’s lightly browned. This helps deepen the flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and put the turkey straight into the slow cooker.
Place the sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Gently set the turkey breast on top of the onions, then pour the broth around it. If you’d like firmer vegetables in the mix, toss in some carrot chunks or cubed potatoes at this point. Dot the top of the turkey with butter if you’re craving an extra touch of richness.
Cover and cook on low for about five to six hours, or until the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F on a meat thermometer. Let the turkey rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the slow cooker so the juices redistribute. Slice, spoon the fragrant juices over the top, and serve.
If you want more gravy, transfer the liquid from the slow cooker to a small saucepan, simmer with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water), and whisk until thickened. With that, your turkey is ready to take center stage at any meal!
In this subtly aromatic herb-kissed recipe, the turkey remains tender and succulent, making it a great option for family dinners, meal-prep for the week, or a healthier holiday feast. Since it’s all done in one cooking vessel, there’s minimal cleanup.
Feel free to experiment with other herbs (like rosemary or sage) or even swap the seasoning rub for your favorite spice blend. Whether you’re a busy home cook seeking a stress-free dinner or a novice eager to impress, this slow cooker turkey breast checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.