There’s something magical about a slow cooker turning turkey into a tender, juicy masterpiece—all with minimal effort. This luscious, lemon-scented turkey is infused with herbs and garlic, making it both aromatic and deeply flavorful. Cozy up to the simplicity of your crockpot, and get ready for a refreshing spin on a hearty classic.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey breast (4–5 pounds), bone-in and skin-on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
Instructions
First, pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil evenly over the skin, then season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, stir together the minced garlic, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest. Generously coat the turkey breast on all sides with this fragrant blend.
Place the turkey in the slow cooker, skin-side up, so the flavors meld from the top down. Drizzle over the lemon juice and pour in the broth to supply moisture as the turkey cooks. Cover and set your slow cooker to low; let it simmer for about 5 to 6 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.
Once the turkey is fully cooked, carefully transfer it to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This brief pause locks in the juices and keeps the meat tender. Finally, slice the turkey thickly or thinly—however you prefer—and bask in the warm, lemony perfume.
This recipe caters to both busy weeknights and special family gatherings. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it ideal for cooks of any skill level. For a healthier spin, you can remove the skin before serving, and if you crave a richer flavor, try substituting turkey broth with white wine. Regardless of how you tweak it, this juicy turkey is sure to delight everyone at the table, bringing a comforting, lemon-herb bliss right into your home.
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.
