This slow-cooked Butterball turkey breast turns out tender, juicy, and full of warm herb flavor with almost no hands-on time. The meat pulls apart easily and keeps a buttery, savory aroma that fills the kitchen. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday sides, or anytime you want a simple roast without the fuss.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 300 kcal
- Protein: 55 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
Why Make This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butterball Turkey Breast Crock Pot
This recipe is hands-off and reliable. The low, slow heat keeps the breast moist and breaks down connective tissue so the meat becomes tender and easy to slice. The butter and dried herbs add a warm, savory aroma and a silky mouthfeel. It’s ideal when you want great turkey flavor without standing over the oven. The crock pot also makes clean-up simple.
How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butterball Turkey Breast Crock Pot
The method is simple: season the turkey, add a little broth for moisture, and let the slow cooker do the rest. You’ll get a golden, fragrant breast with a soft texture and rich taste. Follow the steps below for best results.
Ingredients:
- 1 Butterball turkey breast (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or loose skin. Place the turkey breast flat in the bottom of the crock pot with the skin side up if it has skin. Make sure there is room in the cooker for the lid to sit snugly.
Step 2: Mixing
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary until smooth. The butter carries the herbs and spices and helps the flavors cling to the meat.
Step 3: Cooking
Pour the seasoning mixture over the turkey, rubbing it gently so the spices coat the surface. Pour the chicken broth around the turkey (not over the top so the seasoning stays in place). Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F and the meat is tender. You’ll smell a warm blend of butter and herbs as it cooks.
Step 4: Finishing
Carefully lift the turkey from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes so juices redistribute. Slice the breast against the grain into even pieces. Spoon a little of the cooking juices from the crock pot over the slices for extra moisture and flavor.
How to Serve Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butterball Turkey Breast Crock Pot
Serve slices warm with the pan juices spooned over the top. This turkey pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a crisp salad. For sandwiches, slice thin and layer with cranberry sauce and mayo. The texture is juicy and tender with a mild, herb-scented finish.
How to Store Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butterball Turkey Breast Crock Pot
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a covered baking dish at 325°F (160°C) for 15–25 minutes, or reheat slices in a skillet with a splash of broth over low heat to keep them moist. Avoid high heat to prevent drying.
Expert Tips for Perfect Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butterball Turkey Breast Crock Pot
- Use low heat: Cooking on low yields the juiciest meat. High heat can dry the breast.
- Don’t skip the broth: It adds steam and keeps the meat moist without diluting the flavor.
- Check internal temperature: Aim for 165°F in the thickest part. Insert the thermometer away from bone for accuracy.
- Let it rest: Resting keeps juices locked in and makes slicing cleaner.
- Adjust salt to taste: If you use low-sodium broth, you may want the full 1 tsp salt. If your broth is salty, reduce the added salt by half.
- Crisp the exterior (optional): If you want a browned crust, transfer the cooked breast to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes while watching closely.
Delicious Variations
- Citrus Herb: Add zest and juice of one orange or lemon to the butter mixture for bright notes.
- Garlic Butter & Fresh Herbs: Use 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh rosemary and thyme for fresher flavor.
- Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne to the spice mix.
- Mushroom Gravy: Remove the turkey after cooking, sauté sliced mushrooms in the crock pot juices, add a splash of cream or a cornstarch slurry for a quick gravy.
- Slow-Roast with Vegetables: Add carrots, onions, and potatoes under the turkey to make a one-pot meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will a 3–4 pound turkey breast take in the crock pot?
- On low it usually takes 6–8 hours. It can vary by slow cooker model. Start checking at 6 hours and use a thermometer to confirm 165°F.
- Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
- Yes. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs (so 1 tablespoon dried = 3 tablespoons fresh). Fresh herbs give brighter flavor. Add hearty herbs earlier and delicate herbs near the end.
- Do I need to add liquid to the crock pot?
- Yes. A cup of chicken broth keeps the environment moist and prevents the turkey from drying. You can use low-sodium broth or a mix of broth and water.
- Can I cook it on high instead of low?
- You can, but high cooks faster and risks drier meat. If you use high, check at 3–4 hours. Low is recommended for the best texture.
- How do I know when the turkey is safe to eat?
- Use an instant-read thermometer. The thickest part should read 165°F. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing.
- Can I use a frozen turkey breast?
- It’s best to thaw fully before slow cooking. Cooking from frozen increases time and can raise food-safety concerns because the meat stays in the danger zone longer.
- What if my turkey breast is larger than 4 pounds?
- Increase cooking time and check internal temperature. Larger breasts may need closer to 8 hours or slightly more. Always confirm with a thermometer.
Conclusion
This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butterball Turkey Breast Crock Pot recipe makes tender, savory turkey with minimal effort. The meat comes out juicy, buttery, and full of warm herb aroma — perfect for family dinners or a small holiday meal. If you want a similar herbed slow-cooker method for inspiration, check out this Herbed Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe.
Print
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butterball Turkey Breast Crock Pot
- Total Time: 435 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
This slow-cooked Butterball turkey breast turns out tender, juicy, and full of warm herb flavor with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
- 1 Butterball turkey breast (about 3–4 pounds)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or loose skin. Place the turkey breast flat in the bottom of the crock pot with the skin side up if it has skin.
- In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary until smooth.
- Pour the seasoning mixture over the turkey, rubbing it gently so the spices coat the surface. Pour the chicken broth around the turkey. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Once done, carefully lift the turkey from the crock pot and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Notes
For a browned crust, you can broil the turkey briefly after cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 390 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
