If you’re searching for a delicious and hassle-free meal that’s both convenient and flavorful, our Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast Roast is the perfect choice. This recipe takes the classic turkey roast and elevates it with a delicious herb marinade and a rich, savory gravy, all prepared in your trusty crockpot. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to the kitchen, this dish is sure to become a beloved part of your regular meal rotation.
More times than not, we associate turkey with Thanksgiving or another holiday; however, you are cook turkey for any occasion. Especially with this turkey breast recipe! This boneless turkey breast makes the ultimate dinner meal any night of the week.
One key advantage of choosing a turkey breast compared to a whole turkey is the practicality and time efficiency that comes with preparing a turkey breast. Its manageable size allows for quicker cooking, making it a versatile lean protein for weeknights or impromptu weekend gatherings.
We have included a variety of side dishes below to pair alongside the cooked turkey. This boneless turkey breast recipe also makes tasty salads, sandwiches and wraps.
If you have a curious young chef in your home, invite them to make this recipe with you. The collaborative effort not only teaches valuable cooking skills but also creates lasting memories in the kitchen.
For more recipes to cook with kids, check out Cucumber Sushi Roll, Sheet Pan Lasagna, Big Mac Casserole and Chex Mix Muddy Buddies.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 3 pound boneless turkey roast
- 5 cloves garlic smashed
- 2 medium onions
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch plus 2 tablespoons cold water optional
Substitutions
- Turkey: Any size turkey breast that fits comfortably in the slow cooker can be used. While this recipe features boneless, a bone-in turkey breast can also be used.
- Garlic – fresh garlic cloves will offer a pungent flavor, but garlic powder is another alternative. Use approximately 1/8 teaspoon of garlic power per clove of garlic.
- Seasonings & spices: Choose yellow or white onions based on personal preference. The seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper all add depth to the flavor of the turkey. Adjust the amount of each spice as desired.
- Cornstarch & water: the cornstarch slurry will be used to make a homemade gravy in the crockpot. If opting for a different sauce or gravy, omit these ingredients.
Recipe Instructions
Add the onions, garlic, and fresh rosemary to the bottom of the crockpot. Pat the turkey roast dry then place on top of the vegetables. Patting it dry before seasoning helps to enhance browning, create crispier skin and provide a better surface for seasonings to adhere. When the skin is dry, the turkey readily absorbs the seasonings and allows for stronger flavors.
We cut the netting off the turkey roast, but you can leave it on and remove it after baking if you prefer.
Next, in a small mixing bowl combine the olive oil, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Using a basting brush, brush the mixture all over the turkey roast. Cover the crockpot.
Cook for 5-6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. The benefit of cooking turkey breast in the slow cooker is you can assemble then leave it alone while you tackle other side dishes. Keep in mind that if you opt for a larger turkey then the total cooking time may need to be adjusted. Always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for doneness.
If you want to get a golden brown topping on your turkey roast you can place it under your broiler for 3-5 minutes or until it starts to brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to help retain additional moisture.
How To Make Homemade Turkey Gravy
It is extremely easy to make a homemade turkey gravy that is gluten-free by following these directions.
First, remove the vegetables (onions, garlic and rosemary) from the bottom of the slow cooker, squeezing out as much liquid as you can. Run the broth through a fine mesh strainer to remove the rest of the chunks. This helps to create the desired consistency of the gravy.
Combine the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Whisk into the hot liquid. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook until it’s thickened. This can take up a minimum of 30-minutes.
To make the gravy quicker, pour it into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Whisk after each minute.
Serving Suggestions
If you do decide to make this boneless turkey breast roast during the holiday season, then consider any of the traditional sides such as:
- Gluten Free Butternut Squash Ravioli
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Gluten Free Dinner Rolls
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
- Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
- Easy Cornbread Stuffing
Of course, any of these sides can be served year-round just like the turkey. Other side dishes that complement the turkey include Instant Pot Butternut Squash, Air Fryer Broccolini, Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup and Pan Fried Sliced Potatoes.
Expert Tips
- Choose the right size: select a turkey breast that fits comfortably in the slow cooker without being too large to promote even cooking.
- Season: don’t skimp on the seasoning, but instead season liberally with the spice blend. Customize the blend to meet all dietary needs and taste preferences.
- Use aromatics: the onion, garlic and fresh rosemary sprigs are considered aromatic ingredients or those that will infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks. You can also thank these ingredients for the delicious aroma that will fill your kitchen as the turkey cooks.
- Use a meat thermometer: a thermometer helps to monitor the turkey breast internal temperature. Cook the turkey breast until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Avoid opening the lid: resist the temptation to open the slow cooker lid frequently. Each time the lid is removed, heat escapes and it can significantly increase the cooking time.
- Take advantage of the broiler: for crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Let it rest: always allow the turkey breast to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking times can vary based on the size of the turkey and your individual slow cooker. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to keep your family and guests safe. If roasting in the oven instead of cooking turkey in a crock pot, take the weight of the turkey and multiple by 30 minutes. For example, if the turkey is 5 pounds, then cook for 2.5 hours.
Turkey should continue cooking until the internal temp has reached 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness for best results.
Cooking turkey in a crock pot is an excellent way to prevent turkey from being dry. The slow cooking process helps the turkey to retain moisture. Always keep the lid secure until fully cooked to keep the turkey juicy. If roasting in the oven, it is best to baste the turkey by pouring juices or another liquid over the top of the turkey throughout the cooking process. If the top of the turkey is starting to become crisp, you can cover with aluminum foil when roasting to keep moist.
No, you will want to use a fresh or thawed turkey breast. This helps with even and safe cooking. Refrigerator thawing is the safest method. Allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. For example, a 8-10 pound turkey will take about 2-3 days to thaw in the fridge. Place the turkey breast on a tray or in a shallow pan to catch any potential drips. For a quicker method, submerge the wrapped turkey in cold water. Allow 30 minutes of thawing time per pound while changing the water every 30 minutes for safety.
Slow cookers are generally not large enough to accommodate a whole turkey. It is recommended to use a turkey breast or turkey thighs for better results.
A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is usually sufficient for a turkey breast. It fits the turkey comfortably without being too cramped.
For boneless turkey breast, plan on around 1/2 to 1 pound of turkey per adult. This is a good rule of thumb, but you may consider more or less depending on the number of sides being offered.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
After serving, allow the leftover turkey to cool to room temperature within 2 hours. If you haven’t done so already, carve the turkey into smaller pieces to help cool quicker.
Place the carved turkey pieces in shallow airtight containers or wrap them tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Refrigerate promptly. It is best to divide large amounts of turkey into smaller portions.
Clearly label the containers and add the date of storage. Consume within 3-4 days of refrigeration. If you don’t plan to consume the leftover turkey in this period, consider freezing it. Frozen turkey can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When reheating, ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It can be reheating in the oven, microwave or stovetop.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Thyme, sage, oregano and basil are other herbs that can be used instead of rosemary to season turkey.
- Fresh garlic cloves offer a very strong flavor, but garlic powder is another option. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic power per clove of garlic. Always use a measuring spoon when measuring spices like garlic.
- When you mix cornstarch and water together, it is called a “cornstarch slurry”. It helps to thicken sauces like homemade gravy.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Boneless Turkey Breast Roast Recipe
Equipment
- paper towels
- wire mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 3 pound boneless turkey roast ✅
- 5 cloves garlic smashed
- 2 medium onions
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ✅
- 1 teaspoon onion powder ✅
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ✅
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch plus 2 tablespoons cold water (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables and turkey roast. Add the onions, garlic, and fresh rosemary to the bottom of the crockpot. Pat the turkey roast dry then place on top of the vegetables. We cut the netting off the turkey roast but you can leave it on and remove it after baking if you prefer.5 cloves garlic, 2 medium onions, 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, 3 pound boneless turkey roast
- Mix the marinade. In a small mixing bowl combine the olive oil, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Using a basting brush, brush the mixture all over the turkey roast. Cover the crockpot.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Cook. Cook for 5-6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
- ⭐️Broil (optional). If you want to get a golden brown topping on your turkey roast you can place it under your broiler for 3-5 minutes or until is starts to brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- ⭐️Make the gravy. Remove the vegetables from the bottom of the slow cooker, squeezing out as much liquid as you can. Run the broth through a fine mesh strainer to remove the rest of the chunks. Combine the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Whisk into the hot liquid. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook until it's thickened. To do this quicker you can pour the gravy into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.2 tablespoons cornstarch
Notes
- Choose the right size: select a turkey breast that fits comfortably in the slow cooker without being too large to promote even cooking.
- Season: don’t skimp on the seasoning, but instead season liberally with the spice blend. Customize the blend to meet all dietary needs and taste preferences.
- Use aromatics: the onion, garlic and fresh rosemary sprigs are considered aromatic ingredients or those that will infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks. You can also thank these ingredients for the delicious aroma that will fill your kitchen as the turkey cooks.
- Use a meat thermometer: a thermometer helps to monitor the turkey breast internal temperature. Cook the turkey breast until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Avoid opening the lid: resist the temptation to open the slow cooker lid frequently. Each time the lid is removed, heat escapes and it can significantly increase the cooking time.
- Take advantage of the broiler: for crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Let it rest: always allow the turkey breast to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.
Nutrition
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Eileen says
How would you cook this if you do not have a slow cooker ? We only have an oven or air fryer in our home.
Thank you
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Eileen! You can cook the turkey in your air fryer. Try 360°F for about 1 hour turning it 2-3 times to avoid burning the outside.