The Story & Intro
Hi there! I’m Marilyn, and if you’ve ever visited my little kitchen on the island of Crete, you know how much I love turning simple ingredients into something special. Even though I grew up surrounded by Mediterranean flavors, I adore experimenting with comforting dishes from around the world especially during the holidays. One of my favorite discoveries is this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Sage Butter.
I remember the first time I made it. My kitchen smelled like heaven a mix of warm butter, fresh herbs, and golden turkey. It reminded me of cozy Sunday afternoons with my grandmother, when she’d teach me how to season food with love rather than just salt and pepper. I wanted to bring that same warmth to this dish, combining the tender juiciness of turkey with the comforting aroma of sage butter.
What I love about this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Sage Butter recipe is how easy it is. There’s no need to hover over the stove or worry about dry meat. The slow cooker does all the hard work while you enjoy time with your family (or a glass of wine no judgment here!).
If you’ve ever struggled to make turkey that’s moist and flavorful, this is your new go-to. The sage butter melts slowly into the meat, creating the most buttery, herby, mouthwatering turkey you’ve ever tasted. I’ve made this recipe countless times for Thanksgiving and simple weeknight dinners, and every time, it feels like home on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy ingredients just fresh, simple flavors that bring out the best in turkey. Here’s what you’ll need for your Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Sage Butter:
- 1 bone-in turkey breast (about 5 to 6 pounds)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or turkey broth
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for a touch of brightness)
Pro tip: If you can, use fresh herbs they truly elevate the flavor of the sage butter and make the whole kitchen smell incredible.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sage Butter
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, sage, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until it forms a smooth, fragrant herb butter.
Step 2: Prep the Turkey Breast
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Gently lift the skin and spread a few tablespoons of the sage butter underneath, rubbing it directly onto the meat. Massage the rest of the butter all over the outside of the turkey. Don’t be shy the butter is what gives it that golden color and irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Set Up the Slow Cooker
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the buttered turkey breast inside, skin side up. This positioning helps the skin get a bit crispy while the meat cooks evenly in its own juices.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Every slow cooker is a bit different, so check early to avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Optional Broil for Crispy Skin
If you love crispy skin, remove the cooked turkey breast and place it under the oven broiler for about 5 minutes, just until golden brown. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This step locks in the juices and ensures each bite is tender and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Sage Butter pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Drizzle some of the leftover juices from the slow cooker over the meat for a natural, buttery gravy.
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, it’s a great option for smaller gatherings or when you don’t need a full-sized turkey. Add a side of cranberry sauce, and you’ve got a meal that feels both traditional and effortless.
For leftovers, the turkey makes incredible sandwiches! Layer it with some cranberry sauce and brie cheese between slices of rustic bread for a delicious post-holiday treat.
Recipe Card
🕒 Time:
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 5–6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total: 6 hours
🧂 Ingredients:
- 1 turkey breast (5–6 lbs)
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tbsp sage
- 1 tbsp rosemary
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 4 garlic cloves
- Salt, pepper, paprika
- 1 cup broth
- ½ lemon juice (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Mix herbs and butter.
- Rub under and over turkey skin.
- Add broth to slow cooker, place turkey inside.
- Cook on low 5–6 hours.
- Broil if desired, rest, and slice.
💡 Notes:
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Broil briefly for crispy golden skin.
- Save juices for a simple gravy.
🍽 Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 310
Protein: 42g
Fat: 15g
Carbs: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 380mg
Conclusion
Cooking turkey doesn’t have to be stressful especially when you’ve got a slow cooker doing the work. This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Sage Butter is everything I love about cooking: simple ingredients, incredible flavor, and a cozy feeling that brings everyone together.
From my Crete kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe becomes part of your family’s favorite traditions. Remember, food is more than a meal it’s a memory waiting to happen.
Short 100-Word Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and I love turning simple meals into something special. This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Sage Butter brings back childhood memories of cooking with my grandmother the smell of herbs, butter, and warmth filling the house. I created this recipe to make turkey easy, juicy, and full of flavor without stress. The slow cooker does all the work, while the sage butter melts beautifully into the meat. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish will fill your kitchen with love and your table with smiles.