Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has always been a part of my life, thanks to my grandmother who taught me the beauty of slow, mindful cooking. Although we didn’t grow up with slow cookers in Greece, the idea of letting food simmer gently, filling the home with warmth and anticipation, feels so familiar to me.
The first time I made Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Sage Butter, I was amazed by how easy it was to get that perfect, juicy tenderness without the stress of roasting a whole bird. I wanted something flavorful yet simple a dish that would make anyone feel like they’re sitting around a family table, no matter how far from home they are.
The magic here is in the sage butter. The aroma of fresh sage mingling with garlic and butter reminds me of the herb gardens in Crete, where my grandmother would pick fresh leaves to flavor her Sunday roasts. Sage adds a deep, earthy note that transforms plain turkey into something special warm, fragrant, and irresistibly comforting.
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Sage Butter is ideal for small family gatherings or holiday dinners when you don’t need a whole turkey but still want something festive and flavorful. The best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work while you relax and enjoy the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy & Tender: The slow cooker ensures perfect moisture without overcooking.
- Effortless: Just season, set, and forget minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Festive Feel: Sage butter brings that classic holiday aroma to your kitchen.
- Perfect Portions: Ideal for smaller gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🧂
For this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Sage Butter, you’ll need:
For the Turkey:
- 1 (4-5 lb) boneless or bone-in turkey breast (skin on)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sage Butter:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional for Extra Flavor:
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
Step-by-Step Instructions 🍳
1. Prepare the Sage Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with sage, garlic, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined the aroma will be heavenly!
2. Season the Turkey
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over, then season generously with salt and pepper. Carefully loosen the skin and spread half of the sage butter under the skin, pressing it gently so it coats the meat. Rub the remaining butter on top.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the onion, carrots, and celery at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a natural rack and infuses the turkey with rich flavor. Pour in the chicken broth or wine.
4. Cook Low & Slow
Set the turkey breast, skin side up, on top of the vegetables. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.
5. Crisp the Skin (Optional but Worth It!)
If you love crispy skin, transfer the turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Watch closely it browns fast!
6. Rest & Serve
Let the turkey rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring every bite is succulent and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Serve this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Sage Butter with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic cauliflower mash
- Homemade cranberry sauce
- Roasted vegetables or green beans almondine
- A drizzle of the buttery cooking juices for extra flavor
For a Greek-inspired twist, serve it with lemon-roasted potatoes and a simple side salad with olive oil, lemon, and oregano.
Recipe Card 🦃💚
⏱ Time: 15 min prep + 6 hrs cook
🧂 Ingredients: Turkey breast, butter, sage, garlic, herbs
🍳 Instructions: Rub with sage butter, cook low & slow, rest & serve
📋 Notes: Broil for crisp skin, use broth or wine for flavor depth
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving): ~320 calories | 30g protein | 20g fat | 1g carbs
Pro Tips for Success 🌟
- Use fresh sage — it adds brightness that dried herbs can’t match.
- Don’t skip the resting time! It’s the secret to juicy slices.
- Save the veggies and broth — blend them into a quick gravy!
- Plan ahead — this dish tastes even better the next day.
Conclusion ❤️
Cooking Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Sage Butter reminds me why I love slow cooking so much it’s simple, forgiving, and deeply satisfying. The fragrance of sage and butter brings warmth to your kitchen, and the first slice is pure comfort on a plate.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or preparing for the holidays, this recipe delivers flavor, tenderness, and ease. So let your slow cooker do the work while you create new memories around the table because good food, like good stories, is meant to be shared.
