Name: Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast with Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-488877H39M42S
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 boneless turkey roast (about 3 pounds); 1 can (14 ounces) cranberry sauce (whole or jellied); ½ cup orange juice; 1 envelope (2 ounces) dry onion soup mix; 2 teaspoons light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

I’m excited to share my version of a comforting and wildly easy slow cooker boneless turkey breast with cranberry sauce. With just 5 minutes of prep, this cozy dish yields a tender, juicy turkey smothered in a sweet-tart sauce—perfect for holidays or stress-free weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find this recipe utterly practical and rewarding. I love how minimal the prep is—just dump the sauce over the turkey, walk away, and come back to a perfectly cooked, flavorful turkey. The slow cooker keeps the meat moist and lets me free up the oven for other sides. It’s incredibly forgiving, flavorful, and so elegant-looking—plus, leftovers make the best sandwiches or salads.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless turkey roast (about 3 pounds)
1 can (14 ounces) cranberry sauce (whole or jellied is up to me)
½ cup orange juice
1 envelope (2 ounces) dry onion soup mix
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

I mix together the cranberry sauce, orange juice, dry onion soup mix, brown sugar, paprika, poultry seasoning, and garlic powder in a bowl.
I place the thawed turkey roast into the bottom of my slow cooker and pour the cranberry mixture over it.
I cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, until the center reaches 165 °F. I start checking at 4 hours to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Once done, I remove the turkey, discard any netting, and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Then, I serve it topped with the sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 4–6 hours
Total time: Roughly 4 hours and 5 minutes

Variations

For a bit of heat, I add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
For extra brightness, I grate in some orange zest.
I sometimes tuck in root veggies like carrots, parsnips, or small potatoes—adding them about 2 hours before the turkey’s done keeps them from turning mushy.
I might swap regular paprika with smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
If I’m not in the mood for turkey, I swap in 3 pounds of chicken breasts instead with delicious results.

Storage / Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Alternatively, I freeze the leftover turkey for up to 3 months.
To reheat, I gently warm slices in the oven or microwave with some of the sauce to keep things juicy.

FAQs

What is the best way to cook a boneless turkey breast?

I find the slow cooker is the most hands-off way to get consistently juicy results—I cook it on low for 4–6 hours until it hits an internal temp of 165 °F.

How many will a 3 lb turkey breast feed?

In my experience, a 3 lb boneless turkey breast serves about 4 people—perfect for a smaller holiday or cozy dinner.

How long does a 3 lb Butterball boneless turkey breast take in the crockpot?

I typically cook it on the low setting for around 4–6 hours. I avoid high heat as it risks drying the meat.

Can I put frozen turkey in the crockpot?

I always thaw my turkey first—never cook it from frozen. Thawing in the fridge takes around 18–24 hours; a cold-water method can take 2–3 hours.

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast?

Absolutely! If it’s still approximately 3 pounds, the cook time stays similar. If it’s heavier, I add more time or use a slow cooker with a built-in thermometer for safety.

Conclusion

I love how this slow cooker turkey recipe takes minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor and moist, succulent meat. It frees up oven space, handles itself, and gives me wonderful leftovers. Whether it’s a holiday centerpiece or a midweek meal, this cranberry-infused turkey is always a win in my book.