Slow Cooker Honey Butter Turkey Breast and Carrots Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper color and flavor profile, you can sear the turkey breast in a hot skillet with a little oil for 2-3 minutes per side before placing it in the slow cooker. While this adds a step, the Maillard reaction from the browning process creates a more complex savory base for the final sauce.

If you prefer a more robust flavor, add a few cloves of smashed garlic or a sprig of fresh thyme to the slow cooker insert along with the carrots.

These aromatics will infuse the honey butter sauce as it cooks, adding layers of fragrance that complement the mild flavor of the turkey without requiring extra effort.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Turkey: Add one teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the honey butter mixture for a delightful sweet-and-spicy flavor profile that cuts through the richness of the butter.
• Herb-Infused Turkey: Incorporate a tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary and thyme into the honey butter drizzle. The fresh herbs provide a bright, fragrant contrast to the sweet honey and savory turkey, elevating the overall dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheat

Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water to prevent the sauce from burning.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the best quality, consume the turkey within three days. Always cool leftovers at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to the refrigerator to ensure food safety and prevent bacterial growth.

You can prepare the honey butter sauce and mix the dry seasonings in advance to save time. Keep the seasoning in a small container and the honey butter mixture in a jar in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to cook, simply place the turkey and carrots in the slow cooker, apply the seasonings, and pour over the pre-prepared honey butter glaze.

Serving ideas

Serve the turkey breast sliced into thick medallions, accompanied by a generous portion of the honey-glazed carrots. Spoon the remaining pan sauce over the turkey slices just before serving to add moisture and extra flavor.

This dish pairs exceptionally well with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or steamed green beans to balance the sweetness of the carrots.

For a more casual presentation, you can shred the turkey and mix it directly with the carrots and the honey butter sauce in a large serving bowl.

This style of serving is particularly good if you are planning to use the leftovers for sandwiches or wraps the next day, as the sauce keeps the meat flavorful and easy to handle.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Honey Butter Turkey Breast and Carrots

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless skinless turkey breast
• 1 lb baby carrots
• 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsp honey

Instructions

1. Place the turkey breast in the center of the slow cooker insert. Arrange the baby carrots evenly around the turkey to ensure they cook through during the slow braising process.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the poultry seasoning and garlic powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the turkey. In the same bowl, combine the melted butter and honey, then drizzle the mixture over the turkey and carrots.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the turkey to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving with the cooked carrots and pan sauce.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

350

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

14 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.