Crock Pot BBQ Turkey Breast is made with turkey breast, sweet potatoes, barbecue sauce, butter, and a flavorful blend of spices. This recipe creates a smoky, juicy turkey dish with tender potatoes. It takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes to prepare and serves 4 to 6.
Crock Pot BBQ Turkey Breast Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (3- to 4-pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 2 1/2 pounds medium sweet potatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup low-sodium turkey or chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
How To Make Crock Pot BBQ Turkey Breast
- Make Spice Butter: In a bowl, mash together the butter, all spices, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Prep Turkey: Trim excess fat and skin from the turkey breast. Pat dry, then rub half the spiced butter under the skin and the other half over the skin.
- Set Up Crock Pot: Place sweet potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker and pour in the broth.
- Cook Turkey: Place the turkey breast skin-side up on the potatoes. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the turkey reaches 165°F internally.
- Broil Turkey: Transfer turkey to a baking sheet, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 7–9 minutes until caramelized.
- Rest & Serve: Let turkey rest 15–20 minutes before slicing. Serve with sweet potatoes and discard the slow cooker liquid.

Recipe Tips
- Separate Skin Carefully: Loosen the skin gently to avoid tearing while applying the butter underneath.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure turkey reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results.
- Broil for Texture: Don’t skip the broiling step—it adds a smoky finish to the BBQ glaze.
- Flavorful Potatoes: Sweet potatoes absorb the savory juices for a perfect side.
- Resting Time Matters: Resting allows juices to redistribute for moist slices.
What To Serve With Turkey Breast
This turkey pairs wonderfully with cornbread, coleslaw, steamed green beans, or a crisp green salad. A tangy cranberry sauce or apple chutney also makes a tasty complement.
How To Store Turkey Breast
Refrigerate: Store turkey and potatoes in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Slice turkey and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added BBQ sauce.
Turkey Breast Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 642
- Total Fat: 11.5g
- Saturated Fat: 4.7g
- Carbohydrates: 83.7g
- Sugar: 43.1g
- Fiber: 8.8g
- Protein: 50.1g
- Sodium: 3353.3mg
FAQs
Can I use boneless turkey breast?
Yes, but reduce the cook time slightly and watch the internal temperature closely.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite—sweet, smoky, or spicy styles all work well here.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
No, but you can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
Can I skip the broiler step?
It’s optional, but it enhances flavor and texture. A kitchen torch can work too.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add cayenne or hot BBQ sauce if you want more heat.
Crock Pot BBQ Turkey Breast
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4-6
servings20
minutes4
hours642
kcalA flavorful slow-cooked turkey breast with BBQ glaze and tender sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temp
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (3–4 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
1/2 cup low-sodium turkey or chicken broth
2 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, quartered
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
Directions
- Mash butter and spices in a bowl.
- Trim and dry turkey, rub butter under and over the skin.
- Place sweet potatoes and broth in slow cooker.
- Add turkey breast on top, skin side up.
- Cook on LOW 3–4 hours or HIGH 2½–3 hours until 165°F.
- Broil turkey brushed with BBQ sauce for 7–9 minutes.
- Rest turkey 15–20 minutes, slice, and serve with potatoes.
