If you crave a comforting, fuss-free holiday meal or simply want that Sunday supper magic without turning on the oven, this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe is your delicious answer. The turkey turns out incredibly juicy and tender, with a blanket of rich, homemade gravy that sends it over the top. Minimal prep, cozy aromas filling the house, and guaranteed second helpings—this is the recipe you’ll want to revisit all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With simple pantry staples and fresh aromatics, every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in boosting flavor or creating that succulent roast turkey texture. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why each part matters for the best Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe.
- Turkey Breast (5–6 lbs, bone-in or boneless, skin on): This is the star of your meal; skin-on keeps the meat moist and flavorful as it slow cooks.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Coats the turkey for extra richness and helps the seasonings stick beautifully.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the big, natural flavor of the turkey.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that complements the savory spices.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a mellow, savory base that infuses every bite.
- Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Offers subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning blend.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): A classic herb for turkey, lending earthiness and festive vibes.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds color and just a hint of smokiness.
- Dried Rosemary (1/2 teaspoon): Imparts woodsy, aromatic flavor—the ultimate turkey companion.
- Onion, Chopped (1/2 cup): Sits in the slow cooker to flavor the turkey and enrich the gravy base.
- Celery, Chopped (1/2 cup): Adds aromatic depth and a subtle freshness.
- Carrots, Chopped (1/2 cup): Bring sweetness and color, mellowing out the savory juices.
- Chicken or Turkey Broth (1 cup): Keeps everything moist and is key for a rich, flavorful gravy later.
- Butter (for gravy, 2 tablespoons): The backbone for a wonderfully luscious gravy.
- All-Purpose Flour (for gravy, 2 tablespoons): Thickens the gravy to the perfect pourable consistency; use cornstarch for gluten-free.
- Cooking Liquid from the Slow Cooker (2 cups): Absorbs all those savory turkey and veggie flavors—pure liquid gold for your gravy.
- Salt & Pepper to Taste (for gravy): Adjust as needed to make your gravy shine.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Pat and Season the Turkey
Start by patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels; this helps the skin crisp a bit and ensures the seasoning really sticks. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil or melted butter with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, and rosemary. Rub this flavorful blend all over the turkey, making sure to get plenty both on top of and underneath the skin. Generous seasoning here is the secret to deeply flavored, juicy meat.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables and Broth
Scatter the chopped onion, celery, and carrots into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in the broth, creating a cozy bed for the turkey—and the foundation for your future gravy. Set the seasoned turkey breast on top of the veggies, skin side up, so the skin stays exposed and can soak up all the beautiful steam.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Put the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for about 5 to 6 hours. Don’t peek too much—let the magic happen! The turkey is done when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). When it’s finished, remove it carefully and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This rest time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice stays moist.
Step 4: Prepare the Gravy
While the turkey rests, strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a measuring cup. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a roux—this creates the base of a silky gravy. Slowly pour in two cups of the strained cooking liquid, whisking constantly so lumps don’t stand a chance. Let it cook and thicken for about 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Add extra broth if you want a thinner gravy.
Step 5: Carve and Serve
Slice your turkey breast against the grain into thick pieces. Lay them on a platter and pour that luscious gravy right on top, or serve it on the side for everyone to drizzle themselves. Enjoy the best flavors of the season, any day of the week, with this classic Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme on the sliced turkey, or even a few pomegranate seeds for a pop of juicy color at the holidays. A grind of black pepper and an extra drizzle of warm gravy make every plate look—and taste—like a celebration.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or classic stuffing. Don’t forget fluffy dinner rolls on the side to mop up every drop of that incredible gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a festive platter by arranging turkey slices on a bed of roasted root vegetables, or serve family-style on a cutting board with bowls of gravy for dipping. For a buffet, keep the turkey warm in a slow cooker set to “keep warm” and serve the gravy in a small thermos to keep it piping hot.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices of this turkey breast will keep beautifully refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days. Store leftover gravy separately, also airtight, so everything tastes just as fresh the next day for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
Freezing
If you’re making this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe ahead, both the turkey and the gravy are freezer-friendly! Cool completely, then freeze the sliced turkey and gravy in separate freezer bags or containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange turkey slices in a baking dish, add a splash of broth, and cover tightly with foil—warm gently in a 325°F oven until heated through. Reheat gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If needed, add more broth to loosen it up so it’s perfectly pourable again.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless turkey breast?
Absolutely! Both bone-in and boneless turkey breasts work beautifully with this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe. Boneless will cook a bit faster, so start checking at the 4.5–5 hour mark for doneness.
How do I get crispy skin on the turkey?
For crispier skin, pop the cooked turkey breast under the broiler in your oven for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn. This gives you that tempting golden finish you’d expect from a traditional roast.
Can I make the gravy gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch when thickening your gravy. Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with a splash of cold water to form a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering cooking liquid until thickened.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover turkey and gravy are fantastic in sandwiches, wraps, turkey pot pie, or even tossed into a hearty soup or stew. The flavors deepen after a day or two, making leftovers just as exciting as the main event.
How do I prevent the turkey breast from drying out?
Be sure not to overcook! Cooking on the low setting and checking with a thermometer for 165°F is key. Resting the turkey after cooking and storing leftovers with a bit of extra broth or gravy also helps keep everything moist.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t beat the ease, comfort, and flavor of this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe. Whether you’re gathering for a holiday or simply craving a home-cooked classic any night of the week, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it bring extra warmth and happiness to your table.
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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy recipe is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a tender, flavorful turkey dinner. The turkey breast is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, slow-cooked to perfection, and served with a rich homemade gravy. It’s a stress-free option for a holiday meal or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Turkey Breast:
- 1 (5–6 lb) bone-in or boneless turkey breast (skin on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup celery (chopped)
- 1/2 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
For the gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups cooking liquid from the slow cooker (add broth if needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry and season with a mixture of olive oil or butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, and rosemary.
- Cook in the Slow Cooker: Place chopped vegetables in the slow cooker, add broth, and place the seasoned turkey breast on top. Cook on low for 5–6 hours.
- Rest and Slice: Once cooked, let the turkey rest before slicing.
- Make the Gravy: Strain the cooking liquid, make a roux with butter and flour, then add the liquid and season to make a rich gravy.
- Serve: Slice the turkey breast and serve with warm gravy.
Notes
- For crispy skin, broil the turkey breast for 3–5 minutes after slow cooking.
- Leftover turkey is great for sandwiches or pot pie.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
