Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, fuss-free centerpiece, look no further than Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy. This recipe delivers stunningly juicy turkey with a savory, velvety gravy—all made with minimal hands-on work and maximum flavor payoff. Using your slow cooker takes the guesswork out of cooking turkey breast, making it tender and delicious every single time. Whether you’re prepping a holiday meal or just craving some comfort food, this dish is bound to win hearts and fill bellies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this feast is as easy as it is flavorful. Each item brings something special, from the aromatic veggies that create a flavorful base to the herbs that make the turkey and gravy sing. Here’s what you’ll need for a perfect Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy:

• Bone-in, skin-on split turkey breast (3 lb): The star of the show—bone and skin keep the meat juicy and add depth of flavor.
• Yellow onion, diced: Delivers essential sweetness and aroma to the base of the dish.
• Diced celery (1 cup): Adds a subtle earthy crunch and rounds out the aromatic flavors.
• Diced carrots (1 cup): For natural sweetness and a pop of color in the veggie base.
• Turkey stock or chicken stock (1 cup): Infuses the meat and veggies with rich, savory moisture—perfect for a luscious gravy later.
• Softened butter (4 tbsp): Slathers the turkey with richness, helps crisp the skin, and creates an herb-studded crust.
• Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Packs aromatic, garlicky goodness into every bite.
• Salt (1 tsp): The backbone that draws out and enhances all the flavors.
• Pepper (1/2 tsp): For a touch of warmth and balance.
• Dried thyme (1/2 tsp): Invokes classic Thanksgiving flavors and complements the turkey beautifully.
• Dried sage (1/2 tsp): Earthy and woodsy, sage is essential for that unmistakable holiday aroma.
• Dried rosemary (1/2 tsp): Lends a piney, fresh note that wakes up the whole dish.
• Butter for gravy (4 tbsp): Creates a silky foundation for the gravy.
• Flour for gravy (1/4 cup): Thickens the gravy, giving it that irresistible texture—cassava flour works too if you want it grain free.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Start by greasing your slow cooker with a little oil; this makes cleanup so much easier and helps prevent any bits from sticking. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to wash up after the feast!

Step 2: Layer in the Flavor

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery straight into the slow cooker, then pour in the turkey or chicken stock. Give everything a gentle stir—this aromatic vegetable bed elevates the turkey and flavors your gravy from the get-go.

Step 3: Make the Herb Butter Rub

In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, sage, and rosemary until you have a fragrant, creamy mixture. This little step is what turns your turkey from ordinary to extraordinary.

Step 4: Coat the Turkey

Rub that glorious herb butter mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to get underneath the skin and on every nook and cranny. If it’s slippery, you can put the turkey breast in the slow cooker first and then finish rubbing the top—works like a charm!

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on, set your slow cooker to high for the first hour, then reduce it to low and cook for about four more hours. Your main goal? Juicy turkey cooked to an internal temperature of 160 to 165F, so pull out your meat thermometer and check as you go. Adjust timing if your turkey needs a little longer.

Step 6: Crisp the Skin (Optional but Amazing)

For irresistibly crispy skin, preheat your oven to broil. Transfer the cooked turkey breast onto a lined baking sheet and broil for two to three minutes. Watch closely—this is just enough time for the skin to turn golden and crisp.

Step 7: Prepare the Gravy

Strain all the veggies and juices from the slow cooker, keeping those flavorful juices for your gravy (you should have about two cups). In a saucepan over medium heat, melt four tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, then gradually add the juices, whisking constantly to keep things smooth. Let the gravy simmer a couple more minutes, seasoning with extra salt or pepper as needed. For thinner gravy, add a little extra turkey stock.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the turkey breast off the bone and arrange it beautifully on a platter. Pour that homemade gravy over the top or serve it on the side. Whether it’s the holidays or just a Tuesday, Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy makes any meal feel extra special.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy

Garnishes

Finish your Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy with a spark of color: sprinkle on freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or even a touch of rosemary. For a bit of festive flair, pomegranate seeds and orange zest look gorgeous and taste delicious against the herby turkey and savory gravy.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with classic sides. Mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables are perfect gravy vehicles, while a simple green salad or fluffy dinner rolls balance out the richness of the turkey. Don’t forget cranberry sauce for that sweet-tart contrast!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take things up a notch, layer slices of turkey breast over garlic mashed potatoes for an “open-faced” take, or pile leftovers into soft rolls for outrageously tasty sandwiches. Present sliced turkey family-style on a wooden board with colorful roasted vegetables and a generous drizzle of gravy for a rustic, showy spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover turkey tightly or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the meat is cooled before sealing it up. The gravy can go into a separate airtight container—both will keep beautifully for up to three days and reheat like a dream.

Freezing

For longer storage, Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy is remarkably freezer-friendly. Slice the turkey and freeze it in portions with some of the gravy to keep everything moist and flavorful. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place turkey breast slices in a baking dish, pour over some reserved gravy, and cover with foil. Warm in a 325F oven until hot, or microwave gently, spooning gravy over as you go to keep the meat luscious and tender. If the gravy thickens too much, stir in a splash of stock or water.

FAQs

Can I use boneless turkey breast in this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless turkey breast works well; just keep an eye on the cooking time since it may cook a bit faster than bone-in. The technique remains the same, and you’ll still get that delicious, juicy result.

What can I substitute for turkey stock?

Chicken stock or broth is an easy, flavorful alternative if turkey stock isn’t on hand. Veggie broth can work in a pinch, but it may be lighter—so add a splash more seasoning if needed.

Can I prep this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can meal-prep this dish! Assemble everything in your slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply pop it into the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

How do I tell when the turkey breast is done?

Use a meat thermometer for best results. The thickest part of the turkey should hit 165F for safe, juicy meat. If it’s under, just cook a little longer and check every 15–20 minutes.

Is it necessary to broil the turkey breast at the end?

It’s totally optional, but broiling is a secret trick for ultra-crisp, tasty skin. If you’re short on time (or if crispy skin isn’t your thing), you can skip this step and head straight to slicing and serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a home-cooked meal that feels both special and easy—and Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy hits that sweet spot every time. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just need a hands-off dinner, I hope this recipe finds its way into your regular rotation and brings smiles to your table. Give it a try and let this simple classic win you over!

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