Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe

This incredibly juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy is a game-changer for anyone who loves a delicious turkey dinner without the fuss of cooking a whole bird. The tender meat practically falls apart, bathed in a rich, savory gravy that develops amazing depth of flavor during the slow cooking process. Perfect for smaller holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or anytime you crave the comfort of a home-cooked turkey meal without hours of active kitchen time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just mix, pour, and let the slow cooker do the work! No basting, no checking, no stress.
• Incredibly Tender Results: The slow cooking method transforms even the leanest turkey breast into succulent, melt-in-your-mouth meat that’s never dry.
• Restaurant-Quality Gravy: The combination of turkey drippings with carefully selected seasonings creates a gravy so flavorful you’ll want to drizzle it on everything.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a small holiday gathering or just a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe delivers all the comfort of a turkey feast without overwhelming your kitchen or your schedule.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boneless Turkey Breast: The star of the show that becomes wonderfully tender in the slow cooker. Make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for the best results.
• Water: Creates steam in the slow cooker to keep everything moist and forms the base of our gravy.
• Brown Gravy Mix: Adds rich depth and color to the gravy, bringing a robust savory flavor that complements the turkey perfectly.
• Turkey Gravy Mix: Enhances the natural turkey flavor and helps thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency. We’ll use one packet during cooking and one for finishing.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These aromatics infuse the meat and gravy with savory notes without the texture of fresh garlic and onions.
• Poultry Seasoning: A classic blend that contains thyme, sage, marjoram, and rosemary – all the traditional turkey flavors in one convenient mix.
• Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice that balances the richness of the gravy.
• Butter: Creates a self-basting effect as it melts over the turkey, keeping the meat moist and adding incredible richness to the gravy.

Variations

Herb-Infused Turkey

Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage sprigs around the turkey breast for an aromatic twist. The slow cooking process will infuse these flavors beautifully throughout the meat and gravy.

Wine-Enhanced Gravy

Replace 1/4 cup of the water with dry white wine or sherry for a more sophisticated flavor profile that’s perfect for special occasions.

Mushroom Lover’s Version

Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a hearty, earthy addition to both the turkey and gravy.

Spicy Kick

Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the gravy mixture for a version with a bit of heat.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Place your turkey breast in the slow cooker, positioning it in the center for even cooking.

Step 2: Create the Gravy Base

In a medium bowl, combine water, one envelope of brown gravy mix, one envelope of turkey gravy mix, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all powders are dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Add Flavor to the Turkey

Pour the gravy mixture directly over the turkey breast, making sure it runs down the sides to flavor the entire piece of meat.

Step 4: Add Butter for Richness

Slice the butter into pats and arrange them evenly across the top of the turkey breast. This will melt during cooking, basting the meat naturally.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for 3-4 hours, allowing the turkey to slowly reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This gentle cooking process ensures tender, juicy meat.

Step 6: Rest the Turkey

Carefully remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and set it aside on a cutting board to rest briefly.

Step 7: Finish the Gravy

Use a slotted spoon to remove any large pieces from the liquid in the slow cooker if desired. Whisk in the second packet of turkey gravy mix, turn the heat to high, and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 8: Serve

Slice the turkey breast across the grain into medium-thick slices. Return the sliced turkey to the slow cooker with the gravy, or arrange on a serving platter with gravy poured over top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Choose the Right Size: Make sure your turkey breast fits comfortably in your slow cooker with some room for the gravy. Too tight, and it won’t cook evenly.
• No Peeking!: Every time you lift the lid of the slow cooker, you lose heat and extend cooking time by about 20-30 minutes.
• Temperature Is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness. The turkey is safe when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
• Slice Against the Grain: For the most tender bites, slice the turkey perpendicular to the direction of the meat fibers.
• Thicken Gravy to Preference: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the gravy during the final thickening step.

How to Serve

Complete Holiday Meal

Serve this turkey and gravy as the centerpiece of a traditional holiday spread with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls.

Comfort Food Dinner

Pair with buttermilk mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a side of cranberry sauce for a cozy weekend dinner that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Open-Faced Sandwiches

Serve thick slices of the turkey and plenty of gravy over toasted bread for a hearty lunch or light dinner. Add a side of roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Turkey Bowl

Create a comforting bowl with a base of creamy mashed potatoes or stuffing, topped with sliced turkey, plenty of gravy, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the turkey and gravy together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the turkey continues to absorb the gravy’s richness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion the sliced turkey and gravy into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Having individual portions ready to thaw makes for easy future meals.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the turkey and gravy gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave on 70% power, stirring occasionally, until heated to your liking.

FAQs

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in turkey breasts work wonderfully in this recipe and often add more flavor. You’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 30-60 minutes, depending on the size. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness at 165°F in the thickest part, away from the bone.

Can I make this recipe with turkey tenderloin or cutlets instead?
Yes, smaller cuts like tenderloins or cutlets work great but will cook faster. Reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low, checking with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking. The gravy will be just as delicious, though perhaps not quite as rich without the longer cooking time.

My gravy is too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your gravy isn’t thickening to your liking after adding the second packet of mix, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water. Whisk this into the hot gravy and cook on high for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker along with the turkey?
Certainly! Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions make excellent additions. Cut them into large chunks and place them around (not under) the turkey breast. They’ll absorb the delicious flavors while cooking and provide a ready-made side dish.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy recipe might just change your mind about turkey being reserved for special occasions. With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or smaller holiday gatherings. The combination of fork-tender turkey and rich, savory gravy creates a meal that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, your slow cooker did all the heavy lifting. Give it a try – I bet it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!

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