Easy Slow Cooker Turkey and Gravy Recipe

If you’re looking for a hassle-free, comforting dish that practically makes itself while you get on with your day, you’re going to adore this Easy Slow Cooker Turkey and Gravy Recipe. I absolutely love how tender the turkey turns out, and that rich, silky gravy is just perfection poured right over your favorite sides. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll be making it over and over for family dinners or when you want something cozy without standing over the stove.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that perfect balance of savory turkey and luscious gravy. I like to keep pantry staples on hand like the cream of chicken and turkey gravy mix—they’re my secret shortcuts without sacrificing flavor.

• Turkey breast: Boneless works best here; it’s lean and shreds nicely after slow cooking.
• Black pepper: Just a little for a subtle kick that complements the gravy.
• Paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness—don’t skip it!
• Cream of chicken soup: This is your gravy base for creamy goodness; you can swap for cream of mushroom if you prefer.
• Turkey gravy packet: Using a flavored gravy mix amps up the turkey flavor; I love Pioneer for this.
• Chicken broth: Makes the gravy flavorful and keeps the turkey juicy; homemade or store-bought both work.
• Fresh thyme sprigs: Fresh herbs make all the difference; thyme adds a lovely aromatic touch.

Variations

I love switching things up depending on what I have on hand or the season. This recipe is super adaptable, so feel free to make it yours with a few tweaks!

• Make it dairy-free: Swap the cream of chicken soup for a coconut milk-based cream soup and use a gluten-free gravy mix.
• Add veggies: Sometimes I toss in carrots and onions for a one-pot meal with a little extra sweetness and depth.
• Herb variations: Rosemary or sage are great swaps if you don’t have thyme on hand—they bring a classic turkey flavor.
• Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika makes this recipe pop with a little heat.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Turkey and Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Turkey and Seasonings

Start by placing your boneless turkey breast right into the slow cooker. Sprinkle evenly with black pepper and paprika. Don’t stress about perfect coverage—this step is about building simple layers of flavor. I like to pat the spices gently onto the turkey so they stick better.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Gravy Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk the cream of chicken soup, turkey gravy packet, and chicken broth together until smooth. This combo bubbles and thickens slowly as it cooks, turning into a luscious gravy that seeps into every bite of turkey. It’s magic you don’t want to miss.

Step 3: Combine and Add Fresh Thyme

Pour the gravy mixture over the turkey in your slow cooker, then tuck in the fresh thyme sprigs around the meat. The thyme infuses the dish with a subtle herby aroma that elevates the whole thing—don’t skip it! If you forgot fresh thyme, dried works, but fresh is definitely worth the little extra effort.

Step 4: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook the turkey and gravy for about 6 hours. This slow, gentle heat is the secret to melt-in-your-mouth turkey that shreds with just a fork. When I first tried a faster method, the turkey was always dry, so trust the slow cook and you’ll be rewarded.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

Once done, carefully remove the turkey and shred it right in the slow cooker using two forks. Mix it back into the gravy, remove the thyme sprigs, and you’re ready to serve! The turkey soaks up all that flavor, making every bite juicy and rich.

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Turkey and Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top—it adds color and a burst of fresh flavor that brightens the richness. Sometimes, a dash of cracked black pepper or a few thyme leaves adds a nice finishing touch, too.

Side Dishes

This turkey and gravy pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes—there’s nothing better for soaking up all that delicious sauce! I also like roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or warm, buttery dinner rolls to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I sometimes serve this turkey shredded over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes, then nestle a few roasted vegetable medleys on the side. Presentation-wise, using a rustic platter with fresh herbs tucked around makes it look and feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey and gravy store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to portion it out for quick lunches or dinners and it reheats nicely without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm portions in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth. You can also microwave it covered, adding a splash of broth if it feels too thick.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Slow Cooker Turkey and Gravy Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s everything I want in a no-fuss comfort meal—juicy turkey, rich gravy, and simple steps that let me enjoy my evening. I can’t recommend it enough, especially if you’re short on time but want to impress yourself (and your family!) with a home-cooked meal that tastes like it took hours of work. Give it a try and you might just find your new favorite way to slow cook turkey!

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