This mouthwatering Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy is a game-changer for anyone craving a delicious, home-cooked turkey dinner without the fuss. The turkey cooks to tender perfection while simmering in its own flavorful gravy, making this dish wonderfully moist and packed with savory goodness. Perfect for smaller gatherings, busy weeknights, or when you want the comfort of a holiday meal without hours of kitchen duty!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ridiculously Easy: Simply add everything to the slow cooker and let it do all the work – no basting, no checking, no stress!
  • Fall-Apart Tender: The slow cooking method ensures your turkey breast comes out incredibly juicy and tender every single time.
  • Built-in Gravy: The gravy cooks right alongside the turkey, absorbing all those delicious flavors while saving you an extra cooking step.
  • Versatile: Perfect for a small holiday gathering, Sunday dinner, or meal prep for the week’s sandwiches and salads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Boneless Turkey Breast: The star of the show! The boneless variety cooks more evenly and is easier to slice and serve.
  • Water: Forms the base of our gravy and helps create steam for moist cooking.
  • Brown Gravy Mix: Adds rich color and depth of flavor to complement the turkey.
  • Turkey Gravy Mix: Enhances the natural turkey flavor and thickens our sauce beautifully.
  • Smoked Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is!
  • Garlic Powder: Adds savory notes without the hassle of fresh garlic that might burn.
  • Onion Powder: Provides aromatic flavor without chunks of onion in the gravy.
  • Poultry Seasoning: A classic blend that enhances the turkey’s natural flavors with herbs like sage and thyme.
  • Black Pepper: Adds that perfect hint of spice that brightens all the other flavors.
  • Butter: Creates richness and helps the turkey skin brown even in a slow cooker environment.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize this dish? Here are some delicious options:

  • Herb Lovers: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage sprigs around the turkey for an herbaceous aroma.
  • Citrus Bright: Place lemon or orange slices under and around the turkey breast for a subtle citrus note.
  • Wine Infusion: Replace ¼ cup of water with white wine for an elegant twist.
  • Mushroom Madness: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for an earthy flavor in the gravy.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for heat lovers.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Place your boneless turkey breast directly into the slow cooker. No need to brown it first – that’s the beauty of this recipe!

Step 2: Mix the Gravy Base

In a medium bowl, combine water, brown gravy mix, ONE envelope of turkey gravy mix (save the other for later!), and all the seasonings – smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined with no lumps.

Step 3: Add Gravy and Butter

Pour the gravy mixture over your turkey breast, making sure to coat all sides. Slice the butter into pats and arrange them evenly on top of the turkey. This adds richness and helps with browning.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 3-4 hours, until the turkey reaches that magic internal temperature of 165°F. Resist the urge to peek too often!

Step 5: Finish the Gravy

Once the turkey is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. If needed, use a slotted spoon to remove any bits from the gravy. Whisk in the second packet of turkey gravy mix and cook on high for about 15 minutes until the gravy thickens beautifully.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Slice your turkey breast into even portions and return to the slow cooker to coat with that amazing gravy. Serve hot and watch as everyone asks for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Size Matters: A 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly for a 3-pound turkey breast. If using a larger turkey breast, make sure your slow cooker has enough room.
  • Even Cooking: Position the thickest part of the breast toward the outer edge of the slow cooker where it’s typically hotter.
  • Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F. This is non-negotiable for food safety!
  • Gravy Consistency: If your gravy ends up too thick, add a splash more water. Too thin? Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in.
  • Browning Option: For extra color, you can briefly broil the cooked turkey breast in the oven for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking (completely optional).

How to Serve

This versatile turkey breast pairs wonderfully with so many sides:

Classic Pairings

Serve with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for a mini Thanksgiving experience any time of year.

Lighter Options

For a fresher meal, pair with a crisp green salad and roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots.

Sandwich Station

Slice thinly and set up a sandwich bar with various breads, spreads, and toppings for a fun, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover turkey and gravy in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better overnight!

Freezing

This turkey freezes beautifully! Store sliced turkey with gravy in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. The gravy helps keep the meat moist when reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat turkey and gravy together in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed to keep everything moist. Microwaving works too – just cover and heat at 50% power to prevent the meat from drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a bone-in turkey breast instead?

    Absolutely! Bone-in turkey breasts work wonderfully and often have even more flavor. Just add about 30-60 minutes to the cooking time and make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The meat closest to the bone may take longer to cook properly.

  2. What if I can’t find turkey gravy packets?

    Chicken gravy packets make a great substitute. You can also use 3 tablespoons of flour mixed with 3 tablespoons of butter (melted) to create a roux, then add to the liquid in the slow cooker after removing the turkey.

  3. Can I cook this on high to save time?

    While possible, I don’t recommend it. Cooking on low creates a more tender, juicy turkey breast. If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high for about 2 hours might work, but watch carefully with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

  4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Standard gravy mixes typically contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, look for specifically labeled gluten-free gravy packets, or make your own gravy with cornstarch or gluten-free flour alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy brings holiday comfort to your table with almost zero effort. The combination of tender, juicy turkey and rich, savory gravy satisfies that craving for a home-cooked meal without tethering you to the kitchen. Whether for a special dinner or simply because you deserve something delicious, this recipe delivers impressive results every time. Give yourself the gift of amazing flavor with minimal work – your future self (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy is a succulent and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a holiday meal. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort yet delivering maximum taste. The slow cooker ensures the turkey breast turns out tender and juicy, while the homemade gravy adds a savory, comforting finish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Turkey

  • 3 pound boneless turkey breast

Gravy Mixture

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 ounce envelope brown gravy mix
  • 2 (1 ounce) envelopes turkey gravy mix (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings

  • 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
    Place the boneless turkey breast into your slow cooker. This will serve as the base for a flavorful and moist dish.
    Ingredient used: 3 pound boneless turkey breast.
  2. Mix the Gravy Mixture
    In a bowl, combine water, brown gravy mix, 1 envelope of turkey gravy mix, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are fully dissolved and well blended.
    Ingredients used: 1 cup water, 1 ounce envelope brown gravy mix, 1 envelope turkey gravy mix, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Pour and Top with Butter
    Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the turkey breast in the slow cooker. Then, slice the butter into small pieces and arrange the slices on top of the turkey.
    Ingredient used: 4 tablespoons butter.
  4. Cook the Turkey
    Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid lifting the lid to maintain heat and moisture. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
  5. Remove and Rest
    Carefully remove the turkey from the slow cooker and set it aside. This allows the flavors to settle and keeps the meat juicy.
  6. Prepare the Gravy
    If desired, remove any large bits from the gravy using a slotted spoon. Whisk in the second envelope of turkey gravy mix and cook the mixture on high for approximately 15 minutes, or until it thickens.
  7. Slice and Serve
    Slice the turkey into portions and add it back to the slow cooker to keep it warm. Serve with the thickened gravy and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
  • Don’t Lift the Lid: Keep the slow cooker closed during cooking to maintain heat and moisture.
  • Customize Seasonings: Adjust the spices or add fresh herbs to suit your taste preferences.
  • Make Extra Gravy: Double the gravy ingredient quantities for more sauce if you’re a gravy lover.
  • Let It Rest: Allow the turkey to rest after cooking before slicing to maximize juiciness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 ounces
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
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Hey, I'm Emily! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

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