This Crockpot turkey breast recipe is the epitome of comfort food—tender, juicy turkey paired with a rich and savory homemade gravy. Perfect for busy days or holiday feasts, this recipe offers an easy way to prepare a succulent turkey without the hassle. With a simple seasoning mix and a slow-cooking method, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Turkey Breast:
- 3-3.5 lb boneless turkey breast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (such as Lawry’s)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions: How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast
Start by placing your completely thawed turkey breast (or turkey breast roast with netting intact) in a 2.5 to 4-quart crockpot. This recipe is ideal for a turkey breast of this size, allowing for even cooking throughout.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring it covers both sides evenly. If your turkey has skin, be sure to get the seasoning under and on top of the skin to infuse even more flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Turkey
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for about 5 hours. The turkey is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F. During this time, the turkey will become tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious seasonings.
Step 4: Rest the Turkey
Once the turkey is cooked to perfection, remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure the meat stays moist.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
While the turkey is resting, it’s time to make the gravy. Begin by straining the juices from the crockpot through a fine mesh sieve into a medium pot. This will remove any bits and pieces, leaving you with a smooth base for the gravy.
Next, whisk together the chicken (or turkey/vegetable) broth and corn starch in a separate bowl. Whisk this mixture into the strained turkey juices. Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, until the gravy reaches the desired consistency.
Step 6: Season the Gravy
Once the gravy has thickened, taste it and add the dried parsley, dried thyme, and black pepper to season to taste. You can adjust the flavors as needed to suit your preferences.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Thinly slice the rested turkey breast and place it back into the crockpot on the warm setting to keep it heated, or serve immediately with the freshly made gravy. This meal is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Turkey Breast
- Resting the Turkey: Don’t skip the resting time. Allowing the turkey to rest before slicing ensures that the juices stay locked in, making each bite tender and moist.
- Gravy Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the gravy. Adding a splash of white wine or a touch of Dijon mustard can elevate the flavor.
- Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can slice the turkey and store it with the gravy in the fridge, reheating it for an easy meal throughout the week.
Conclusion
This Crockpot turkey breast with homemade gravy is an easy and flavorful way to enjoy turkey without the stress of traditional roasting methods. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a holiday feast, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your cooking rotation.