Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

Crockpot Turkey Breast is your new secret weapon for pulling off a show-stopping meal with barely any fuss. You get impossibly juicy turkey, richly seasoned and cloaked in the most luscious homemade gravy—all with just a handful of everyday ingredients and almost zero hands-on time. It’s the definition of comforting, make-ahead magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a few classic ingredients to unlock the magic here. Each one is a building block—creating a deeply flavorful, buttery turkey breast and a savory gravy that’s pure comfort.

• Boneless turkey breast (3–3.5 lbs): Opt for a thawed, high-quality breast for the juiciest, most tender results. Leave the netting on if it’s a roast—this helps keep its shape.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter coats the turkey in richness, making every bite melt in your mouth.
• Garlic powder: An essential seasoning that adds savory depth without any peeling or chopping.
• Italian seasoning: This herby blend brings warm, earthy undertones and classic holiday aroma.
• Seasoning salt: Try Lawry’s or your favorite brand—this adds balanced, savory flavor with every bite.
• Black pepper: Just enough for a gentle backbone of heat and complexity.
• Low sodium broth (chicken, turkey, or veggie): The base for a rich, flavorful gravy that’s never too salty.
• Corn starch: Whisks easily into the broth and turkey juices for a lusciously thick gravy.
• Dried parsley and thyme: These finish the gravy with garden-fresh flavor.

Variations

One of the best things about Crockpot Turkey Breast is how easy it is to tailor to your own tastes or whatever you already have in your pantry. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—these fun twists keep things fresh every time you serve it!

• Bone-In Turkey Breast: If you can only find bone-in, go for it! Expect it to be extra moist, but you might need to add an extra 1–2 hours to the cooking time.
• Switch Up the Herbs: Swap Italian seasoning for herbs de Provence, rosemary, or fresh sage for a new flavor spin.
• Make It Butter-Free: Use olive oil in place of butter for a dairy-free option with equally delicious results.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the butter rub for a little heat and extra color.

How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prep the Turkey Breast

Place your boneless turkey breast—fully thawed, please!—right into the bottom of a 2.5–4 quart crockpot. If you’re using a turkey roast, leave the netting on; this little trick keeps your turkey perfectly shaped and juicy while it cooks.

Step 2: Make and Apply the Butter Rub

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, and black pepper. Don’t be shy—rub this flavor-packed mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get under the skin (if yours has it) and on every side. This step guarantees tons of buttery flavor all the way through.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set it on low. Let the turkey cook for about 5 hours, or until it’s beautifully tender and reaches 165°F at the thickest part. Your kitchen will smell like the holidays, and the turkey will stay moist and delicious thanks to the gentle heat.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

When the turkey’s done, carefully transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes (don’t skip this step!) to allow the juices to settle. After resting, slice it thinly—it’s gorgeous and ultra-tender sliced against the grain.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

Pour all those delicious juices from the crockpot through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch, then slowly whisk this into the turkey juices. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the gravy thickens. Finish by adding dried parsley, thyme, and a little extra pepper to taste. Heaven in sauce form!

Step 6: Serve or Keep Warm

You can either serve the turkey breast immediately with plenty of gravy, or return the sliced turkey to the crockpot (set to “warm”) and pour the gravy over top to keep everything moist until dinnertime.

How to Serve Crockpot Turkey Breast

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Crockpot Turkey Breast with a final flutter of chopped fresh parsley or thyme just before serving. The green pop is both pretty and aromatic, and a few fresh herb sprigs look extra lovely on a serving platter for a holiday feel.

Side Dishes

This turkey absolutely shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes, classic stuffing, garlicky green beans, or simple dinner rolls to mop up all that glorious gravy. Don’t forget a tangy cranberry sauce—the sweet-tart combo is perfection with the savory turkey and rich gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy presentation, arrange the sliced Crockpot Turkey Breast on a wooden board, fan out the slices, then drizzle with gravy and scatter with fresh herbs. Or tuck leftovers into warm rolls for irresistible turkey sliders—they’re always the first to disappear at gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover turkey slices in an airtight container, spooning a bit of gravy over them to keep everything moist. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful in the fridge for up to 4 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

Crockpot Turkey Breast freezes beautifully! Pack cooled turkey slices and gravy into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out extra air. They’ll keep their best flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place turkey and gravy in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and warm gently in a 300°F oven until heated through. Or warm individual portions in the microwave, sprinkling a tablespoon of broth over top to keep things from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a stress-free way to deliver beautiful, flavorful turkey any time of year, this Crockpot Turkey Breast truly delivers. Whether it’s for a holiday or a cozy Sunday dinner, give it a try and watch it become a new favorite at your table!

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