Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, a magnificent feast. While the turkey often takes center stage, preparing it can be a daunting task, especially when oven space is at a premium. Imagine a Thanksgiving where your oven is free for all those delicious side dishes, and your turkey still comes out perfectly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. This dream becomes a reality with our incredibly easy CrockPot Turkey Breast recipe.
Say goodbye to early morning roasts and constant basting! This slow cooker method simplifies your holiday cooking, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can achieve a show-stopping turkey breast that is moist, flavorful, and falls off the bone. This recipe is not just for Thanksgiving; it’s a year-round solution for delicious, tender turkey, perfect for weekly meal prep, sandwiches, or a comforting family dinner any day.
Effortless CrockPot Turkey Breast: Your Ultimate Holiday & Weeknight Solution
One of the biggest challenges during holiday cooking, particularly on Thanksgiving, is managing oven space. Our single oven often becomes a battleground for casseroles, pies, and the main event—the turkey. By cooking your turkey breast in a CrockPot, you eliminate this logistical headache entirely. This clever approach not only frees up valuable oven real estate but also allows for a much more relaxed morning, removing the need to wake at the crack of dawn to start cooking a large bird.
This recipe isn’t just a holiday savior; it’s a versatile addition to your culinary arsenal. We regularly use this slow cooker turkey breast to prepare lean, delicious meat for lunches throughout the week, offering a healthy and flavorful protein source. The slow cooking process ensures the turkey remains incredibly moist, a common challenge with traditional oven roasting. Prepare to impress your guests and your family with this simple yet sublime method.
Over the coming weeks, we’re dedicated to sharing an array of Crock Pot Thanksgiving Recipes designed to make your holiday preparation as calm and stress-free as possible. From appetizers to sides, our goal is to help you create an unforgettable feast with minimal fuss. Do you have any specific slow cooker recipes you’d love to see? Let us know!
How do you typically prepare your turkey for Thanksgiving? Share your cherished traditions and cooking tips in the comments below!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Turkey Recipe
- Unbeatable Moisture: Slow cooking ensures the turkey breast remains incredibly tender and juicy, preventing the dry, bland results often associated with overcooked turkey.
- Oven Space Saver: Free up your oven for essential side dishes like casseroles, roasted vegetables, and pies, making holiday meal prep much smoother.
- Minimal Effort: With just a few simple steps, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax.
- Rich Flavor Profile: Infused with aromatic herbs and vegetables, the turkey breast develops a deep, savory flavor that’s both comforting and delicious.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While perfect for holidays, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner and yields fantastic leftovers for various meals.
This slow cooker turkey breast is packed with flavor, thanks to the aromatic vegetables and herbs that slowly infuse into the meat. Every bite is tender, delicious, and deeply satisfying!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect CrockPot Turkey
Crafting an epic CrockPot Turkey doesn’t require a long list of exotic ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at the simple, wholesome components that come together to create this flavorful dish. You’ll find specific measurements and step-by-step instructions in the full recipe card below.
Main Ingredients:
- 2-4 Pounds Bone-In Turkey Breast: The size of your turkey breast should be primarily dictated by the capacity of your slow cooker. Ensure it fits comfortably without touching the lid, allowing for proper cooking. A bone-in breast often yields more flavor and moisture.
- 1 Large Onion: Finely chopped, a yellow or white onion provides a foundational aromatic base for the rich gravy and imparts sweetness to the turkey.
- 4 Carrots: Peeled and chopped, carrots add natural sweetness, color, and essential nutrients to the slow cooker juices, which will later become your gravy.
- 4 Celery Stalks: Chopped celery contributes a subtle, savory earthiness and texture that complements the other aromatics.
- 2 Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic is crucial for depth of flavor. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Sage: Sage is a quintessential herb for turkey, offering a warm, earthy, slightly peppery flavor that screams “holiday.”
- 1 Teaspoon Salt: Essential for seasoning the turkey and balancing the overall flavors of the dish. Adjust to your personal preference.
- 6 Whole Cloves: Whole cloves provide a unique, warm, and sweet-spicy aroma. They are subtle but impactful, especially in holiday-themed dishes.
- ½ Teaspoon Cracked Black Peppercorns: Freshly cracked black pepper offers a robust, aromatic spice that enhances all the other flavors.
- ¼ Cup All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux for thickening the delicious turkey gravy.
- ¾ Cup Chicken Stock/Broth: High-quality chicken stock or broth forms the liquid base for cooking the turkey and creating a flavorful gravy.
Optional Add-Ins for Enhanced Flavor:
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: Adds a fragrant, pine-like aroma.
- Fresh Thyme Sprigs: Imparts a subtle, earthy, and minty flavor.
- Garlic Powder: For an extra boost of garlic flavor without mincing more cloves.
- Butter: A few pats of butter placed on top of the turkey breast can help keep it moist and promote a richer flavor.
- Apple or Citrus Slices: A few slices tucked around the turkey can add a hint of sweetness and acidity.
When selecting your turkey breast, always measure your slow cooker first! There’s nothing more frustrating than getting home with a beautiful bone-in turkey breast only to find it won’t fit into your CrockPot. Aim for a breast that leaves a little room on all sides for the vegetables and liquid.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes cooking this CrockPot turkey breast even easier. Here’s a list of essential kitchen equipment:
- CrockPot (Slow Cooker): A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is ideal for a 2-4 pound turkey breast. We highly recommend a model with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting once the cooking time is complete. This feature is a game-changer, ensuring your turkey cooks perfectly without the risk of overcooking if you’re not home to turn it off immediately. Find a reliable CrockPot here.
- Large Skillet: You’ll need this for browning the turkey breast and sautéing the aromatic vegetables before transferring them to the slow cooker.
- Whisk: Essential for stirring the flour into the vegetable mixture to create a smooth, lump-free roux for your gravy.
- Meat Thermometer: Absolutely crucial for ensuring your turkey is cooked safely and perfectly. Cooked turkey breast should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Serving Platter/Dish: For presenting your beautifully cooked turkey.
- Sharp Carving Knife and Fork: For easy carving and serving.
How to Make Delicious CrockPot Turkey Breast
This recipe breaks down into a few straightforward steps, ensuring a tender and flavorful turkey with minimal fuss. Full, detailed instructions are available in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s an overview of the process:
- Brown the Turkey: Begin by browning the turkey breast on all sides in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This crucial step creates a beautiful golden-brown skin and locks in flavor, adding depth that slow cooking alone cannot achieve. Once nicely seared, transfer the turkey breast to your slow cooker.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat in the same skillet to medium. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become fragrant, typically about 7 minutes. This process softens the vegetables and allows their flavors to meld.
- Infuse with Herbs and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground sage, whole cloves, salt, and cracked black peppercorns. Continue to cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. This quick sauté helps to awaken the flavors of the spices and herbs.
- Build the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetable and spice mixture in the skillet. Stir constantly for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Then, gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring continuously with a whisk until the mixture thickens into a smooth, rich gravy base. This roux will create a luscious, flavorful gravy to accompany your turkey.
- Combine and Cook: Carefully transfer the thickened aromatic mixture from the skillet into the Crock-Pot, pouring it generously over and around the turkey breast. Ensure the turkey is nestled among the vegetables and coated with the flavorful liquid.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your Crock-Pot and cook the turkey breast on the LOW setting for 6 to 7 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey breast registers 165°F (74°C). The low and slow cooking method is key to achieving incredibly moist and tender results.
Preparation and Storage Tips
Planning ahead makes holiday cooking much more enjoyable. This Crock Pot Turkey recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for make-ahead convenience and easy storage.
- Make-Ahead: This recipe is wonderfully make-ahead friendly. With a total cooking time of 6 to 7 hours, you can set it in the morning and largely forget about it, freeing you up to prepare other dishes, clean, or simply relax. You can even chop your vegetables the day before to streamline the process further.
- Storage: Any leftover cooked turkey breast should be stored promptly in an airtight container and refrigerated. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it perfect for quick lunches or another family dinner.
- Freezing: If you’ve enjoyed your fill of turkey for the season or want to save some for later, cooked leftover turkey freezes beautifully. Place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty Ziploc bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
- How to Reheat: To reheat frozen turkey breast, first thaw it completely in the refrigerator, ideally overnight. Once thawed, pat the turkey dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. You can then gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, or in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F/135°C) until warmed through. This prevents it from drying out.
Leftover turkey is incredibly versatile! We love transforming it into classic turkey sandwiches or making delicious cranberry turkey sliders, which are perfect for a casual meal or snack.
Recipe Variations to Explore
This CrockPot Turkey recipe is a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with these variations to customize it to your taste:
- Broth Substitutions: While chicken stock is a natural and delicious choice for turkey, vegetable stock makes an excellent alternative if you need a vegetarian base or don’t have chicken stock on hand. Turkey stock would also be phenomenal if you can find it.
- Gravy Options: Our recipe includes instructions for making a rich, savory gravy from the pan drippings and sautéed aromatics. However, if you prefer a different type of gravy or want to save a step, you can certainly skip making the roux and use your favorite store-bought or homemade turkey gravy.
- Vegetarian + Vegan Adaptations: For our meatless and plant-based friends, enjoy the flavorful aromatic base of this recipe by swapping the turkey for a plant-based alternative. There are many fantastic options available, such as the 7 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Turkey Alternatives. You can use the vegetables and gravy recipe with these substitutes.
- Gluten-Free Gravy: To make the rich turkey gravy entirely gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour in the roux with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your chicken stock is also gluten-free.
- Alcohol-Free: This recipe is naturally alcohol-free, making it suitable for all. However, if you’re looking to add a gourmet touch to your gravy, TastingTable offers boozy ways to upgrade your Thanksgiving gravy if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Adjusting Serving Size: A 2 to 4-pound turkey breast typically yields about eight servings, depending on portion size and whether it’s bone-in or boneless. Always confirm the size of the turkey breast fits comfortably in your slow cooker before purchasing. If feeding a smaller group, choose a smaller breast or plan for delicious leftovers. For a larger crowd, consider making two smaller turkey breasts in separate slow cookers or using a larger slow cooker if available and ensuring the turkey fits without overcrowding.
- Make It Spicy: For those who love a bit of heat, infuse your turkey gravy with a kick! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or your favorite Cajun seasoning blend to the gravy for a spiced-up Thanksgiving turkey experience.
- Sugar-Free: The base recipe is naturally low in sugar, containing only 1 gram of sugar per serving, making it an excellent choice for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Expert Tips for the Best CrockPot Turkey
Achieving a perfectly cooked turkey breast in your slow cooker is simpler than you might think. Here are some pro tips to ensure success:
- Browning is Key: Don’t skip the initial browning step in the skillet. This step is essential for developing a beautiful golden skin and adding deep, complex flavors that elevate the turkey beyond what slow cooking alone can achieve.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Ensure your turkey breast fits comfortably in your CrockPot with enough space for the vegetables and liquid to circulate. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always use a reliable meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the turkey breast, avoiding the bone. The turkey is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board and loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and moist turkey.
- Utilize Pan Juices for Gravy: The liquid and cooked vegetables at the bottom of the CrockPot are a treasure trove of flavor! These pan juices are the foundation for an incredibly rich and savory gravy, which our recipe incorporates. This ensures no flavor goes to waste and you get a complete, delicious meal.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs work, fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme tucked around the turkey breast during cooking will impart a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your gravy and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, sage) before serving. A little extra seasoning can make a big difference.
What to Serve with Your Tender Crock Pot Turkey
With the help of your slow cooker, the iconic star of any holiday feast is easier than ever to make and doesn’t even require an oven! This frees you up to create an array of delightful side dishes. Here are some menu planning suggestions for your next Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive holiday meal:
Delectable Side Dishes:
- Pineapple Stuffing: A sweet and savory twist on traditional stuffing.
- Carrot Soufflé: Light, fluffy, and subtly sweet – a crowd-pleaser.
- Creamed Corn Casserole: Rich, creamy, and comforting.
- Crock Pot Mashed Cauliflower: A lighter, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, garlicky, and utterly irresistible.
- Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream: Moist, tangy, and easy to make.
- CrockPot Sweet Potato Casserole: A classic holiday favorite, sweet and satisfying.
- Southern Green Beans: Tender, flavorful, and a staple for many holiday tables.
Complementary Main Dishes (if you need more options!):
- Crock Pot Bourbon Maple Pork Loin
- Crock Pot Guinness Corned Beef & Cabbage
- Crock Pot Chicken & Stuffing
- Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham
- Crock Pot Coke Glazed Ham
- Bourbon Baked Ham
Sweet Endings (Desserts):
- Eggnog Cookies
- 4 Ingredient Christmas Crack
- Easy Holiday Reindeer Chow
- Church Window Cookies
- No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dip
- Easy Eggnog Cake with Eggnog Glaze
- Ambrosia Salad
- Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
- Cranberry Fluff Salad
Festive Drinks:
- Eggnog White Russian
- Spiced Cranberry Cocktail
- Cranberry Moscow Mule
- RumChata Pudding Shots
- Pomegranate Breeze Martini
- Mulled Cherry Cider Cocktail
When to Serve This Versatile Turkey
This CrockPot Turkey Breast is perfect for a wide range of occasions, thanks to its ease and delicious outcome:
- Dinner: A fantastic option for a comforting and healthy weeknight family dinner.
- Potlucks: Easy to transport and keeps warm in the slow cooker, making it ideal for potlucks.
- Thanksgiving Dinner: The ultimate solution for saving oven space and simplifying holiday cooking.
- Christmas Dinner: Just as perfect for a festive Christmas meal, whether as the main dish or an accompaniment.
- Any Holiday Dinner: Suitable for Easter, New Year’s, or any gathering where a delicious, succulent turkey is desired.
More Great Thanksgiving Recipes to Try
Looking for more inspiration to round out your holiday menu? Check out these other fantastic Thanksgiving-inspired recipes:
- Carrot Soufflé
- Orange Cranberry Sauce
- Turkey Pretzel Rods
- Apple Cinnamon Beer Bread
- Pecan Pie Puffs
- Cranberry and Turkey Sliders
- CrockPot Turkey Chili
- Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
- Cracker Barrel Carrots
For more culinary adventures, explore our extensive collections of copycat recipes, delectable dessert recipes, and an abundance of time-saving CrockPot recipes.
Stay connected and never miss a recipe! Follow Tammilee Tips on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for our latest culinary inspiration and recipe posts.
Crock Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Discover how to cook a perfectly tender and juicy turkey breast in your Crock Pot! This slow cooker recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave delicious, effortless turkey.
30 minutes
7 hours
7 hours 30 minutes
8
149 kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 2-4 pounds skin-on turkey breast
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground sage (Shop Now)
- 1 teaspoon salt (Shop Now)
- 6 whole cloves (Shop Now)
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper (Shop Now)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (Shop Now)
- ¾ cup chicken stock/broth (Shop Now)
Instructions
- Brown turkey breast on all sides in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer the browned turkey to the Crock Pot.
- Reduce heat in the skillet to medium. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, approximately 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced garlic, ground sage, whole cloves, salt, and cracked black pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetable and spice mixture in the skillet. Stir constantly for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken stock, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a smooth gravy base.
- Carefully transfer the thickened aromatic mixture from the skillet and pour it evenly over and around the turkey breast in the Crock Pot.
- Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 45
Recipe originally shared on September 7, 2015. Updated October 2020. This content has been re-written and expanded for enhanced readability and SEO.