Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Turkey and Gravy

This slow cooker turkey breast cooks low and slow right in its own savory gravy, so you get juicy, tender turkey and rich gravy all in one pot. It’s the fuss-free holiday main made for a smaller table!

Here’s a little secret. Not every Thanksgiving needs a giant turkey.

If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd, a whole bird can feel like a whole lot. So much work, so much oven space, and so many leftovers.

That’s exactly where this slow cooker turkey breast comes to the rescue.

You get all that cozy, savory turkey-and-gravy flavor you’re craving, in a size that actually makes sense for an intimate holiday.

And the very best part? It cooks itself, right in its own gravy.

Why This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Is a Holiday Lifesaver

• It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it main. Just five minutes of prep and a few hours in the crock pot is all it takes to make this recipe!
• You get the turkey AND the gravy in one pot. No separate gravy-making, no drippings to fuss over.
• It stays beautifully juicy. Cooking low and slow keeps that turkey breast tender and moist, never dry.
• It’s just the right size. Whether it’s a small family Thanksgiving, a cozy Friendsgiving, or a turkey dinner for two in the middle of January, this recipe is the perfect fix!

What You’ll Need

The star, of course, is a boneless turkey breast. It slow-cooks up tender and juicy.

For that rich, savory gravy, you’ll use a mix of brown gravy and turkey gravy packets with a cup of water. Easy and so flavorful.

Then it’s all about the seasonings. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, and black pepper bring that classic Thanksgiving flavor.

And finally, a few pats of butter to keep everything moist and delicious as it cooks.

How to Make Crock Pot Turkey and Dressing

1. Place turkey breast right into the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the water, the brown gravy mix, one packet of the turkey gravy mix, and all those cozy seasonings. Smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder, poultry seasoning, and a little pepper. Pour it right over the turkey.
3. Slice up your butter and lay the pieces over the top. As it melts, it bastes the turkey and keeps everything rich and moist.
4. Pop the lid on and let it cook low and slow until the turkey reaches 165°F in the center. A thermometer is your best friend here.
5. Once it’s done, lift the turkey out and whisk that second packet of turkey gravy into the liquid left behind. (Fish out any bits with a slotted spoon first if you’d like a smoother gravy.)
6. Slice the turkey, nestle it right back into all that gorgeous gravy, and serve it up warm.

Tips for the Juiciest Turkey Breast

A few little things for turkey perfection!

Cook to temperature, not just time. Slow cookers vary, so start checking around the 3-hour mark and pull it the moment it hits 165°F.

Bone-in works too. If you’d rather use a bone-in breast, go for it. Just plan on a little extra cooking time.

Slice it or shred it. Sliced is classic and pretty for a holiday plate, but shredded turkey is wonderful for piling onto sandwiches and sliders.

Make the seasonings your own. This blend is savory and cozy, but feel free to adjust it to whatever your family loves.

Round Out the Holiday Table

A cozy turkey deserves cozy sides! Serve it alongside these favorites.

• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Classic Green Bean Casserole
• Best Tater Tot Casserole

However big or small your gathering is this year, this turkey makes the whole meal feel special without the stress.

Scroll down to print the recipe, and go carve into the easiest turkey dinner you’ll ever make!

And for more stress-free meals all year long, our 30 Minute Dinner Recipes Book has you covered.

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