Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy is an easy way to prepare turkey breast that doesn’t require too much fuss!
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with GravyThis slow cooker turkey breast recipe is great for a small Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving meal when you don’t want to cook a whole turkey. And I love using the leftovers to make turkey sandwiches! If you prefer using your air fryer, try this Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe, or if you’re feeding a crowd, this Herb and Salt-Rubbed Dry Brine Turkey would be delicious.
This turkey breast recipe is modified from the Slow Cooker Revolution Cookbook. It’s a great base if you want to play around with the ingredients in this recipe!
The slow cooker I own is the 6 Quart Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker (affil link). This crockpot has some features that I really like:
- You can adjust the time you want it to cook.
- It automatically turns to warm when it’s done.
- It has a probe for meat that automatically shuts off when done.
How long do you cook turkey breast?
For this turkey recipe, I used a thawed five-pound bone-in turkey breast. It was perfectly cooked after spending around five hours in the slow cooker. All slow cookers cook differently, though, so your results may vary.
You’re welcome to use a different size breast or one that’s boneless, but it will affect the cooking time. So, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on the turkey! Depending on the size, you probably want to start checking your turkey around the four- or five-hour mark.
The best way to know if the meat is done is to use a food thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. When it reaches 165 degrees, it’s done.
How do you keep a turkey breast from drying out?
The best way to keep a turkey breast from drying out is not to overcook it! Cooking it in liquid is another way to ensure juicy turkey. In this recipe, the turkey cooks in a broth-wine mixture, which also makes a delicious gravy.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Turkey
Serve this turkey breast with a few Thanksgiving side dish recipes, like my go-to Cranberry Pear Sauce, which you can make a few days ahead, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, which my husband loves, and Mom’s Stuffing! It’d also be great with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash, Spinach Gratin, or Roasted Baby Potatoes.
Variations:
- Turkey Skin: This slow-cooker method for cooking turkey isn’t meant to give it crispy skin. But, if you really want golden-brown skin, you could try broiling the turkey after it’s done in the crockpot.
- Carrots: Add more carrots if you prefer.
- Wine: If you don’t want to cook with wine, use more broth. If you want to use the wine but don’t typically drink it, you can buy small bottles of pinot grigio or chardonnay to have on hand so that you don’t have to open a whole bottle.
- Herbs: Swap the sage for rosemary, thyme, or poultry seasoning.
- Gluten-Free Turkey: Sub the flour with gluten-free flour.
How To Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
More Healthy Turkey Recipes
- Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy
- Turkey Cutlets with Parmesan Crust
- Stuffed Turkey with Cranberries and Pecans
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Corned Turkey and Cabbage
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped medium
- 1 celery rib, chopped medium
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp fresh sage
- 2 bay leaves
- 5 lb turkey breast, bone in, skin on (removed later), trimmed of fat
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic and cook until onion is soft, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of broth and scrape up any browned bits and smooth out any lumps; transfer to slow cooker.
- Stir in remaining broth, water, wine, sage, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
- Season turkey with salt and pepper, place skin side up in the slow cooker, cover and cook 5 to 7 hours on low, or until the turkey reaches 165 degrees with an instant-read thermometer
- Transfer turkey to a cutting board tent loosely with foil and let it rest 20 minutes.
- Let braising liquid settle for 5 minutes, then remove the fat from the surface using a large spoon or a gravy fat separator.
- Strain braising liquid into saucepan, discard celery, bay leaves and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Discard the skin and carve the turkey and serve with gravy.
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Loved it! We tested this recipe on Thanksgiving alongside our traditional roasted turkey. It was moist, tasty, and gobbled up.
We will be making it at Christmas as we will only have a few turkey eaters and need the oven for ham and lasagna.
Variation: we pulled out the bay leaves and used an immersion blender on celery, carrots and onions and broth. Fantastic!
I made this today-first thanksgiving I’ve ever cooked or made a turkey dinner, used a 3 lb roast. Did not spoon off fat( didn’t see any after sitting as instructed) and did not drain before simmering as I didn’t feel it needed it. It came out delicious !! Also made the roasted green beans with carmelized onions. Both came out great
Great!!
This recipe is a keeper!! It was the best Turkey breast and gravy I’ve ever made.
Wonderful!!!
Can I make this with chicken breast?
No, its not quite the same
This was amazing!!!! We did a small Thanksgiving this weekend and this was probably the best turkey I’ve made!! I actually think I’m going to do it again on Thanksgiving because we’re not having a huge group and it would be so nice to not have the oven tied up all day!!! I did add some Wondra flour to the broth to thicken up the gravy. Thank you, Gina!!
Awesome!!
My turkey was so moist and flavorful. The gravy is incredible. I will make all my turkey breasts this way from now on. I want to try a whole chicken in the crockpot using this recipe. I’ll bet it would be just as good.
Oh my. We made this for Thanksgiving this year since it was just the 2 of us. So good; the turkey was actually moist, which I didn’t think was possible. I don’t think my gravy ever really thickened, and I added some pepper and a pinch of poultry season, but – boy – it was good anyway.
Oh em gee. Stocking up in turkey breasts because put a fork in me I’m done. Indescribably delicious, amazingly easy!
I have a boneless, skinless Turkey breast in the freezer, will that work or will it be too dried out?
Have you ever tested this recipe in an Instant Pot? Looks amazing!
Can I cook this using a boneless turkey breast…my store doesn’t have much of a variety when it comes to turkey…basically they sell a huge full size turkey or a 3 lb turkey breast…
Very, very good! Made today but used pressure cooker. First browned boneless skinless turkey breast, removed, added veggies, sauted for 3-4 mins. Added turkey back and broth, pressure cooker on high for 15 mins. Natural release, removed turned, made gravy on simmer. Oh, so good!!! Thanks!!
This is SOOOOOO delicious! My husbands favorite meal is turkey dinner and we have it throughout the year. This recipe enables us to have it 1-2 times a month!!! The gravy is so yummy! And 1 point on WW Purple? Win, win!!! ❤️
How did you brown the skin?
Hers is not showing browned. You can quick sear in a deep frying pan if you want.
After searching high and low, all I can find are split turkey breasts, bone in, skin on. So I bought two, 2 lbs each. Would two separate breasts affect this recipe at all? I guess I could kind of overlap them on top of each other in the slow cooker, or should I make in oven? Might be more moist in the slow cooker? I am not able to try this recipe out before Thanksgiving so a bit nervous to do this for the first time for the holiday. Thank you for any responses!
Every time I want to try this, my kids love it, I have a hard time finding turkey breasts if it isn’t fall. I bought two turkey tenderloins and gave it a whirl. It turned out perfectly too. Used a meat thermometer and that is key, so all the people asking about tenderloins it can be done!
This is a wonderful recipe! It’s really hot here in Virginia right now, I have made this turkey breast several times this summer. We eat it with gravy and veggies the first night. Then we have garden tomatoes and turkey sandwiches for dinner or lunch!
Can u use turkey tenderloin?
I have with good results.
I made this turkey breast for Thanksgiving and it is a winner. Very moist and delicious! Not to mention that it’s easy. I will definitely make it again.
I made this for our Thanksgiving meal yesterday and it turned out perfectly. The turkey was moist and delicious and the gravy was so simple to make and serve. It too was very flavorful. Thanks Gina for this recipe. I highly recommend it!
How about an air fryer
Is there a way to crisp up the skin after taking out of the slow cooker without over cooking?
You can try broiling it, but this method isn’t meant to have crisp skin.
Can you use a whole turkey and cut off just the breast after it is thawed?
I made this in my Instant Pot, using the saute function to make the gravy, I also used a little more broth instead of white wine. My turkey breast was a 3 pound frozen one-the kind that comes with the gravy pouch, which I discarded. I didn’t need to thaw it before cooking. I used the Instant Pot in its slow cooker function. It was so easy and delicious and no extra pan to clean. I’m making this recipe again today.
Gina,
Is there a sparkle of a chance that you will adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot? I know a lot of people who would love it!
Can the white wine be left out. And any adjustments for using a boneless turkey breast 3-5lbs.
I made this today. The largest turkey breast I could find was 3 lbs. I cooked it on low for 5 hours. It was too long so it was a little dry. Next time I would do less time. It would have been pretty good otherwise.
Made this yesterday and overcooked it a bit (I wasn’t home to check the temperature), but the gravy saved it. A bit hit! Everyone in the family enjoyed it. I will definitely make it again. Thanks for another winner, Gina!
What a lovely way to prepare a bone-in turkey breast. The braising liquid helped to keep the meat moist and nicely flavored. Something I will be keeping to use again.
Wondering if you can use a frozen breast? I have a boneless turkey breast, 3lb. Cause just me but its frozen. Tks!
I would let it thaw overnight or longer.
This was amazing and super easy. I served it with roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted baby potatoes and the cranberry pear sauce (which was also awesome). And the gravy turned out fantastic.
This is the only way I’ll cook turkey moving forward.
This looks great! Would it work to prepare everything the night before and just turn it on in the morning? I’m thinking of making it for Christmas Day, but don’t want to have to do any of the prep first thing in the morning. Thanks!
Can you use a turkey tenderloin for this recipe?
Can you use a frozen breast ?
I made this today and this recipe is a keeper! It was delicious and ever so easy to make.
Hi Gina,
Looks delicious, but having no luck thus far finding a bone in turkey breast…Are you purchasing the t breast this was or buying a whole turkey and cutting it? In the meantime, will continue to look and though, not preferred, will use a boneless if necessary…Thanks!
My family loves this recipe and it’s the only way we cook turkey now. However, we have a Friendsgiving next weekend with some Gluten Free folks. Should I sub the flour for something in particular or just leave it out all together?
You could always use GF flour.
This is a great recipe! I will never cook a turkey breast any other way again. Thank you.
It was easy to do and tastes great. The turkey is moist and the gravy adds so much flavor. All this for 1 Freestyle point!!!
I will forever use this recipe for cooking turkey breasts!! I live in a rental home with an old oven that cooks unevenly, and unfortunately the last couple of turkey breasts I’ve made have not turned out well, with some parts overcooked and some undercooked, even with rotating the bird during cooking. When I saw this recipe for using my slow cooker I figured it was worth a shot and I couldn’t be happier! The turkey came out so juicy and tender throughout, and the gravy had great flavor as well. I had a turkey breast that was nearly 7 lbs so it till closer to 6.5 hours to cook but the results were totally worth it and I fortunately had planned on the extra time when I started so dinner wasn’t at 8 PM. Thank you so much Gina! This will make it so much easier that I just might have turkey breast more often!!
So glad you enjoyed it!
I got a boneless breast apparently, would this still work ok?
Sure, it may take less time though so keep an eye on it and check the temp.
Our turkey breast is close to 7 lbs. Will that work in the 6 qt slow cooker in 8-10 hrs?
Can you do turkey legs the same way?
Hey, I was wondering about the Instant Pot Adaptation? I scrolled pretty deep through the comments but only saw the one comment close to the top that mentions a smaller breast and omitting water. Has anyone else had any success?
LOVE this recipe! Make it every year! However this year I’m hopimg to try it in the instapot, any recommendations on how long to cook it for??
Do you think I can make this as a freezer meal before it’s cooked? Just mix it all up and then freeze and defrost and cook in the slow cooker at a later date? Or would the gravy be weird?
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Can you brown this on the broiler after ?
Hello! I was just wondering the same thing 🙂 did you try broiling to give it a nice crisp? Thanks!
Perfect, juicy turkey breast every time. Have made this about 5 times. Does not disappoint. Easy.
This is SOOOO good! I’ve made this twice this week because my family loved it so much! Definitely a staple in our house – thanks so much for the delicious and light recipes!!!! I also made the skinny mashed potatoes and they were amazing!!
can you make this is the instant pot? I love turkey and this sounds so good.
It’s delicious and I’d love to know how to make it in the IP too!
I did a 3.5 lb one in the Instant Pot for 35 minutes and let the pressure come down naturally. Omitted the water Came out great. I’m planning to do a 7 lb one tonight
Absolute delicious. Very easy to make. Turkey is flavorful and moist.
Made this tonight and it was delicious! EASY EASY EASY to make! And came out juicy, tender, and the gravy was perfection!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This recipe was perfect for a small thanksgiving dinner. Thank you Gina!
We made this last year for a smaller group and it was fantastic! My kids want this gravy again this year but we’re cooking a whole turkey in the oven. Thoughts on how to convert this recipe for the same delicious gravy?
The turkey was tasty, but I couldn’t get the gravy to thicken. I let it simmer/boil for 30 minutes and it was still watery.
Did you use the flour?
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Hello, Gina! I have a 4.25 lb. turkey breast but it’s not bone-in. It came already wrapped in a netting of some kind (which I can cut off gently), and was told to roast in oven. I thought I would try your crock pot recipe, but wasn’t sure of the temperature & for how long (since it’s not a 5-pounder). Please let me know what you think of this – My old crock pot died and I haven’t tried out my new one yet. Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!! Debra
I think it should be fine as it! Just keep a check on it. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Can you convert this to the IP?
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We loved this! Followed exactly except used all broth instead of water and at the end, I pulled out bay leaves and sage leaves and strained half the veggies and used an emulsion blender on the rest of veggies w broth and the gravy way amazing! Kids ate it up. Thanks!
Great!
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Hi Gina,
I do all the cooking in the house, have both of your books and try very hard to spoil my wife with healthy dinners all week long. Thank you.
When doing this recipe in the instaPot should I leave the flour out of the liquid and add later?
P.S. I love the instaPot, purchased at your suggestion.
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Can I use the Jenni o precooked turkey breast?
No, don’t use precooked.
I made this recipe exactly as written, and it is exceptional. This is the way I’ll cook turkey breasts from now on!
🙂
I made this for my Thanksgiving work party. It is easy and delicious! The meat was moist and fell off of the bone. I will be making this again. Thank you.
Great!
This was delicious. I didn’t want to cook an entire turkey this Thanksgiving. We are a small family of three and this was just the right size. It was so simple – less work than a full turkey and the gravy was good too. I simmered it in a pan and it did t thicken so I mixed in some cornstarch and it got the just the right consistency. I added the carrots/celery/onions back into the gravy once it thickened. The turkey was really good – flavorful. The skin didn’t brown as a typical turkey does but that’s ok – it’s better I don’t eat it. I will definelty make this again. I was thinking of trying it with a small chicken too.
Wanted an easy, healthy Thanksgiving dinner for small group. The turkey breast was flavorful and moist and the gravy was delicious. Served it with buttermilk mashed potatoes, “Mom’s stuffing, lightened up”, roasted asparagus and cranberry, pear sauce. It was the tastiest, easiest, healthiest Thanksgiving dinner I’ve ever made. Thank you!
Just made this today for a small gathering with friends. Used the Instant Pot from start to finish. Worked like a charm. The gravy was delicious. Thanks!!!
I bought a boneless turkey breast fully cooked. Can I use it instead of the bone in turkey breast you are using in this recipe? Thanks so much.
No you shouldn’t use a fully cooked breast.
I just got an instapot. Can i make this in the instapot using the pressure cooker settings? I am makinig it for a friend that just had a baby and want to take it over midday. Also, she can’t have wheat. Would you thicken the sauce with cornstarch? OR is there a better option?
Thanks!
I haven’t tested but I think it would be fine as someone here mentioned they did it with great results. As for the sauce, I think all purpose gluten free flour would work.
Any advice on a whole turkey? I imagine it is comparable but time may vary?
I don’t think it would fit.
Hi, Gina – you really like this Hamilton Beach slow cooker? I actually asked for it for Christmas last year but it was so huge I had my boyfriend return it. It’s only me and him so it seemed too big to make meals for only 2 people. We eat leftovers but still. I am rethinking it for this Christmas LOL but wondered if you have any smaller crock pots at home that you like. I love your recipes and cookbook! Thanks!
Yes I do! I don’t have any smaller ones though.
If using approximately a 1.75lb bone-in breast would I still cook for the same amount of time or should I shorten it? I’d hate for it to dry out.
I haven’t tested it, you should probably shorten the time, but keep an eye on it!
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Hi Gina! First I would like to say, I have been following you for a few years now and my family LOVES your recipes. Are the carrots in the photo from the slow cooker? (As in the carrots you put in the gravy?).
Yes, and you can add more if you like!
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Any suggestions for a substitute for the sage? Not a fan of sage – love your recipes – thanks!
You could probably sub poultry seasoning, or omit it if you’d rather. 🙂
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Is there a recipe for the carrot side shown in the first picture (right next to the cranberry sauce)? I tried searching your recipes and didn’t see anything similar.
They are in cooked in the slow cooker with the turkey. (you can add more carrots if you like!)
Could I use my instant pot and do you know how many hours it would need to cook?
You can, I personally haven’t tried it but a reader commented they cooked theirs for 30 minutes.
I made this last Christmas Eve for my family. The house smelled divine, the gravy was delicious. The turkey however, was dry as a bone. I followed the directions to the letter. Much too long cook time. I should have checked along the way. I may try it again and really watch it.
can you cook turkey breast on stovetop? I dont have crock pot.
I have never tried.
I have an All-Clad Slow Cooker and after making this two times my turkey was over cooked and dry and the temperature was 180! Both times a 5 lb bone-in organic turkey breast. Cooked on low for the shortest time recommended too.
So, the next time I will be cooking it 2 1/2-3 hours and then checking the temperature with an instant read thermometer.
Def go by your thermometer. My slow cooker has a probe and shuts off when it hits the proper temp. This took 5 hours this week, it was 5 lbs. All slow cookers vary.
I’ve just started using the slow cooker function on my Instant Pot and it’s been great!
It’s actually the reason I ended up with the IP… my slow cooker had “died” and in researching a new one, I came across the IP! Now I have the best of both worlds!!
I cooked a boneless turkey breast in the IP (pressure cook setting) recently and it was done in 30 minutes!
Great!
We are red wine drinkers, so I have no idea what type of white wine is dry? Can you tell what brand you purchase? And hoping a gluten free flour blend will work as well. Thanks!
I use what I drink, I like Pinot Grigio.
what do you do with the carrots? I assume they’d be mushy. Do you remove as you do the celery or mush them to incorporate into the gravy?
It’s totally up to you, you can toss or eat.
The brussel sprouts you have on the plate look great! Is there a recipe for them and I just missed it?
Have you tried this in the Instant Pot?
Someone else here said it took 30 minutes!
Can you adapt this recipe for the instant pot? I just bought one and this is my favorite way to make a turkey breast!
I cooked two boneless turkey breasts in my Instant Pot yesterday (approximately six pounds’ worth of breast). 25 minutes on manual, 15 minutes pressure release, and voila! Really moist and delicious.
What happens to the carrots? You throw out the bay leaf and celery, do the carrots stay in the gravy? Thanks, Gina!
Yes you eat them if you wish.
Made this last night and it was so good! But my gravy and turkey breast turned orange. I was at work longer than planned so it was in the crock pot for close to 9 hours. My grandma was at my house watching my son and I asked her to turn it to warm once the turkey button popped out.. I came home and it was on high haha. Still tasted good though!!
Weird!
I have a half turkey breast, weighing 2 1/2 lbs. Do you have a suggestion as to how long to cook a turkey breast this size using your recipe? I received your cookbook, “Skinnytaste” as a gift; delicious recipes!
Thank you
how may Smart Points is this????
Just updated.
Because of you I'm now in love with my Instant Pot — but I'm still new to figuring out what's best for the pressure cooker. Could this be done in the pressure cooker or best to use the slow cooker setting?
I have made this several times, following the steps exactly. My husband and I have been very happy with our crockpot turkey! Thank you Gina!
Isn't this awesome!
Hi,
Can you use something different than white wine?
Just use more broth
I make this recipe in my crockpot often. Love it! Now I’m going to use the recipe for a whole turkey in a dutch oven for Christmas. Any advice? I’m not sure how long it will take to cook, or if cooking the whole bird will change anything.
I made this for Thanksgiving. Best turkey ever! And the gravy was awesome. A real winner of a crock pot recipe, so glad I found this!
I made this yesterday and my house smelled amazing!! The turkey was delicious – I have never cooked turkey before, and it was so easy! I used a breast that was about 7 pounds, and it took ~8 hours on low. It just barely fit in my 6.5 quart slow cooker, so I had to put a heavy book on the lid to keep it from popping up. It also wouldn't fit breast-side up – I had to sort of lay it on one side, and then I turned it over halfway through the cooking time. Thanks again, Gina – your recipes are always winners!
Looks good! I'm going to try this for our thanksgiving! For the dry white wine… What's a good cheap wine to use for cooking?
I am making this today; it's a perfect day for it! Thanks for putting all the effort into making your recipes and website, Gina! I am unreasonably excited to have turkey noodle soup tomorrow from the leftovers.
Crockpot brand now has a crockpot for a whole trukey up to 24lbs. at Walmart for only $30.00.
I made this for Christmas Day last year. I had never made it before but I trust Gina that much! It was out of this world!! I am back looking at this recipe again now a few weeks before Thanksgiving because I'm going to make this along with a turkey in the oven! – Jenna B
Gina, the breast will not fit in my crockpot with the lid flush to the crock. How can I cook this in the crock? Can I cover the whole thing with heavy duty aluminum foil? I tried this recipe last year and it was delicious. I had to break the breast bone and put heavy cans on the lid. Any suggestions would be so helpful. I'd like to make this for Thanksgiving for my in-laws in Canada.
I usually cook my turkey breast the conventional way in the oven where basting keeps the breast from getting dry but I do love the idea of cooking it in a crock pot. No fuss but it lacks that browned skin. Maybe browning beforehand would give it that affect. Either way I love this whole idea. One more crock pot recipe to add to my file. Look for me to update my post. I know I will have a room full of full tummies.
Great!!
OH. MY. GOODNESS. So yummy. My 3 year old inhaled it, and everyone had seconds. Perfect way to satisfy a turkey craving and very easy for busy moms.
Am I the only one that can't get this recipe to be 4 PP? I put it into the recipe builder with a 3.75 lb turkey with 10 servings and it is 7 PP each. I think the turkey came out great but I just wanted to see if maybe I am doing something wrong with the recipe builder?
are you counting skin or not?
Well the servings vary depending on the size of the breast you buy, but if you check 4 oz cooked turkey, then only calculate the gravy ingredients for 1/4 cup (divide by servings, you should get the same results)
Mouth-watering and looks yummy to the tummy so I decided to make one last night. It was a hit! Yay! It was tender and juicy and so full of taste. Thank you for sharing!
I made this exactly to the recipe, and it was NOT good. I don't know if it was the bay leaves, or something in the mix of seasonings or vegetables, but I threw away the gravy because of the flavor. I could get better gravy from a box! And, of course the flavor of the turkey was not good either – it had the same bad taste, but at least it wasn't as strong.
My turkey breast is only 2 pounds with bone in and skin on. Can't seem to buy any here over 3 pounds-skinless, boneless or with skin on. Can I use this recipe for it? How long would it take to do it. My crockpot is only a 3.5 quart oval one
For those asking about making this with a BONELESS turkey breast.
I made this with a 4.75 lb. Butterball boneless turkey breast roast (the kind with the twine netting around it). I thawed it in the fridge for a few days and then made the recipe as directed.
I checked the temperature at 5 hours and 40 minutes and it was already measuring well into the 170s temperature range (both Gina and Butterball say you should aim for 165). I was worried that it would be too dry and overcooked, but it was not. It was very moist and tasty.
I wanted to take another reviewer's advice and puree the carrots and onions in the Vitamix to add to the gravy, but the turkey fat just clung to the veggies and I had a hard time separating it. Instead, I just used a fine mesh sieve to filter out all the solids and boiled just the gravy/cooking liquid (discarding all solids). It was good, but a little bland so I had to add a lot of black pepper to it. The pureed veggies would have added more flavor, but I didn't see a good way to remove the fat from them.
Leftovers were enjoyed for lunch today, and it was still pretty moist coming out of the microwave.
We served it with mashed potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts, and steamed broccoli.
THIS IS FABULOUS!! BEST TURKEY I HAVE EVER HAD. I followed recipe exactly as indicated, but could not find a turkey breast that big, so ended up using 4 smaller ones from Whole Foods. FABULOUS! My entire family loved it. Made it with the Skinny mashed potatoes too, which were also awesome!
I cooked a half turkey breast in crock pot…and it was delish!! In fact my daughter who still lives at home took the some of the leftovers for her lunch today. I know I have a keeper when she takes the leftovers for lunch. 🙂
made this last night and it was literally the best turkey i've ever eaten in my life!
This is a favorite recipe of ours- but I actually sub the turkey for frozen chicken breasts. Also, I use a submersion blender when complete to pulverize the veggies. It thickens the sauce and the kids never know! Deeelicous!
can you make this ahead and reheat on day you want to have it? how many days in advance and how would you store it in fridge? can u reheat in crock?
What if I use a whole turkey? Is that possible?
Help please! Decided to do an after Thanksgiving dinner and found your recipe. Looked delish, decided to use it. Cooked roux and put it in the pot. Turns out, my turkey breast (bone in) is 6+ pounds and doesn't fit, breast side up, in the crock pot! It fits on it's side, so should I cook each side evenly, turning half-way through cooking?
Question: My boyfriend hunts wild turkeys… They're a bit tougher than a store-bought turkey breast. Do you think your as-is recipe will work for this wild turkey breast? We've got three left, and I've used one with the enchilada recipe from your site.
Will this turn out good with a boneless, skinless turkey breast? I need to feed 5 so do you think I can cook two turkey breasts together, one on top of the other?
I used a boneless turkey breast (with skin). Mine was 4.75 lb. and was enough to feed 5 people. Remember there are no bones, so it is almost 5 lbs. of solid meat. Personally I would not stack two birds.
I have never used garlic in cooking turkey. I am hesitant about using the garlic.
Can this be cooked on high for less time? if so, how long for a 5 lb bone in breast?
thx!
Amanda How many LBS is the turkey that is boneless?
What size & shape slow cooker?? Do you use for this recipe
The turkey breast I got from my butcher didn't have a bone. Do you think it will still work here, or get too dry in the slow cooker? How would you adjust the cooking time?
My family raved about this turkey! I was in a rush this morning so I skipped cooking the vegetables in a skillet first. I put it all in the crock and rested the turkey on top. It could not have be better!!!! And the gravy was wonderful.
Great!!
It looks so tempting that i am going to try cooking it during the week . Thank you for sharing it . If i will to use chicken instead of turkey is that ok?
My mom has always made turkey breasts in the crock pot. It is one of my favorite meals. I prefer it to the traditional, cooked in the oven, turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. In fact, when I was pregnant (both times), I was crazy sick with hyperemesis. Turkey in the crock pot was one of the few things that ever sounded good to me. My mom made it for me every few weeks. Makes the best leftovers. I love eating it paired up with cheese. Yum! I am glad to see your take on it!
Look yummy! Do you have a flour substitute suggestion that would work for gluten free? Corn starch?
This looks delicious especially now that we are coming into the holiday season…my mouth is watering! Both my hubby and I prefer dark meat, would you have any recommendations for using that instead of a breast? My husband works nights, so i'm thinking of making some crockpot dishes for him to eat when he wakes up and also has the option of taking with him to work. Thanks!! 😀
Do you think I could do this turkey breast without the gravy? I LOVE turkey breast but would like to make it for other things throughout the week (ie: sandwiches for lunch). Do you think I could just put it in the crockpot with some chicken broth?
Could I make the gravy/veggies the night before (I'm not sure how the gravy would work in the fridge)? I'd ideally like to put it in the crock pot in the morning before work, but won't have time in the morning to make the gravy.
I made this last night and it was a HUGE hit. Didn't have any wine on hand so I used cooking sherry and it was still amazing. Will definitely be adding this to the regular recipe rotation. Thanks, Gina!!
I made this last night and it was amazing. I completely left out the wine and the gravy was so good. I think the sage is needed or I guess any herb but my gravy was so tasty.
How important is the sage to the flavor of the recipe? I have a bunch of thyme leftover from another recipe and I'm wondering if I could use that instead.
I'm also wondering if there's a good substitution for wine. I saw above that adding more broth may do the trick, but I am very open to other suggestions. I don't drink wine, so I'd end up buying the bottle just for the small amount used in the recipe. Thanks in advance!
Just buy the small bottle of cooking wine in the condiment aisle near the vinegar. Its cheap and small enough to easily store.
Or use more broth.
Most grocery stores around me sell mini bottles of wine….6 oz in each. They are perfect for cooking so I don’t have to open a whole bottle AND they have much better flavor than “cooking wine”.
Can this be made without the wine?
I, too, forgot to pick up sage so I used poultry seasoning. It smells so good in here! Can't wait to try it later. This is perfect for us southerners – turkey breast without having to heat up the whole house!
I'm making this for dinner tonight. Just got everything into the crockpot. I'm using a boneless turkey breast. It already smells heavenly in here.
Wow, this was absolutely awesome, will definitely do again! I did remove the bay leaves at the gravy making stage but all the rest I pureed and it was an excellent gravy. Even meant those that don't like veges got some without even knowing!
Did you take the carrots out when you took out the celery or did you simmer them with the gravy?
I've got this in the crock pot right now. Can't wait to get home tonight and try it. I totally stunk up the house with sautéed onions at 6:45 am before I left for work! 🙂 I've never done a turkey in the crock pot before.
Making this right now and can't wait to see how it turns out. I had to substitute Mrs.Dash for the sage b/c silly me forgot to pick some up at the grocery store. Also, my husband bought a preseasoned turkey breast roaster instead of what I asked for, so we'll see how it turns out – hopefully just as yummy as yours! Can't wait for dinner tonight 🙂
I will say that I love most of your recipes, but this was ridiculously good. Made it exactly as written, cooked on low for 7 hours. Served with some separately roasted carrots and a green salad. SO delicious.
Isn't it!
I just have to say I made this yesterday in my dutch oven and it was FABULOUS! The turkey was moist and tender, the gravy was super flavorful, and it was just fantastic! I now have a new go to recipe for special occasions! Your blog is awesome!!!
Hi Dana – at what oven temp did you cook the turkey? Or did you cook it on the stovetop? Either way, how long, too?
If using a 4-5 pound boneless turkey breast, how is the cooking time adjuted?
Using a thermometer will give you an accurate cook time.
I have a 7lb turkey breast…can i still do this?
If it fits in your crock pot? I would double the recipe.
To make this gluten free for hubby, could I substitute corn starch for flour or use a gluten free flour (brown rice, garfava, etc.)? Would it thicken and taste ok?
I don't know how the gravy would taste with a different flour, I might leave out the flour, then when you simmer the liquid down, add the cornstarch at the end.
Art4vr – I have to eat gluten-free, and for sauces and gravies, I usually just do a half/half mix of a starch (like cornstarch or arrowroot) to a half of gluten-free rice flour, in the same amount as the original recipe calls for. Works the same as regular flour, and no odd taste (although if something uses a LOT of flour, it may taste a little gritty from the rice flour, unless it is superfine rice flour).
Perhaps leave out the flour, then in the very end when you simmer the sauce add a bit of cornstarch.
Yes you can thicken with GF flour. Costco sells a good all purpose mix that works great. I think it's Namaste. Lacking an all purpose mix you can use a starch but I would cook it down or it will taste starchy.
Would it kill the recipe if i'd omit the wine?
Probably not, use more broth.
I bought my turkey breast today. Can't wait to try this! Looks like the turkey stayed intact and sliceable — sometimes I end up shredding poultry cooked in the crock pot — still tasty, but slicing would be great!
That turkey looks so moist and juicy!
Can you use a boneless turkey breast?
Sure!
Do we need to adjust the cooking time with a boneless turkey breast? Not sure anything bigger would fit in my crockpot. :-/
The turkey should be 165 degrees, so adjust accordingly.
Yes, you can use a boneless turkey breast roast. I did and it worked great. I would suggest checking the temp at around 4 hours. Mine was a 4.75 lb. breast and was plenty done by 5 hours, 40 minutes.
SO this might seem obvious but is the turkey breast frozen or thawed? It looks thawed but I know a lot of crock recipes say keep the turkey frozen. I think it adds to the cook time if it is frozen so I am all for thawing!
I thawed it before cooking.
I just make slow cooker turkey breast this week, but it was no where near as fancy as yours! I'd like to share that I use the stay-or-go crock pot that has a lid that locks down. If you don't have one of these, you may need to weight your crock pot lid down with something. I've made crock pot turkey breast half a dozen times, and I am hard-pressed to find a turkey breast that fits in my large crock pot without the lid popping up a bit, which will release all the heat and moisture.
I have the same one! But my breast was pretty small.
But you are not suppose to cook with the lid locked down. The lock down feature is only to be used if you are taking the crock pot in the car , like taking it to a friends house, etc.
I have a lock lid crock pot and it says in the directions not to lock the lid during cooking
Do you think I could do this in a dutch oven? My crockpot tends to burn things and they come out with a funny flavor.
That used to happen to me with my old crock pot, I threw it out and bought a new one (Hamilton Beach) and now I never have that strange burnt taste. I'm sure this would be fine in the oven on low, in a Dutch oven.
An awesome dish! Great to make this during the weekend for my family 🙂