Crock Pot Turkey Breast (Juicy with Easy Gravy)

This Crock Pot Turkey Breast takes just 10 minutes to prep, then the slow cooker does the rest. It's a forgiving way to cook turkey, especially when it can be so easy to overcook, and the bone-in breast stays juicy and tender as it cooks low and slow. The flavorful drippings make a built-in gravy right in the pot, giving you an easy turkey dinner with hardly any fuss. 

I don't always need to cook a whole turkey, especially when I'm feeding a smaller crowd. Turkey breast is one of my go-to choices for those meals, and the slow cooker helps keep this leaner cut juicy instead of letting it dry out.

It also frees up valuable oven space during the holidays, when I already have plenty of other dishes competing for room. 

You can make other turkey cuts in the crockpot, too! Try my slow cooker turkey wings recipe and crockpot turkey legs for your next holiday meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ranch and gravy packets add tons of flavor: Most of the savory flavor comes from the ranch and gravy packets, which season the turkey and give the drippings a rich, flavorful base for the gravy. 
• Butter on top bastes as it cooks: A layer of butter melts over the turkey as it cooks, basting the breast and keeping it moist. 
• Onion and celery keep it from poaching: The vegetables sit underneath the turkey to lift it slightly above the liquid, allowing it to steam instead of poach. The flavorful drippings collect underneath and become part of the gravy.

Ingredients

You'll find the main ingredients for this crockpot turkey recipe listed below, including components that keep it flavorful and moist as it cooks!

• Turkey breast: Use a 6-7-pound bone-in, skin-on turkey breast that is fully thawed. Check the label for "enhanced" or "pre-brined" if you're watching the sodium, since some turkey breasts are already seasoned with a salt solution. 
• Garlic salt: Adds a little extra seasoning to the crockpot turkey breast roast. For less sodium, you can use garlic powder instead. 
• Ranch and gravy packets: These provide most of the savory flavor and help create the gravy as the turkey cooks. If you need a gluten-free option, check both packet labels carefully, since ranch and gravy mixes often contain wheat. To make this crockpot chicken and gravy, I also use gravy packets!
• Water: Helps create the flavorful drippings that become the gravy. You can use low-sodium chicken broth instead for added flavor. 
• Butter: Unsalted butter works well if you're using a pre-brined turkey or want more control over the sodium. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Skinless: You can use a skinless turkey breast, especially since the skin doesn't crisp in the slow cooker anyway. The turkey may also be a little less moist, so keep an eye on the internal temperature as it cooks. 
• Boneless: Make this crockpot turkey breast with boneless turkey. Since it may cook faster than bone-in, start checking the internal temperature early to avoid overcooking it. 
• Butter under the skin: For even more flavor and moisture, gently loosen the skin and tuck a few pieces of softened butter underneath before cooking. 
• Add veggies: Add vegetables like 1-2 cups of baby carrots or 1½-2 pounds of quartered baby potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker with the onion and celery. They can cook alongside the turkey for a hearty side dish. 

Holiday Game Plan: When to Start Your Crock Pot Turkey Breast

For a 5 p.m. dinner, get the turkey in the crock pot by about 10 a.m. This gives you time to cook the turkey, check the temperature, make the gravy, and let it rest before dinner. Take a look below to see what you can do ahead of time to get ready!

• Two days before: Move the frozen turkey breast to the refrigerator to thaw. A 6-7 lb turkey breast needs about 2 days to thaw. 
• The night before: Quarter the onion, chop the celery, and measure the seasonings so everything is ready to go in the morning.
• 10:00 am: Spend about 10 minutes prepping the turkey, and start cooking on low heat.
• 3:00 pm: Check the turkey's internal temperature. If this is your first time using your slow cooker for this recipe, check it at 4 hours instead so you can see how quickly your particular slow cooker cooks.
• Around 4:10 pm: Once the thickest part of the breast reaches 160°F, remove the turkey and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20 minutes. 
• During the rest: Strain the drippings and make the gravy. If you want crisp skin, place the turkey under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, but be sure to watch it closely. 
• 4:40 pm: Carve the turkey and arrange it on a serving platter. 
• 5:00 pm: Serve with the gravy and your favorite holiday sides. 

Planning for a Different Dinner Time?  Simply shift every time in the table by the same amount. If dinner is at 6 p.m., for example, move the entire timeline one hour later. Then, your crockpot turkey breast bone-in will be ready when you are!

What If the Turkey Finishes Early? If your turkey finishes a little early, keep it tented with foil for up to about 30 minutes while you finish the gravy and sides. For a longer hold, slice the turkey and cover the slices with gravy, then keep them warm in the slow cooker to help keep the lean meat moist.

How to Make Turkey Breast in the Crockpot

Below are the instructions needed to set up your turkey, including how long to cook the turkey breast in a crock pot as well as how to make gravy from the drippings!

Step 1: Add the veggies. Lay the onions and celery into the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the turkey. Coat your turkey breast in the spices and ranch mix. Sprinkle the gravy mix over the veggies and then place the turkey on top. Add the butter slices and water.

Step 3: Cook. Pop the lid on and cook the turkey on low for about 5-6 hours or until fully cooked.

Step 4: Slice. Remove it from the crockpot and let it rest before slicing it for a serving platter.

Step 5: Strain the drippings. Strain the drippings through a fine-mesh strainer into a separate bowl or large glass measuring cup.

Step 6: Make the roux. Grab a pot and melt some butter over medium heat, then stir in the flour. Cook the roux for a couple of minutes.

Step 7: Add the drippings. Slowly whisk in the strained drippings. After it's all mixed, let it simmer and thicken.

Step 8: Add cream and serve. Remove from the heat and add a splash of heavy cream. Serve your juicy crockpot turkey breast with the homemade gravy and a side dish like air fryer garlic potatoes.

If you prefer the oven, try this boneless turkey breast recipe instead.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Troubleshooting

• The meat is falling apart: It's likely overcooked, but it can still be juicy. Use two large spatulas to lift the turkey from the slow cooker, then serve it sliced or pulled. 
• My turkey finished early: Slow cookers vary, and newer models may run hotter. The first time you use yours, check the turkey at 4 hours. If it finishes early, slice it and serve it with gravy to help keep it moist. 
• It hasn't reached 160F after 6 hours: Keep cooking on low and check the temperature every 30 minutes. Make sure the lid is sealed and avoid lifting it, since each peek lets heat escape. 
• My turkey breast won't fit: The lid needs to close completely, and I recommend checking ahead of time for what size turkey breast fits in your slow cooker. If it doesn't quite fit, gently press the breast down and trim any protruding rib bones with kitchen shears. 
• My gravy is too salty: Whisk in unsalted broth or water, then add a little extra butter-and-flour roux if needed to thicken it. Next time, use garlic powder instead of garlic salt and taste the gravy before adding more salt. 
• The texture of my gravy isn't right: If it's thin, simmer it for a few more minutes, and if it's too thick, add some broth. If it's lumpy, whisk well or strain it through a fine-mesh strainer. 
• I don't have 2 cups of drippings: Add enough low-sodium chicken broth to make 2 cups. 
• The skin is pale and soft: That's normal with slow cooking. Broil the turkey for 3-5 minutes to crisp the skin, watching it closely. 

Serving Suggestions

• Small Thanksgiving gathering: Enjoy thick turkey slices with the homemade gravy alongside classic sides like cornbread sausage stuffing and green bean casserole. 
• Cozy Sunday dinner: Serve the turkey breast and gravy with ranch twice-baked potatoes for a hearty family meal.
• Leftover ideas: Use sliced turkey in sandwiches, wraps, or salads, or add it to casseroles and soups throughout the week. I especially love it in these Thanksgiving muffins.

More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes

Do you like slow cooker recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!