Slow Cooker Turkey and Gravy

Oct 31, 2022Updated Oct 09, 2025

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Make Thanksgiving easier: slow cooker turkey and gravy in one pot—boneless turkey breast simmered in a savory gravy base so you can focus on the sides.

Spoon of turkey and gravy going over mashed potatoes.

Traditionally, preparing and cooking turkey and gravy is a long process. There’s cooking the turkey, and then there is making the turkey gravy from multiple ingredients.

This slow cooker turkey breast and gravy recipe eliminates the need for many extra ingredients and lets you skip the stove. If you want chicken, try my slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe.

ingredients for turkey and gravy on a table.

Key Ingredients

Boneless Turkey Breast: This recipe calls for a 3 lb turkey breast. You can always use more and simply double the recipe as needed.

Cream of Chicken Soup: One of the main ingredients in creating the gravy mix and juicy turkey breast.

Chicken Broth: Used to replace water (or milk typically mixed with this soup) to create a more chicken flavor.

Turkey Gravy Packet: Combined for the ultimate gravy mix and thickener. I use a large Pioneer brand turkey gravy (1.41 ounces). You can use two .87 packets of another brand, though. The gravy packet, along with the turkey juices, will make an excellent gravy.

Seasonings: Pepper and paprika are used to season the boneless turkey breasts.

Thyme: The perfect turkey and gravy flavoring.

cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy and broth in a bowl.

gravy mixture over turkey in a slow cooker.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey and Gravy

Nestle the seasoned turkey in the crockpot and cover with a savory gravy base.
Let it go low and slow until the meat is pull-apart tender.
Shred, stir back into the gravy, and serve hot.

done cooking turkey and gravy in slow cooker.

Tips & Variations

Bone-in Turkey: You can use bone-in turkey if needed. You wil need to remove and shred the meat off the bone and add back into the gravy.

Add vegetables: It’s common to add sauteed vegetables to the gravy for extra flavor. In this case, you could sauteed diced carrots, onion, and celery and then put them in the gravy mixture. Then proceed with the recipe as noted.

Other compatible herbs: Thyme isn’t the only herb that pairs well with turkey and gravy. Other herbs to add are sage, rosemary, and poultry seasoning.

Slice the turkey: If you don’t want to shred the turkey breast, consider slicing it into thin pieces and then adding it back to the gravy.

Extra seasonings: Add black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Overhead shot of turkey and gravy on a plate.

What Sides to Serve:

Crockpot Mashed potatoes or steamed white rice are classic sides to serve with turkey and gravy.

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese, Slow Cooker Green Beans, and Sweet Potato Casserole are just a few to consider adding with this dish. And don’t forget the Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce! If we have time we love to make Slow Cooker Stuffing.

How to Store & Reheat

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Can Frozen Turkey Be Put in the Slow Cooker?

No, frozen meat can remain in the danger zone for too long, allowing bacteria to grow. Thawing any meat before adding to the slow cooker is best.