Slow Cooker Turkey and Gravy


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Cooking the main dish for Thanksgiving dinner just got easier with this recipe. Seasoned boneless turkey breast is slow cooked in turkey gravy, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup for a delicious turkey dish that is sure to please a crowd.

Add another Thanksgiving dish to your holiday meal plan by whipping up a helping of my Slow Cooker Cheesy Mashed Potatoes or Slow Cooker Stuffing. These will pair perfectly with this crockpot turkey breast and gravy recipe.

Spoon of turkey and gravy going over mashed potatoes.
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Why this crockpot and turkey breast recipe works

Traditionally, preparing and cooking Thanksgiving turkey and gravy is a long process. There’s cooking the turkey, which sometimes involves purchasing an additional whole 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 while relieving you of having to use the stove. Instead, this dump-and-go method will provide you with enough cooking time to focus on cooking other dishes for your Thanksgiving dinner. If you want chicken, try my slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for turkey and gravy on a table.
  • 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.

Step-by-Step Directions

4 images showing how to mix sauce and pour of turkey in crockpot.

Step One – In a small bowl, pour in the cream of chicken, gravy, and chicken stock.

Step Two – Whisk the turkey gravy mixture together until well combined.

Step Three – Season the turkey breasts and place them in the crock pot.

Step Four – Pour over the gravy mixture and place thyme on top.

4 images showing done cooking turkey and how to shred.

Step Five – Slow cook turkey breast on LOW for 6 hours until the turkey is tender and easily shreddable.

Step Six – Remove the turkey breast and place in a large bowl. Use two forks to shred.

Step Seven – Return the shredded turkey back into the slow cooker.

Step Eight – Mix with the gravy.

done cooking turkey and gravy in slow cooker.

Variations

  • Add vegetables: It’s common to add sauteed vegetables to the gravy for extra flavor. In this case, you could sautee 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.
  • Sides: Crockpot Mashed potatoes or steamed white rice are classic sides to serve with turkey and gravy; however, many more could pair well too. Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese, Slow Cooker Green Beans, and Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole are just a few to consider adding with this dish. And don’t forget the Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce!
  • Extra seasonings: Either when cooking or serving, use additional seasonings such as black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Overhead shot of turkey and gravy on a plate.

Recipe FAQs

How to store and reheat?

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

How do I fix too thick gravy?

If the gravy is too thick, add more chicken stock or water, a tablespoon at a time.

Can I use frozen turkey?

It’s best to let the turkey defrost before cooking.

Can I use bone-in breasts?

Sure. When it’s time to shred, make sure to remove the bone and then add it back into the slow cooker.

Do I need to use a meat thermometer?

No. The cooking time is long enough to cook the turkey thoroughly. If you are worried, the internal temperature should be 170° Fahrenheit.

Plate of turkey and gravy.

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done cooking turkey and gravy in slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Turkey and Gravy

5 from 13 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
The easiest turkey and gravy you will ever make! The turkey and gravy cook at the same time, then the turkey is shredded at the end.

Ingredients 
 

  • 3 lbs. boneless turkey breast
  • ½ black pepper
  • ¼ tsp. paprika
  • 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken
  • 1.41 oz. Pioneer turkey gravy packet, (or two .87 oz. packets of any other brand)
  • 2 cups chicken broth, or chicken stock
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions 

  • Add the turkey breast to the slow cooker pot. Sprinkle with the pepper and paprika.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken, turkey gravy, and chicken stock.
  • Pour the gravy mixture over the turkey. Add the fresh thyme sprigs.
  • Cook on LOW for 6 hours until the turkey is tender and easily shreddable.
  • Remove the turkey from the slow cooker and shred. Add the shredded turkey back into the slow cooker and mix with the gravy. (Remove the stems from the fresh thyme before serving).
  • Serve hot over mashed potatoes, enjoy!

Sarah’s Notes

  • You can slice the turkey instead of shredding if desired.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container, or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat on the stove top or microwave.
  • If the gravy is too thick, add more chicken stock or water.
  • You can substitute 1 ½ tsp. dried thyme for the fresh thyme.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 720mg | Potassium: 497mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 152IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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Recipe Rating




21 Comments

  1. Marianne says:

    Is it correct to assume that the inner string netting should be removed before cooking? I plan on shredding the turkey after it is cooked.

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      Yes, I personally would remove mine.

  2. Brittany says:

    When adding the gravy packets do you mix them according to the package first or just add it as a powder into the soup/broth mix? Thanks!

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      Donโ€™t add the additional water, just what the recipe calls for.

  3. Jess says:

    5 stars
    I actually used chicken thighs because I donโ€™t care for turkey, and wow!! So delicious and family-pleasing!! This is definitely going in my rotation!! Thanks so much!!

  4. Meg says:

    5 stars
    I made this quick turkey bc I had to work this year and it was an absolute hit! I didnโ€™t have fresh thyme so used parsley instead but otherwise same recipe and it was amazing! Many compliments on it!

  5. CindyB says:

    What size crockpot should you cook this in?

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      4-quart or larger

  6. Sandy says:

    Instead of thyme would sage work?

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      Yes, that would work well.

  7. NL says:

    have you used a frozen butterball turkey breast like this?

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      I would thaw it first, but yes it will work.

  8. Judith Hyde says:

    I don’t care for thyme.Can I leave it out or substitute it for another seasoning?

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      You can leave it out! Or use your favorite seasoning.

  9. Cherr says:

    5 stars
    I have to try this

  10. DWC says:

    Oh my, does this look. I want to make it for my family this Thanksgiving!!