Slow Cooker Turkey and Gravy
29 Comments Oct 31, 2022
Updated 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Slow Cooker Turkey and Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. boneless turkey breast
- ½ tsp. 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
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Slow Cooker Turkey Recipes
Cook a classic with Slow Cooker Turkey Breast or brighten it up with Lemon Herb Turkey Breast.
Make Slow Cooker Turkey Stock, then turn it into cozy Turkey Chowder or Turkey Noodle Soup.
For a hearty twist, try Stove-Top Stuffing Turkey Meatloaf.
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.
Yes, I personally would remove mine.
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!
Don’t add the additional water, just what the recipe calls for.
I actually used chicken thighs because I don’t care for turkey, and wow!! So delicious and family-pleasing!! This is definitely going in my rotation!! Thanks so much!!
I made this quick turkey bc I had to work this year and it was an absolute hit! I didn’t have fresh thyme so used parsley instead but otherwise same recipe and it was amazing! Many compliments on it!
What size crockpot should you cook this in?
4-quart or larger
Instead of thyme would sage work?
Yes, that would work well.
have you used a frozen butterball turkey breast like this?
I would thaw it first, but yes it will work.
I don’t care for thyme.Can I leave it out or substitute it for another seasoning?
You can leave it out! Or use your favorite seasoning.
I have to try this
Oh my, does this look. I want to make it for my family this Thanksgiving!!