This Crock Pot Turkey Breast With Gravy is a tender and juicy recipe, which uses bone-in turkey breast and fresh garlic. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 6 hours and 15 minutes.
Crock Pot Turkey Breast With Gravy Ingredients
- 2 kg / 4 lb turkey breast, skin on, bone in or boneless (if using frozen, thaw it)
- 1 head of garlic, cut in half horizontally
- 1 onion (brown, yellow or white), unpeeled, cut in half
- 5 sprigs of thyme (or 2 tsp dried thyme leaves)
Rub:
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 5 grinds of black pepper
- 1 1/2 – 2 tbsp olive oil
Gravy:
- Chicken stock/broth (or water), for topping up liquid
- 4 tbsp / 50g butter
- 1/4 cup / 35g flour
- Salt and pepper
How To Make Crock Pot Turkey Breast With Gravy
- Mix the rub: Combine the rub ingredients in a bowl to form a wet paste.
- Prepare the turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and coat it with the rub, focusing on the top and sides.
- Layer the crock pot: Place garlic, onion, and thyme face down in the bottom of the crock pot. Set the turkey breast on top to elevate it.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Start checking at the 5-hour mark.
- Rest the turkey: Remove from the slow cooker and let rest for 20 minutes before crisping the skin.
- Crisp the skin: Place the turkey in an oven-safe dish and broil on high for 3–5 minutes, watching closely until the skin is golden and crisp.
- Make the gravy: Strain the cooking liquid and top up to 2 cups with chicken broth if needed. In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour, then slowly whisk in the liquid. Simmer until thickened and season to taste.

Recipe Tips
- What kind of turkey breast should I use? This works with boneless or bone-in, but skin-on turkey gives the best flavor and color.
- Can I use brined turkey? Yes, just reduce the added salt by half and remove any pre-seasoned rub before applying your own.
- How to reheat and crisp the turkey skin: Microwave turkey on LOW, then broil just before serving for fresh, crispy skin.
- Do I need to add water or broth while cooking? No. The turkey cooks in its own juices when elevated off the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Why is my turkey overcooked? Slow cookers vary—always use a thermometer and avoid cooking on HIGH.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Turkey Breast
This savory turkey breast and gravy pairs perfectly with classic sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Sauteed green beans
- Cornbread stuffing
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Cranberry relish
How To Store Turkey Breast With Gravy
Refrigerate: Store sliced turkey and gravy in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooled turkey and gravy separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Turkey Breast With Gravy Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 163g
- Calories: 323
- Carbohydrates: 2.6g
- Protein: 44.7g
- Fat: 13.8g
- Saturated Fat: 5.2g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 521mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, slow cook the turkey in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently and broil before serving.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, use 2 teaspoons of dried thyme leaves in place of fresh sprigs.
Why is my turkey breast dry?
It may have cooked too long or on high. Always use LOW and monitor the internal temperature.
Do I need to peel the garlic and onion?
No, keep them unpeeled to add flavor and elevate the turkey without sticking.
Can I skip the broiling step?
Yes, but broiling enhances the texture and color of the skin for better presentation.
Try More Recipes:
- Crock Pot Turkey Breast With Chicken Broth
- Crock Pot Turkey Breast And Potatoes
- Crock Pot Turkey Barley Soup
Crock Pot Turkey Breast With Gravy
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8-10
servings15
minutes6
hours163
kcalA flavorful, slow-cooked turkey breast topped with homemade garlic-infused gravy—perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 kg / 4 lb turkey breast, bone in or boneless
1 head garlic, halved
1 onion, halved
5 sprigs thyme (or 2 tsp dried)
- Rub:
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp salt
Black pepper to taste
1 1/2 – 2 tbsp olive oil
- Gravy:
Chicken broth (as needed)
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Mix the rub ingredients into a paste.
- Pat turkey dry and coat with rub.
- Place garlic, onion, and thyme in crock pot. Set turkey on top.
- Cook on LOW for 6 hours or until 165°F inside.
- Remove and let rest 20 minutes.
- Broil turkey for 3–5 minutes to crisp skin.
- Strain cooking liquid and prepare gravy by thickening with flour and butter.
- Serve turkey sliced with warm gravy.
