Description
Juicy, flavorful, and completely hands-off, this slow cooker turkey breast is perfect for holidays or everyday dinners. Moist meat, crispy skin, and homemade gravy from the slow cooker juices make this a go-to recipe year-round.
Ingredients
1 turkey breast (2 kg / 4 lb), skin-on, bone-in or boneless
1 head garlic, halved
1 onion, unpeeled and halved
5 sprigs thyme or 2 tsp dried thyme
Rub:
1½ tsp garlic powder
1½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp salt
5 grinds black pepper
1½ – 2 tbsp olive oil
Gravy:
Strained juices from slow cooker
Chicken stock or water (to make 2 cups liquid)
4 tbsp butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Pat turkey breast dry.
2. Mix rub ingredients into a thick paste.
3. Rub over the top and sides of turkey breast.
4. Place garlic, onion, and thyme in the slow cooker.
5. Set turkey breast on top of the aromatics.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours until 165°F internal temp.
7. Remove and let turkey rest 20 minutes.
8. Broil for 3–5 minutes to crisp skin.
9. Strain slow cooker juices.
10. Press garlic and onion to extract flavor.
11. Top up to 2 cups with broth or water.
12. Melt butter in a saucepan.
13. Whisk in flour to make a paste.
14. Gradually add liquid while whisking.
15. Simmer until thickened.
16. Season gravy with salt and pepper.
Notes
Skin-on turkey gives better flavor and moisture.
If using brined turkey, reduce salt or skip rub.
Elevate turkey on garlic and onion to avoid poaching.
Make ahead: Cook, chill, then broil before serving.
Gravy made from juices is deeply flavorful.
Avoid using HIGH setting — only use LOW.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours
- Category: Thanksgiving Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 163g (with gravy)
- Calories: 323
- Sugar: 0.6g
- Sodium: 521mg
- Fat: 13.8g
- Saturated Fat: 5.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2.6g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 44.7g
- Cholesterol: 125mg