If you are on the lookout for a dish that combines effortless cooking with incredible flavor, this Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Gravy Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine a tender, juicy turkey breast slow-cooked to perfection in a cozy blend of fragrant herbs, garlic, and broth, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth centerpiece for any dinner table. The accompanying rich, homemade herb gravy pools around every juicy slice, elevating the meal to comforting, soulful heights. This recipe gives you all the warm, satisfying tastes of a holiday feast without hours of fuss, making it perfect for both special occasions and simple weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collage of four photos shows different cooking stages. Top left is a white bowl with a thick, creamy mixture lightly speckled with green and orange herbs, and a metal spoon inside, all on a white marbled surface. Top right shows a raw chicken with the creamy mixture spread all over its light pink skin, placed on a white plate on the same white marbled surface. Bottom left features a black pot with large chunks of white onion, orange carrot pieces, green celery stalks, and a thyme sprig all on the white marbled surface. Bottom right shows the same black pot, now holding the spiced raw chicken, with the creamy mixture inside the cavity and over the pink flesh on the same white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role, from infusing the turkey with aromatic flavor to creating a luscious gravy that ties the whole dish together. These accessible, straightforward ingredients are the secret behind its incredible depth and balance.

  • Turkey breast (2–3 pounds): Choose boneless or bone-in based on preference; either will become beautifully tender with slow cooking.
  • Onion, quartered: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle base flavor that melds wonderfully with the herbs.
  • Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brings a savory, aromatic punch that enhances every bite.
  • Chicken or turkey broth (1 cup): Provides the essential moisture and depth for slow cooking and gravy creation.
  • Thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers a delicate earthiness that complements turkey perfectly.
  • Rosemary (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with its characteristic pine-like flavor, brightening the profile.
  • Sage (1 teaspoon): Delivers a warm, slightly peppery note that pairs beautifully with poultry.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance all the flavors.
  • Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Used to thicken the cooking liquids into a silky and flavorful gravy.
  • Cold water (2 tablespoons): Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for the gravy base.

How to Make Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Season the Turkey Breast

Start by lovingly seasoning your turkey breast generously with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage. This simple herb blend will soak into the meat during slow cooking, infusing it with that unmistakable comforting flavor we’re all craving. Make sure to rub the mixture over the entire surface for an even taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Base in the Crock Pot

Place the quartered onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your crock pot. These aromatics create a flavorful bed that will gently steam and perfume the turkey as it cooks. Layer the seasoned turkey breast right on top; this positioning allows the bird to absorb the fragrant essence from below.

Step 3: Add Broth and Begin Cooking

Pour the chicken or turkey broth over your turkey breast. This not only keeps the meat moist throughout the long cooking process but also becomes the foundation for the luscious herb gravy you’ll make later. Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring perfect juiciness and safety.

Step 4: Rest and Prepare Gravy

Once your turkey breast is cooked, carefully remove it from the crock pot and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Resting is critical as it helps the juices redistribute, making each slice silky and juicy. Meanwhile, don’t discard that savory cooking liquid—it’s the cornerstone for your gravy.

Step 5: Make the Herb Gravy

Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and sift in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water). Simmer gently, stirring frequently until thickened to a smooth, velvety consistency. This gravy captures all the herbaceous flavors and turkey essence, creating the perfect sauce to drizzle over each slice of turkey breast.

How to Serve Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Gravy Recipe

The image shows a white oval plate filled with two types of sliced cooked turkey arranged in separate neat rows. One side has lighter beige turkey slices with a soft texture, while the other side shows darker, slightly browned slices with visible grill marks and a smooth surface. The plate rests on a wooden board, decorated with green leafy herbs and small red berries around the edges. A woman’s hand holding a fork is touching the plate on a white marbled surface background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme on top of your turkey slices can brighten the presentation and add a fresh herbal note. A wedge of lemon on the side offers a subtle citrus zing that can balance the richness of the gravy beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Gravy Recipe shines alongside traditional sides like creamy mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, or roasted root vegetables. For something lighter, a crisp garden salad or buttered asparagus pairs perfectly, adding color and a touch of freshness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family gathering or holiday feast, try slicing the turkey breast and arranging it beautifully on a large platter, pouring the herb gravy generously over the top while keeping some on the side for dipping. You can also shred leftover turkey to create savory sandwiches or salads, making sure none of that wonderful flavor goes to waste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover turkey and gravy in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keeping the turkey breast sliced and the gravy separate ensures easier reheating and preserves the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked turkey breast wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Freeze the gravy separately in a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw both overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the turkey slices gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit covered with foil until warmed through to prevent drying out. Warm the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, adding a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick.

FAQs

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in turkey breasts work wonderfully in the crock pot and often impart extra flavor during slow cooking. Just be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.

Is it possible to double this recipe in a larger crock pot?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve a bigger crowd, but make sure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the additional volume and that the turkey cooks evenly. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

How do I get the turkey skin crispy after slow cooking?

For a crispier skin, remove the cooked turkey breast from the crock pot and place it under the broiler for about 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. This step adds a delightful texture contrast to the tender meat.

Can I make the herb gravy without cornstarch?

Yes, you can substitute cornstarch with all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder to thicken the gravy. Use the same amount and mix with cold water before adding to the cooking liquid to avoid lumps.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Gravy Recipe is gluten-free when using cornstarch as a thickener and ensuring the broth is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about coming home to a warm, aromatic turkey slow-cooked just the way you like it, paired with a rich and silky herb gravy that feels like a big, comforting hug. This Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Gravy Recipe is reliable, simple, and endlessly satisfying, making it one of my absolute favorite go-to meals. Give it a try and watch it become a treasured classic on your dining table too!

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Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Gravy Recipe

Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Gravy Recipe


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3.9 from 60 reviews

  • Author: Jane
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Tender and juicy turkey breast slow-cooked with aromatic herbs, garlic, and broth to perfection, served alongside a rich and flavorful homemade herb gravy. This easy crock pot recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner or holiday feast, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum taste.


Ingredients

For Turkey:

  • 23 pound turkey breast (boneless or bone-in)
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water


Instructions

  1. Season the Turkey: Generously season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage to infuse it with robust herbal flavors.
  2. Prepare the Crock Pot: Place the quartered onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the crock pot to create an aromatic base.
  3. Add the Turkey: Position the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onion and garlic in the crock pot.
  4. Add Broth: Pour 1 cup of chicken or turkey broth over the turkey to keep it moist during cooking.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest the Turkey: Carefully remove the turkey from the crock pot and let it rest to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Make the Gravy: In a saucepan, combine the cooking liquid from the crock pot with a slurry made of 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

Notes

  • For crispy skin, transfer the slow-cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil in the oven on high for 5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • If the turkey breast is bone-in, it may require an additional 30 minutes of cooking time.
  • Use low sodium broth to better control salt content in the final dish.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure your broth and cornstarch are gluten-free if needed.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Holiday
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

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