Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy
Juicy Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy—your foolproof Thanksgiving recipe. Tender turkey slow-cooked to perfection for a flavorful holiday dinner!
Looking for the easiest way to make a juicy, flavorful turkey without the stress? This Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy recipe is the perfect solution for Thanksgiving, holiday dinners, and Sunday dinners. The slow cooker transforms a bone-in turkey breast into tender, moist perfection while creating a rich, savory gravy from scratch. Best of all, cooking your turkey in the crock pot frees up valuable oven space for all your favorite holiday side dishes and desserts. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and no constant basting, you’ll have a stress-free turkey that will impress your family and guests.
Looking for side dishes to serve with this easy Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy recipe? Here are some of my favorites: Cheesy Stuffing Casserole, Rosemary Rolls, The Best Green Bean Casserole, and Cranberry Sauce.
CROCK POT TURKEY AND GRAVY
There’s nothing more nerve-wracking than being in charge of the Thanksgiving turkey and wondering if you’ll overcook it or serve it dry. We’ve all had that little voice of doubt creep in. After all, the turkey is the star of the show for many Thanksgiving feasts. Here’s the good news: with the right recipe, you can forget the stress and focus on enjoying the holiday with loved ones. This turkey and gravy main course is extra special; not only does it deliver a tender, flavorful bird, but it also makes a rich, savory gravy perfect for drizzling over turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and just about anything else on your plate.
Many dream of roasting the biggest, most golden-brown turkey to impress their holiday guests. But sometimes, it’s the simple, no-fuss recipes that truly win the day (like this one!). This slow-cooker turkey recipe might not give you that magazine-cover crispy skin or the “wow” presentation moment, but what it will deliver is juicy, flavorful meat and rich gravy that will have everyone going back for seconds. And honestly, happy taste buds and full bellies are what matter. Cheers to a happy holiday season!
Find my expert tips on how to make this slow-cooker turkey and gravy dinner even better below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy Recipe:
- The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe: Frees up valuable oven space for side dishes and desserts.
- Juicy, Tender Turkey Every Time: This recipe slow-cooks the turkey breast-side down to lock in moisture without constant basting.
- Rich, Flavorful Gravy: Made from a buttery vegetable medley of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, plus fresh thyme and bay leaves.
- Foolproof And Stress-Free: No guesswork or fuss; just set, cook, and enjoy.
- Ideal For Smaller Gatherings: This recipe calls for a 6–7 lb. turkey breast that fits perfectly in a 7–8 quart crock pot.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This turkey can be cooked earlier in the day and stays warm until serving.
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 celery rib, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 Tablespoon dried
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 to 7 pound bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (no more than 7 pounds or it won’t fit in your slow cooker)
- salt and pepper
Instructions
In a large, nonstick skillet melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Cook mixture until vegetables are tender and slightly browned. About 10 minutes.
Stir in flour and cook 2 minutes or until flour is golden and coated over the veggies. Slowly whisk in the broth and water. Add thyme and bay leaves.
Pour this mixture into your large ( 7 to 8 quart) crock pot.
Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper. (Being careful not to over-salt. Use more pepper than salt) Place the turkey in the crock pot, breast side down.
Cover and cook on low heat for 5 to 7 hours. Or on high heat 5 to 6 hours. (The internal temperature of the turkey breast should be 165 degrees.)
Carefully transfer the turkey breast to a 9×13 inch baking pan. Tent with foil and let rest while you prepare the gravy.
Strain liquid in the crock pot into a medium saucepan. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then skim any fat from the top surface. Bring gravy to a simmer and cook 15 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened. It won’t get extremely thick (this is more of a thinner gravy). You can add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 Tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 1/2 Tablespoons water) to thicken it more if you’d like. Season gravy with salt and pepper, if needed.
Carve the turkey and serve with gravy. Enjoy!
Servings
6 to 7 lb. turkey and gravy dinner.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover turkey and gravy in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat turkey, place slices in a baking dish with a splash of broth or gravy, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Reheat gravy in a saucepan over medium-low, whisking occasionally and thinning with broth or water if needed. For best results, portion turkey with a little gravy before storing to keep it moist and make reheating easier.
Holly’s Tips for The Best Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy Recipe:
- Choose The Right Turkey: Opt for a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast. 6–7 pounds works best for the slow cooker, fitting comfortably while staying juicy.
- Season Generously: Use plenty of pepper and a moderate amount of salt to enhance flavor without over-salting.
- Cook Turkey Breast-Side Down: This keeps the turkey meat moist and flavorful as it absorbs the vegetable and herb aromatics.
- Build A Flavorful Base: Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in butter before adding broth and herbs—this step creates a rich, savory gravy.
- Don’t Rush: Low and slow is key with this slow-cooker turkey dinner. Allow 5–7 hours on low (or 5–6 on high) for tender, perfectly cooked turkey.
- Rest Before Carving: Let the turkey rest under foil after cooking so juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy.
- Thicken Gravy If Needed: For a richer consistency, use a cornstarch slurry or simmer a few extra minutes, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Expert Tip: Plan ahead! Prepare the base and chop vegetables in advance to save time on busy holiday mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A 7 to 8-quart slow cooker is required to fit a 6–7 pound bone-in, skin-on turkey breast comfortably.
The recipe works best with 6–7 pounds. Smaller breasts will cook faster, and larger ones may not fit properly in the crockpot.
Yes, sautéing the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in butter first enhances flavor and creates a richer gravy.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Absolutely. You can chop vegetables and prepare the base a day in advance. Cook the turkey on the day you plan to serve it for best results.
Similar Recipes
Looking for a classic turkey gravy recipe? Don’t forget to save my Turkey Gravy for later!
Want something a little different for your holiday table? My Honey Glazed Ham or Maple Brown Sugar Ham makes for a show-stopping main course that everyone will love.
Looking for creative ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers? Whip up my Turkey Cranberry Sliders or Thanksgiving Leftovers Panini for quick, tasty meals the days after the big feast.
Have you made this Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy recipe? 🦃
Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #TurkeyandGravy #ThanksgivingTurkeyRecipes #LifeInTheLofthouse
Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 large carrot chopped
- 1 celery rib chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 Tablespoon dried
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 to 7 pound bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (no more than 7 pounds or it won't fit in your slow cooker)
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large, nonstick skillet melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Cook mixture until vegetables are tender and slightly browned. About 10 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook 2 minutes or until flour is golden and coated over the veggies. Slowly whisk in the broth and water. Add thyme and bay leaves.
- Pour this mixture into your large ( 7 to 8 quart) crock pot.
- Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper. (Being careful not to over-salt. Use more pepper than salt) Place the turkey in the crock pot, breast side down.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 5 to 7 hours. Or on high heat 5 to 6 hours. (The internal temperature of the turkey breast should be 165 degrees.)
- Carefully transfer the turkey breast to a 9×13 inch baking pan. Tent with foil and let rest while you prepare the gravy.
- Strain liquid in the crock pot into a medium saucepan. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then skim any fat from the top surface. Bring gravy to a simmer and cook 15 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened. It won’t get extremely thick (this is more of a thinner gravy). You can add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 Tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 1/2 Tablespoons water) to thicken it more if you’d like. Season gravy with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Carve the turkey and serve with gravy. Enjoy!
Notes
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE FOR LATER?
PIN IT TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD! 📌
This looks amazing! And would make Thanksgiving so much easier!
This turkey turned out very good.
This looks pretty darn good and super simple, leaving the oven free for other things.
Looks like a great way to cook turkey breast. However, do you cook it the entire time “breast down” as the directions say?
Yes Mary. I cook it breast down the entire cooking time. I only turned it breast up for the photos. 🙂
Are the vegatables safe to eat? I didn’t see where you use those after the you strain them for making the gravy.
You will want to discard the vegetables.