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Perfect Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Easy Herb Gravy

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This slow cooker turkey breast delivers all the juicy, tender meat and rich, herbaceous gravy you crave without taking over your oven or your whole day. It’s the kind of meal that makes you look like a hero with very little actual effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (5–7 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
  • 3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups strained cooking liquid from the slow cooker
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Take your turkey breast out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you start. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning blend all over the turkey breast, including under the skin if you can gently loosen it.
  2. In another small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage. Take about half of this mixture and gently work it under the turkey skin, spreading it evenly over the breast meat. Rub the remaining herb mixture all over the outside of the skin.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the turkey breast skin-side down in the hot pan. Let it cook without moving it for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy. Use your tongs to turn it and sear the other sides for about 2 minutes each.
  4. Place the quartered onion, celery pieces, and carrot chunks in the bottom of your slow cooker. Tuck the bay leaves in among the vegetables.
  5. Pour the chicken broth and white wine (if using) into the slow cooker, around the vegetables, not over them. Carefully place the seared turkey breast on top of the vegetable bed, skin-side up.
  6. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Start checking the internal temperature at the 6-hour mark. You’re looking for 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone.
  7. Once the turkey reaches 160°F, carefully transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes.
  8. While the turkey rests, pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker through a fine-mesh strainer into a fat separator or a large measuring cup. Discard the vegetables and bay leaves. Let the liquid sit for a minute, then skim off the fat. You should have about 2 cups of defatted liquid.
  9. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and smells nutty. Slowly pour in the strained cooking liquid, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens. If you’re using heavy cream, stir it in now. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the fresh parsley.
  10. Remove the turkey from the bone by running your knife along the rib cage. Slice the breast meat against the grain into thick slices. Arrange on a platter and pour some of the herb gravy over the top. Serve the remaining gravy on the side.

Notes

Pat the turkey bone-dry before seasoning for a good sear. Don’t lift the lid during cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. For thicker gravy, make a cornstarch slurry. You can prep the herb rub and chop vegetables the night before. Always thaw turkey completely before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker turkey breast, herb gravy, turkey breast recipe, easy turkey, comfort food, holiday turkey

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