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Perfect Crockpot Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Gravy

crockpot turkey breast - featured image

This foolproof crockpot turkey breast is incredibly juicy and tender, thanks to low and slow cooking. Topped with a rich garlic herb gravy made from the pan drippings, it’s a stress-free centerpiece for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Drippings from the cooked turkey
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for gravy)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (for gravy)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mash into a uniform paste.
  3. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast from the meat, creating a pocket. Spread about two-thirds of the garlic herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin. Spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.
  4. Pour 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Place the turkey breast in the crockpot, skin-side up.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3.5 hours, until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Carefully transfer the turkey to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
  7. While the turkey rests, pour the drippings from the crockpot into a liquid measuring cup. Spoon off excess fat. You should have about 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid.
  8. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the reserved turkey drippings and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened (2-3 minutes).
  9. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Slice the rested turkey against the grain, arrange on a platter, and pour the gravy over the top. Serve remaining gravy on the side.

Notes

For crispy skin, pop the cooked turkey breast under the broiler for 3-5 minutes after resting. If gravy is too thin, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water). Leftover turkey and gravy can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot turkey breast, slow cooker turkey, garlic herb gravy, juicy turkey, easy turkey recipe, Thanksgiving turkey, holiday turkey, set it and forget it turkey