Name: Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast (Juicy & Flavorful!)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (3 pound) Boneless Turkey Breast (leave netting on); 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher Salt; ½ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper; ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder; ½ teaspoon Onion Powder; 1 ½ teaspoons Poultry Seasoning; 1 (1 ounce) packet Onion Soup Mix; 1 cup Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce; ½ cup Apple Cider; 3 tablespoons Cold Water; 1 tablespoon Cornstarch; Reserved Gravy Packet (optional)

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Is there anything more daunting than cooking a whole turkey? The thawing, the brining, the constant basting… it can be a lot of work. But what if you could enjoy succulent, tender turkey breast any night of the week with almost zero effort?

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Step 2: Season and Place in Crockpot
Step 3: Add Toppings and Liquid
Step 4: Slow Cook
Step 5: Rest and Prepare Gravy
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
Step 7: Slice and Serve

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1: Can I use a frozen turkey breast?
Q2: Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Q3: What if I don’t like cranberry sauce?
Q4: Can I use chicken broth instead of apple cider?

Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast (Juicy & Flavorful!)

Description
Ingredients

For the Turkey:
For the Gravy:

Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. By slow-cooking a boneless turkey breast with aromatic spices, cranberry sauce, and apple cider, you get an incredibly juicy and flavorful main course that practically cooks itself. Whether you’re hosting a small holiday gathering or just craving a comforting turkey dinner, this easy recipe delivers all the taste of Thanksgiving without the stress. Get ready to fall in love with turkey all over again!

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a savory, sweet, and aromatic turkey breast.

For the Turkey:

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Boneless Turkey Breast	1 (3 pound)	Thawed if frozen; keep netting on
Kosher Salt	1 ½ teaspoons
Freshly Ground Black Pepper	½ teaspoon
Garlic Powder	½ teaspoon
Onion Powder	½ teaspoon
Poultry Seasoning	1 ½ teaspoons
Onion Soup Mix	1 (1 ounce) packet	Adds savory depth
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce	1 cup	Adds moisture and sweetness
Apple Cider	½ cup	Keeps the turkey juicy

For the Gravy:

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Cold Water	3 tablespoons
Cornstarch	1 tablespoon	Thickener for the gravy
Gravy Packet	From the turkey	Optional, but adds flavor

Timing

This recipe is perfect for a hands-off meal. Just prep in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2.5-3 hours (High) or 5-6 hours (Low)
Resting Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3.5 to 6.5 hours

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a moist and flavorful turkey breast right in your slow cooker.

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Remove the turkey breast from its packaging. Locate the gravy packet (if included) and set it aside for later. Important: Leave the netting on the turkey breast; this holds it together during the long cooking process so it cooks evenly. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Season and Place in Crockpot

In a small bowl, mix the kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and poultry seasoning. Rub this spice mixture all over the turkey breast. Place the seasoned turkey into the insert of your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Toppings and Liquid

Sprinkle the packet of onion soup mix over the top of the turkey. Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce over the onion soup mix. Pour the apple cider around the sides of the turkey (not directly on top, so you don’t wash off the seasonings).

Actionable Tip: The combination of onion soup mix and cranberry sauce creates a unique, sweet-savory glaze that keeps the turkey incredibly moist.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on HIGH for 2 ½ to 3 hours or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. The turkey is done when an internal thermometer reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Actionable Tip: Avoid opening the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and moisture, extending the cooking time.

Step 5: Rest and Prepare Gravy

Carefully remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use kitchen shears to carefully cut away and remove the netting. Tent the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist slices.

While the turkey rests, strain the liquid from the slow cooker through a fine-mesh sieve into a small saucepan. Stir in the reserved gravy packet (if you have one) and bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons of cold water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this mixture into the simmering gravy. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy has thickened to your liking.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Slice the rested turkey breast against the grain. Serve warm, generously drizzled with the homemade gravy.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving (assuming approx. 6 servings).

Calories: Approx. 350-400 kcal
Protein: 45-50 g
Carbohydrates: 15-20 g
Fat: 10-12 g
Sodium: 800-1000 mg

Healthier Alternatives

This is a lean protein meal, but you can make adjustments:

Lower Sodium: Use a homemade low-sodium onion soup mix substitute and low-sodium chicken broth instead of the gravy packet to significantly reduce salt.
Reduce Sugar: Use sugar-free cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries simmered with a little orange juice instead of the canned sauce.
No Gravy Packet: Skip the processed gravy packet and simply thicken the natural juices from the pot for a cleaner gravy.

Serving Suggestions

This turkey breast pairs beautifully with classic sides!

Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food pairing for that delicious gravy.
Roasted Veggies: Serve with roasted green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
Stuffing: Prepare a side of stuffing for the full “Thanksgiving” experience any night.
Sandwiches: Leftovers make incredible turkey sandwiches for lunch the next day!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For the juiciest turkey, avoid these pitfalls:

Overcooking: Turkey breast is lean and dries out easily. Solution: Check the internal temperature early (at the 2.5-hour mark on High or 5-hour mark on Low). Remove immediately at 165°F.
Removing Netting Too Early: The turkey will fall apart. Solution: Keep the netting on until after cooking to maintain its shape.
Skipping the Rest: Slicing immediately lets all the juices run out. Solution: Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. It’s worth the wait!

Storing Tips

Leftovers are delicious and can be used in many ways!

Refrigerate: Store sliced turkey in an airtight container with some gravy to keep it moist. It keeps for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: Freeze slices in freezer-safe bags with a little gravy for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or gravy to prevent drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe proves that you don’t need a special occasion or hours of work to enjoy a delicious turkey dinner. It’s simple, flavorful, and virtually foolproof, delivering juicy meat and savory gravy with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or smaller holiday gatherings.

Ready to try this easy turkey dinner? Give this recipe a go and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy and delicious meal ideas.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a frozen turkey breast?

It is generally not recommended to cook frozen meat in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns (it spends too much time in the “danger zone”). Thaw the turkey breast completely in the refrigerator (usually 24 hours) before cooking.

Q2: Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Yes! You can create a bed of chopped carrots, celery, and onions at the bottom of the slow cooker and place the turkey on top. They will add flavor to the juices and serve as a built-in side dish.

Q3: What if I don’t like cranberry sauce?

You can omit the cranberry sauce if you prefer a purely savory flavor. You might want to add a little more chicken broth or apple cider to ensure there is enough liquid.

Q4: Can I use chicken broth instead of apple cider?

Absolutely. Chicken broth works perfectly well as a liquid substitute if you don’t have apple cider. The flavor will be more savory and less sweet.