Turkey breast is a versatile and healthy option for any meal. Cooking it in a crockpot with cranberry gravy keeps the meat tender while infusing it with rich flavors. This dish is simple to prepare and excellent for gatherings or casual family dinners.
Why you’ll love this dish
The slow-cooking method makes the turkey incredibly moist and flavorful. The combination of savory turkey and sweet-tart cranberry gravy is a crowd-pleaser.
“This turkey was the star of our holiday dinner! So flavorful and juicy.”
Crockpot cooking also means minimal hands-on time and easy clean-up.
How it comes together
The turkey breast is seasoned, placed in the crockpot, and covered with a cranberry sauce mixture. After several hours of slow cooking, the turkey is ready to be sliced and served with the gravy.
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 6 hr | Total Time: 6 hr 15 min
What you’ll need
- 1 boneless turkey breast
- Salt and pepper
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Step-by-step instructions
- Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, onion soup mix, and chicken broth.
- Place the turkey breast in the crockpot.
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the turkey.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the turkey reaches 165°F.
- Remove the turkey, let it rest for 10 minutes, and slice.
- Serve with the gravy on top.
Best ways to enjoy it
Pair the turkey with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the gravy. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad complement the dish well. For a festive touch, serve with cranberry relish or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Storage and reheating tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap sliced turkey tightly and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or slowly in a pan with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Helpful cooking tips
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F. For more flavor, marinate the turkey overnight with salt and your favorite herbs. If leftovers are dry, drizzle extra gravy before reheating.
Creative twists
Try adding orange zest to the cranberry sauce for a citrus flavor. Swap out the onion soup mix for a packet of ranch seasoning for a different taste. You can also substitute the turkey with chicken for a quick variation.
FAQ
Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in the crockpot?
It’s not recommended due to food safety reasons. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
What if I don’t have onion soup mix?
You can substitute with a combination of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
How can I thicken the gravy?
Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the gravy while it simmers on the stove.
Crockpot Turkey Breast with Cranberry Gravy
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A tender and flavorful turkey breast cooked in a crockpot with sweet-tart cranberry gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless turkey breast
- Salt and pepper
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Mix cranberry sauce, onion soup mix, and chicken broth in a bowl.
- Place the turkey breast in the crockpot.
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the turkey.
- Cover and cook on low for 360 minutes or until the turkey reaches 165°F.
- Remove the turkey, let it rest for 10 minutes, and slice.
- Serve with the gravy on top.
Notes
Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the gravy. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad complement the dish well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: turkey breast, crockpot, slow cooker, cranberry gravy, holiday recipe