This easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe makes the most deliciously moist turkey you will have ever eaten! Plus, by adding sliced mushrooms and onions in the bottom of the pot, a thick and perfectly seasoned gravy is also created. Keto, Whole30 and Paleo approved, if you have never tried making a turkey breast in a slow cooker, I urge you to try it today!
*recipe and pictures updated November 7th, 2021
Slow Cooker Juicy Turkey Breast
At some point in our lives, we have all had the experience of eating turkey that was somewhat on the dry side. I really think that this is the main reason why most people don't care for turkey. Seriously, how many people do you know that would choose turkey over chicken or steak?
Not many! However, this recipe will convert the "turkey-haters" into "turkey-lovers"! This easy Slow Cooker Crock-pot Turkey Breast and Gravy is moist, easy and delicious.
A couple of weeks ago, our grocery store was selling turkey breasts for only $0.99/lb. I thought maybe it was a "typo" but when I got to the store, sure enough, the ad was correct.
I searched for the two smallest breasts and brought them home.
As I was unpacking my groceries, Mr. Grumbles pulled out the turkey breasts and looked somewhat forlorn.
"Don't worrry", I said, "I have an idea that will create the juiciest turkey breast ever".
Still eyeing me with doubt, I explained to him that I was going to cook the turkey breast in the slow cooker.
"WHAAAAAT? How are you going to make the gravy because you have to have gravy if you are going to have turkey."
"Trust me" is all I said.
And with that, my brain started churning.
Turkey Seasoning
To make the seasoning for the turkey, you simply need to combine some garlic powder, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning and if you want, smoked paprika. Once you combine the ingredients, you are going to remove half and place them in a small dish. To this small dish, you will need to add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and an additional 1 teaspoon of salt. This olive oil blend is to be rubbed under the turkey skin. The remaining seasoning will be rub on the outer skin.
Feel free to modify the spices as well as their amount to suit your tastes. I have a tendency to "under salt" my food as I can always add additional salt after the food has cooked. Also, the gravy is somewhat salty so if you are going to slather your turkey in the delicious gravy, make sure that you don't add too much salt!
How to make slow cooker turkey breast
Did I mention how easy this recipe is to make? Seriously, I am not kidding...here are the steps:
- Create a rub and give that plump turkey a nice little rub
- Place chopped onions and mushrooms in the bottom of the slow cooker - by putting these simple ingredients on the bottom, they will not only help to form our gravy but also helps to keep the turkey up and out of any liquid while it cooks
- Slow cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours - the time depends on how much your turkey breast weighs.
- Briefly broil the turkey at the end - this will get the turkey skin nice and crispy and if you are using a Ninja Foodi, you do not even need to remove the turkey from the pot!!!
- Puree the turkey juice with the onions and mushrooms to make a killer gravy - add additional salt or seasoning to suit your taste!
Making the Thick Mushroom Gravy
Since the slow cooker would keep things moist, I knew there would be plenty of juices left at the bottom of the cooker. I figured that if I layered mushrooms and onions on the bottom, I could combine the turkey juice with the vegetables in a high-speed blender to create a sauce. I was hoping that the vegetables would create the thickness I was looking for in a gravy.
And boy was I right!
After pureeing the ingredients, taste the gravy and add any additional flavours. I typically like to add a little more salt, garlic powder and poultry seasoning for an extra little kick.
If you don't like your gravy as thick, you can simply add a little turkey, chicken, mushroom or vegetable stock to thin out the gravy. Also, if you want even thinner gravy, you can also pour your gravy through a fine mesh strainer.
The options are endless!
How to use the Slow Cooker Function on a Ninja Foodi
Although I have made this recipe in a traditional slow cooker, I have recently started using my Ninja Foodi All-In-One instead of my slow cooker.
To use the Ninja Foodi as a slow cooker, you will use the separate lid that is NOT attached to the appliance - it is the lid you use when you want to pressure cook. Press the "slow cook" function buttom and place the pressure cooker lid. Turn the knob to "Vent". When your turkey is done, simply remove the pressure cooker lid and lower the air fryer lid. Turn the Ninja Foodi onto the "broil" function on "hi" and set it for 5 minutes. Check it and add additional minutes until the skin is nice and cripsy
Size of Turkey Breast
For my Ninja Foodi, the biggest turkey breast that would be able to fit is about 6 pounds. I have the 6.5 quart so if you have a larger version, you may be able to get an additional 1-2 pounds in your cooker.
How much turkey per person
Here is what I found on Good Housekeeping's website. Quick rule of thumb to get you started: If you're buying a whole turkey, plan on 1 pound (uncooked) per person. For a boneless turkey breast, get ½ pound per person
Turkey Holiday Sides:
- Healthy Crunchy Roasted Brussels Sprout Salad - Keto and Vegan
- Keto Maple Bacon Broccoli Salad
- Keto Warm Asparagus Bacon Salad
- Keto Bread Sticks
- Keto Caramelized Skillet-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Quick and Easy Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Deliciously Moist Slow Cooker Turkey with Mushroom Gravy
This easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe makes the most deliciously moist turkey you will have ever eaten! Plus, by adding sliced mushrooms and onions to the bottom of the pot, thick and perfectly seasoned gravy is also created. Keto, Whole30, and Paleo-approved, if you have never tried making a turkey breast in a slow cooker, I urge you to try it today! Made using a slow cooker or a Ninja Foodi All-In-One.
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4-6 lb bone-in turkey breast, thawed
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
For a traditional Slow Cooker
- Place onion and mushrooms in a slow cooker.
- Remove inners from turkey (if needed). In a small bowl, combine poultry seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Take half the spices and combine them with olive oil. Lift the skin of the turkey breast and rub the olive oil mixture under the skin. Cover outside of turkey skin with remaining spices.
- Set slow cooker on high for 2.5 - 3 hours for 4 lbs and 3 - 3.5 hours for a 5 lb breast or 3.5-4 hours for 6 lbs. When the timer is done, check to make sure the turkey breast has reached 160 degrees F.
- Remove the turkey and place it on a rimmed baking sheet. Place it in the oven under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until the skin begins to crisp. Remove the turkey and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
For a Ninja Foodi All-In-One:
- Place onion and mushrooms in the bottom of the pot.
- Remove inners from turkey (if needed). In a small bowl, combine poultry seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Take half the spices and combine them with olive oil. Lift the skin of the turkey breast and rub the olive oil mixture under the skin. Cover outside of turkey skin with remaining spices.
- Set the Ninja Foodi on the slow cooker function on "hi" and add the pressure cooker lid. Make sure that the vent is open. My Ninja Foodi will not allow for less then 4 hours to be set so if you are cooking a smaller turkey, set your own time for 2.5 - 3 hours for 4 lbs and 3 - 3.5 hours for a 5 lb breast or 3.5-4 hours for 6 lbs. When the timer is done, check to make sure the turkey breast has reached 160 degrees F.
- Remove the pressure cooker lid and instead, close the Ninja foodi using the air fryer lid. Turn on the "broil" function on high and set the timer for 5 minutes. Add additional time until the skin is nice and crispy. Remove the turkey and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
Prepare the gravy
- Place all remaining juice, onion, and mushrooms in a large blender and blend until fully pureed. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little stock or water. If the mixture seems too thin, simply put it in a small saucepan on the stock and bring it to a boil to reduce the amount of liquid. Taste the gravy and add additional spices to taste
Notes
- Make sure you don't buy a turkey breast that is too large for your slow cooker
- Feel free to place the turkey (once cooked) in a broiler pan and place in the oven on "Hi" broil to crisp up the skin
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Main Meals
- Method: Ninja Foodi, Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Fall, Holidays
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz with 2 oz of gravy
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2.3 g
- Fat: 9.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22.6 g
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