Slow cooked turkey breast sliced on a plate with rich brown gravy poured over it

Tender Slow Cooked Turkey Breast with Rich Homemade Gravy

Name: Tender Slow Cooked Turkey Breast with Rich Homemade Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 kg Turkey breast (boneless, skin-on); 2 tbsp Olive oil; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Onion powder; 1 tsp Dried thyme; 250 ml Chicken or turkey broth; 2 tbsp All-purpose flour; 2 tbsp Butter; 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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medium

3 hour 30 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat10gram

Protein45gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Turkey breast (boneless, skin-on)1 kg
Olive oil2 tbsp
Salt1 tsp
Black pepper0.5 tsp
Garlic powder1 tsp
Onion powder1 tsp
Dried thyme1 tsp
Chicken or turkey broth250 ml
All-purpose flour2 tbsp
Butter2 tbsp
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)1 tbsp

This recipe shows you how to slow cook a turkey breast to a tender, juicy perfection and create a delicious homemade gravy using the cooking drippings. It's an easy, foolproof method perfect for everyday cooking or special occasions. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 (10€ / £9 / ₹900). The dish serves 4, contains about 350 kcal per serving, and fits well in a balanced diet. Cooking is of medium difficulty and takes about 3.5 hours total.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the turkey breast and seasoning

1Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme in a small bowl. Rub the turkey breast all over with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture on it. This helps flavor the turkey deeply during slow cooking.

Place turkey in slow cooker with broth

2Put the seasoned turkey breast in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken or turkey broth around the turkey breast inside the cooker, but do not pour over the seasoning on top to keep the flavors on the meat.

Slow cook until safe internal temperature reached

3Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low setting for approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 74°C (165°F) to ensure the turkey is safe to eat. Turkey cooked to this temperature is juicy and fully cooked. Avoid opening the lid frequently.

Remove the turkey breast from slow cooker and cover

4Carefully transfer the cooked turkey breast to a cutting board or plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm. This resting period helps the juices redistribute inside the meat, making the turkey moist and tender.

Prepare the gravy from cooking juices

5Pour the cooking juices from the slow cooker into a saucepan through a fine strainer to remove any solids or fat. Place the saucepan on medium heat and melt butter in it. Gradually whisk in all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.

Simmer gravy until desired thickness

6Slowly add the strained cooking juices back to the roux while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the gravy simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve the turkey breast with gravy

7Slice the turkey breast against the grain into even pieces. Serve the sliced turkey on a plate and generously spoon warm homemade gravy over it. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for added color and flavor.

Cooking Tips

1Always use a meat thermometer to ensure turkey breast reaches a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to avoid foodborne illness.

2Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw turkey.

3For added flavor, you can add sliced onions, garlic cloves, or carrots to the slow cooker around the turkey breast.

4If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk in an additional teaspoon of flour mixed with a little water (slurry) and simmer until thickened.

5Leftover turkey can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Equipment needed

Slow cooker
Meat thermometer
Mixing bowl
Spoon or brush for seasoning
Whisk
Saucepan
Fine strainer
Cutting board and sharp knife

Shopping List

[ ] Turkey breast (boneless, skin-on) (~$8): Choose fresh or fully thawed turkey breast with no discoloration and a firm texture.
[ ] Olive oil (~$0.50): Opt for extra virgin olive oil for better flavor.
[ ] Spices: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (~$1): Ensure spices are fresh for best aroma.
[ ] Chicken or turkey broth (~$2): Use low-sodium broth if possible.
[ ] All-purpose flour (~$0.20): Regular flour works best to thicken gravy.
[ ] Butter (~$0.50): Use unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.
[ ] Fresh parsley (optional) (~$0.30): Select fresh, bright green leaves. Total approximate cost: $12

FAQ

How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) at the thickest part of the breast to ensure it is safe to eat.