Ingredients
– 2 kg / 4 lb turkey breast, skin on, bone in or boneless
– 1 head of garlic, cut in half horizontally
– 1 onion (brown, yellow, or white), unpeeled, cut in half
– 5 sprigs of fresh thyme or 2 tsp dried thyme leaves
– 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 2 tsp salt
– 5 grinds black pepper
– 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp olive oil
– Chicken stock or broth (or water) as needed for topping up liquid
– 4 tbsp / 50 g butter
– 1/4 cup / 35 g flour
– Salt and pepper to taste for gravy
Instructions
1-Prepare the rub: Combine 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, 2 tsp salt, 5 grinds black pepper, and 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl to make a wet paste.
2-Season the turkey: Pat the 2 kg / 4 lb turkey breast dry with paper towels, then slather the rub mixture over the top and sides.
3-Create an aromatic bed: Place the halved head of garlic (cut side down), halved onion (cut side down), and 5 sprigs of fresh thyme or 2 tsp dried thyme leaves in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4-Place the turkey: Set the seasoned turkey on top of the aromatic bed to keep it elevated above any juices.
5-Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours for a 2 kg / 4 lb breast; check the internal temperature at the 5-hour mark to ensure it reaches 165°F / 75°C.
6-Rest the turkey: Remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for 20 minutes to lock in juices.
7-Crisp the skin (optional): Put the rested turkey under a preheated broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
8-Prepare gravy liquid: Strain the cooking liquid and top up to 2 cups with chicken broth or water if needed.
9-Make the roux: Melt 4 tbsp / 50 g butter in a saucepan, stir in 1/4 cup / 35 g flour, and cook for 1 minute.
10-Create gravy: Whisk in the 2 cups of reserved liquid gradually, then simmer until thickened, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
11-Serve: Slice the turkey and pair it with the gravy for a complete meal.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🦃 Bone-in or boneless turkey breast works; skin on is preferred for basting and browning.
⏱ Adjust cooking time based on the size of your turkey breast (ensure it fits your slow cooker). Always check internal temperature (165°F / 75°C).
🔥 Elevating the turkey on the aromatic bed keeps it out of cooking liquid for better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 163 g
- Calories: 323
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 521 mg
- Fat: 13.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 44.7 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
