Slow Cooker Turkey with Creamy Gravy Recipe

If you’re craving a simple, comforting meal that almost makes itself, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Turkey with Creamy Gravy Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe turns out tender, juicy turkey paired with a luscious, creamy gravy that’s bursting with flavor — all without having to hover in the kitchen. When I first tried this, I was amazed by how effortless it was yet so delicious, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make it foolproof in your own slow cooker.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that dreamy, creamy gravy and tender turkey that melts in your mouth. When shopping, look for a good quality boneless turkey breast — it makes shredding easier and cooking consistently tender. Also, you’ll want to grab your favorite chicken stock or broth for added depth.

• Boneless turkey breast: Opt for fresh or thawed turkey breast; boneless makes shredding a breeze.
• Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle spice without overpowering the flavors.
• Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and a lovely color to the turkey.
• Cream of chicken soup: This adds the creamy base for the gravy—homemade or canned both work.
• Turkey gravy packet: I love Pioneer’s, but any brand with great flavor works just as well.
• Chicken broth (or stock): Use a good quality broth for richer gravy; low sodium is helpful to control saltiness.
• Fresh thyme sprigs: Fresh herbs always elevate the dish, and thyme pairs beautifully with turkey.

Variations

I like to personalize this Slow Cooker Turkey with Creamy Gravy Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand—you really can’t go wrong with any tweaks. Feel free to get creative and make it your own.

• Add mushrooms: I’ve tossed in sliced mushrooms before, and it adds a wonderful earthy flavor and extra texture.
• Use turkey thighs: For a fattier, juicier option, turkey thighs work beautifully in a slow cooker.
• Herb variations: Sometimes I swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a slightly different aromatics profile that feels seasonal.
• Dairy-free option: Use a dairy-free cream soup and gravy mix to accommodate dietary restrictions; just make sure they’re good quality.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Turkey

Start by laying your boneless turkey breast directly into the slow cooker. I sprinkle it evenly with black pepper and paprika to add a subtle kick and color. Simple seasoning before it hits the pot makes a world of difference—you’ll start to smell those cozy aromas early on.

Step 2: Combine and Pour the Creamy Gravy Mix

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, turkey gravy packet, and chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mixture over the turkey breast in the slow cooker, making sure it’s well coated. Don’t be shy about getting it all evenly spread—that’s the base for your creamy, flavorful gravy.

Step 3: Add Fresh Thyme and Slow Cook

Place three fresh thyme sprigs on top. Fresh thyme really infuses a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with turkey. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for about 6 hours—you’ll know it’s ready when the turkey is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork. No dry turkey here, just juicy, fall-apart goodness.

Step 4: Shred the Turkey and Mix Back

Carefully remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Remove the thyme stems from the pot, then stir the shredded turkey back into the creamy gravy. The turkey soaks up all that moisture and flavor—it’s pure comfort on a plate. Your Slow Cooker Turkey with Creamy Gravy Recipe is now ready to serve!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness—plus it brightens up the rich gravy beautifully. A dash of cracked black pepper right before serving adds a little bite and aroma that wakes up the dish perfectly.

Side Dishes

This slow cooker turkey with creamy gravy goes hand in hand with fluffy mashed potatoes—the gravy soaks right in, making every bite heavenly. I also love pairing it with roasted vegetables or buttery noodles for a fuller meal. Whatever you choose, this gravy makes everything better!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the shredded turkey over creamy polenta or inside warm biscuits topped with gravy for a Southern-inspired feast. Another fun idea is layering it in a savory turkey pot pie with leftover veggies on top — it’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I put leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The turkey stays juicy, and the gravy thickens slightly, which makes reheating really cozy and comforting.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the turkey and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of headroom for expansion. I freeze mine for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally so the gravy warms evenly without separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen the sauce if it got too thick while chilled. You can also reheat in a microwave covered loosely, but I prefer stovetop for best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Turkey with Creamy Gravy Recipe has become such a favorite in my house because it’s seriously the easiest way to whip up a comforting, homey dish without fussing over multiple pots or complicated steps. Whether you’re feeding family on a chilly evening or entertaining friends, it shows up looking and tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen — but honestly, you didn’t. Give it a try; I promise you’ll come back to this one again and again!

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