I absolutely love making this Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe, especially when I want a comforting meal without the fuss of watching the oven. It’s one of those dishes that fills the house with cozy aromas and gives you tender, juicy turkey paired perfectly with a flavorful stuffing—all done right in the slow cooker. It’s a fantastic option for busy days or casual family dinners when you want the warmth of a traditional meal with minimum effort.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the slow cooker handled both the turkey and stuffing, letting all those autumn-inspired spices mingle beautifully. If you’ve ever struggled with dry turkey breast or bland stuffing, you’ll find this Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe a total game-changer. Plus, it’s excellent for holiday leftovers or anytime you want that classic comfort food vibe without the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on other tasks or simply relax.
- Juicy Turkey Every Time: Cooking turkey breast low and slow locks in moisture and flavor like magic.
- Perfect Comfort Food: The stuffing soaks up all those savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at any meal.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, which makes after-dinner cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. I always recommend using fresh veggies and quality bread for the stuffing—your taste buds will thank you for it!
- Boneless Turkey Breasts: Start with fully defrosted breasts for even cooking and tenderness.
- Chicken Broth: A bit of broth adds moisture and depth, preventing dryness in the slow cooker.
- Bread Cubes: Day-old or slightly dried bread works best to soak up the seasoning without getting mushy.
- Apple: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely contrast to the savory herbs.
- Celery: A classic stuffing ingredient that brings crunch and freshness.
- Onion: Gives an aromatic base that blends perfectly with the poultry seasoning.
- Kosher Salt: Seasoning is key—kosher salt dissolves evenly for balanced flavor.
- Poultry Seasoning: The essential herb blend that defines the stuffing’s classic taste.
- Ground Sage: One of my favorite herbs for turkey, it adds depth and earthiness.
- Ground Black Pepper: Just enough to add a little bite and round out the seasoning.
Variations
I love how flexible the Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe is, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. I’ve tried a few twists that really made me fall even more in love with it!
- Herb Lovers’ Twist: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme into the stuffing gives a fragrant, garden-fresh vibe that brightens the dish.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the bread for gluten-free cubes or even cooked quinoa for a different, nutritious texture.
- Sweet and Savory: I like throwing in some dried cranberries or even a handful of chopped pecans to add a little holiday flair.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Lay the Turkey and Add Broth
Start by placing the defrosted turkey breasts at the bottom of your large oval crockpot—you want them to cover the bottom but it’s okay if they slightly overlap. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the turkey; this is what keeps the turkey moist and flavorful during cooking. I always double-check that the breasts are fully thawed beforehand to avoid uneven cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Stuffing Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread with diced apple, celery, and onion. Sprinkle in the kosher salt, poultry seasoning, ground sage, and pepper, then stir everything together until the bread cubes are thoroughly coated. This helps the flavors soak into the stuffing so it’s bursting with taste by the time it’s cooked.
Step 3: Layer Stuffing and Cook
Pour the stuffing mixture over the turkey breasts in the crockpot, then press it down gently to create an even layer. Cover the crockpot with its lid, set it on low, and cook for 6 to 8 hours. The slow cooking lets the turkey become incredibly tender while the stuffing perfectly absorbs all those delicious juices. I usually check at the 6-hour mark with a meat thermometer—the turkey’s internal temp should hit 165°F for safety.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the turkey and stuffing are cooked, your kitchen will smell like a warm hug. Use a spatula to scoop out the turkey breasts onto plates and pile on the stuffing. I love to drizzle a bit of homemade gravy over the top when I’ve made extra broth—it just takes the whole meal to the next level.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe
- Use an Oval Slow Cooker: I learned the hard way that a round crockpot doesn’t fit the turkey breasts well—an oval one is perfect for even cooking.
- Don’t Skip Defrosting: Starting with fully defrosted turkey is key to avoid cold centers; plan to thaw it in the fridge a few days ahead.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always check with a meat thermometer to make sure your turkey’s safe and juicy at 165°F.
- Press Stuffing Firmly: Packing the stuffing down gently helps it cook consistently without drying out or turning mushy.
How to Serve Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves over the top—it adds a pop of green freshness and brightens the flavors. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of lemon over the turkey can really lift the dish, especially if you’ve made gravy on the side.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed green beans, or a simple cranberry sauce that balances the savory richness. I often whip up mashed sweet potatoes or a mixed green salad to add variety and freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I’ve arranged the turkey slices artfully on a platter surrounded by sprigs of rosemary and clusters of fresh cranberries. Serving the stuffing in individual ramekins alongside makes it feel extra special and guests love the personal touch. You could even hollow out a small pumpkin or squash and serve the stuffing inside for a festive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they keep really well for up to 4 days. I like to separate the turkey from the stuffing to keep textures intact and reheat them more evenly.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the turkey and pack it with some stuffing in freezer-safe bags. Just be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. I’ve had great success freezing for up to 3 months, which is perfect for quick meals later on.
Reheating
When reheating, I recommend warming the turkey and stuffing separately in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in. This way, the stuffing doesn’t dry out and the turkey stays tender. Microwave reheating works fine too if you’re in a hurry—just add a splash of broth or water and cover.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe?
You can, but it may require a longer cooking time to ensure the meat near the bone is fully cooked. Bone-in turkey breast also tends to take up more space in the cooker, so make sure your crockpot is large enough. Using boneless is easier for slicing and usually cooks more evenly in the slow cooker.
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Is it necessary to add chicken broth in the crockpot?
Yes, adding chicken broth helps keep the turkey moist as it cooks and adds extra flavor to the stuffing as it absorbs the cooking juices. Without broth, the turkey might come out drier, and the stuffing could be less flavorful and possibly dry.
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Can I make gravy using the crockpot drippings?
Absolutely! Just double the amount of chicken broth when you make the recipe, then after cooking, remove the turkey and stuffing and whisk together cornstarch and water to thicken the broth into a delicious gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’ve got a perfect gravy without extra effort.
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How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?
The best way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F. This ensures the turkey is safe to eat but still juicy. Avoid overcooking, which can cause dryness.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe has become a cherished go-to in my kitchen because it strikes that perfect balance between convenience and homemade comfort. I feel like I’m giving my family a warm, hearty meal with minimal stress, which is priceless. I can’t recommend enough that you give it a try—you’ll enjoy how easy it is to get great results and how it makes your turkey dinner feel like a special occasion any day of the week.
PrintCrockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing recipe offers a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for a family meal. Tender turkey breasts cook slowly alongside a flavorful apple and herb stuffing, absorbing rich chicken broth to create a moist and delicious centerpiece. Ideal for busy days, this slow cooker recipe frees you from constant supervision while delivering classic holiday-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Turkey and Broth
- 3 pounds boneless turkey breasts
- ½ cup chicken broth
Stuffing
- 1 loaf bread, cubed (with crusts)
- 1 apple, diced (peel left on)
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Place the boneless turkey breasts at the bottom of a large oval crockpot, overlapping slightly if necessary. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the turkey to keep it moist during cooking.
- Mix the Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread with diced apple, celery, onion, kosher salt, poultry seasoning, ground sage, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings and ingredients.
- Assemble in Crockpot: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the turkey breasts and broth in the crockpot. Pat the stuffing down tightly to compact it.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The long, slow cooking will tenderize the turkey and infuse the stuffing with savory flavors.
- Serve: Carefully remove the stuffing and turkey from the crockpot. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, home-cooked meal.
Notes
- Use a large oval slow cooker, as a round one may not accommodate the recipe size properly.
- Start with fully defrosted turkey breast for even cooking; defrost in the refrigerator for several days if necessary.
- For a homemade gravy, double the chicken broth amount. After removing turkey and stuffing, thicken the broth with a cornstarch slurry and season with salt and pepper.
- Ensure the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee it is safely cooked.
- If desired, consider making Turkey Breast with Gravy using an Instant Pot for a different cooking method.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg