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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Homemade Gravy

Sliced onion, lemons and garlic are placed in a slow cooker. A spice rub is made with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, thyme and cumin. Then the spice rub is rubbed on the turkey before placing it in the slow cooker. Next the turkey cooks for several hours and then the turkey is placed under the broiler until the skin is crispy. A homemade gravy is made with the cooking liquid, butter, flour and seasoning.
Course Entree
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

Turkey

  • 4 lb bone-in, skin on turkey breast
  • 1 large onion peeled and cut in half
  • 1 head of garlic cut in half horizontally
  • 2 lemons sliced in half lengthwise
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary

Seasoning rub

  • 1 tbsp packed light brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp paprika
  • ¾ tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil

Gravy

  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup AP flour
  • 2 cups cooking liquid from the bottom of the slow cooker
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp butter cold

Instructions

Turkey

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the rub ingredients together and stir to combine well.
  2. Pat the turkey breast very dry with paper towels. Spread the rub on the turkey breast, using hands to really massage it in.
  3. Add the halved onion, garlic and lemon to the slow cooker. Add the fresh herbs on top.
  4. Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onion, garlic and lemon.

Cooking

  1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until an internal temperature reads 165 F when inserted in the thickest part.
  2. Remove turkey from the slow cooker and set aside on a cutting board of rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Preheat broiler to high and adjust rack to middle position.
  4. Add the turkey breast to the baking dish. Drizzle the turkey with olive or vegetable oil.
  5. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until skin is golden and crispy. Set aside to rest for 10 to 20 minutes.

Gravy

  1. While the turkey is resting, strain the cooking liquid out of the slow cooker. If there is not enough to yield 2 cups, add chicken broth.
  2. In a small saucepan melt the ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Once melted, add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the cooking liquid.
  3. Stir in salt and pepper, simmer for several minutes or until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 tbsp cold butter. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Slice the turkey into ½ inch thick slices and drizzle with gravy.