The Easiest Crockpot Turkey Breast for Small Gatherings

Perfect for a Cozy Thanksgiving or Any Small Family Gathering!

Thanksgiving is a time to gather, relax, and enjoy each other’s company—and for many, it’s also a time to enjoy turkey with all the classic sides! But what if you’re hosting a smaller crowd, a cozy dinner for two, or don’t want the hassle of roasting a whole turkey? 

This crockpot turkey breast recipe might be just what you need. It’s easy, flavorful, and doesn’t monopolize oven space, which is ideal when you’re busy baking sides and desserts. With only six ingredients, this dish is the definition of low-effort, high-reward, making it perfect for small family gatherings or couples who want that Thanksgiving turkey taste without the fuss.

Let’s dive into this no-stress, flavor-packed recipe, which will surely become a favorite for small holiday gatherings or busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe

1. Minimal Ingredients: Just six simple ingredients bring a depth of flavor without the hassle. You likely have most of these in your pantry already!
2. Crockpot Convenience: Cooking turkey in a slow cooker frees the oven for other dishes while creating an unbelievably tender and juicy turkey breast.
3. Perfect for Small Gatherings: This recipe serves four to six people, making it ideal for couples, small families, or an intimate holiday meal.
4. Holiday Flavor in a Breeze: The mix of cranberry sauce, orange juice, and maple syrup gives the turkey a festive, slightly sweet glaze without overpowering it.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 Turkey Breast (3-4 pounds) – A boneless, skinless turkey breast works well here, but bone-in is also an excellent option for extra flavor. I usually buy 4 turkey breast cutlets or two Butterball turkey tenderloins for our family of three. 
• 4 tablespoons Butter – Adds moisture and richness to the turkey.
• 1 can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (14 oz)  – This sauce brings a pop of color and tangy sweetness, perfect for a holiday flavor.
• 1 packet Dry Onion Soup Mix – A pantry hero that adds savory depth to the dish.
• ½ cup Orange Juice – Enhances the cranberry with a fresh, citrusy note.
• 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup – Balances the tartness of the cranberry sauce with a cozy sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey Breast:
   • Place the turkey breast in the crockpot. If using bone-in, make sure the side with the bone is down to allow the meat to cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. Add Butter:
   • Smear the top of the turkey breast with butter. This will add moisture and richness as it melts, basting the turkey during cooking.
3. Pour in the Rest of the Ingredients:
   • Pour in the orange juice. Then, drizzle in the maple syrup. Next, sprinkle the onion soup mix over the turkey. Last, spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce over the top. No need to mix. The cranberry sauce and orange juice combine to create a tangy-sweet glaze, while the onion soup mix infuses it with deep, savory flavor.
4. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The slow, steady cooking process makes the turkey tender and infused with all those holiday flavors.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey breast from the crockpot—it’ll be very tender! Slice and serve with some of the sauce from the pot spooned over the top for extra flavor.
6. Optional Step – Thicken the Sauce:
   • If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can transfer the liquid from the crockpot to a small saucepan. Stir in 1 tsp cornstarch. Simmer it on the stovetop over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes until it reduces and thickens to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

This crockpot turkey breast pairs beautifully with traditional Thanksgiving sides, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on the holiday flavors. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes— Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that cranberry-orange sauce.
• Stuffing— Classic or wild rice stuffing would be a great addition to the meal.
• Green Beans or Brussels Sprouts— Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans add a bit of color and crunch to the tender turkey, making it a nice contrast.
• Cranberry-Orange Salad—A fresh salad with greens, cranberries, and a citrus vinaigrette would be a light, refreshing side dish to balance the more decadent flavors.

Tips and Tricks

• Make-Ahead Tips: You can prep the cranberry mixture a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. When ready to cook, pour it over the turkey breast and start the crockpot.
• Leftovers: Leftovers are delicious in sandwiches or chopped up in a salad. The cranberry-orange glaze adds a unique twist to classic leftover turkey dishes.
• Bone-In or Boneless: Both work in this recipe. Bone-in tends to be juicier, but boneless is easier to slice and serve.
• For a Crispier Finish: If you prefer crispier skin, you can broil the turkey breast in the oven for a few minutes after cooking in the crockpot. Just be careful not to dry it out—2-3 minutes should do it.

Why This Recipe Works for the Holidays

Cooking a whole turkey can feel intimidating and time-consuming, not to mention it takes up precious oven space when you have so many other dishes to prepare. This crockpot recipe takes the stress out of the main dish so you can focus on what matters—enjoying time with your loved ones and maybe even catching a moment to relax. The cranberry and orange glaze adds a festive touch that feels special without extra work. Plus, using a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey keeps the portion size manageable and minimizes food waste.

With this dish, you can enjoy all the flavors of Thanksgiving without the overwhelming preparation. It’s an ideal recipe not just for Thanksgiving but for any cozy fall or winter gathering where you want to serve a special meal without overdoing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Double the recipe if your crockpot is large enough to fit two turkey breasts. Alternatively, you could make two separate batches to serve a bigger group.

2. What if I can’t find wholeberry cranberry sauce?

Whole berry cranberry sauce adds a nice texture, but you can use jellied cranberry sauce as a substitute if that’s what you have. The flavor will still be delicious!

3. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, honey will add a similar sweetness. However, maple syrup brings a richer, more complex flavor that complements the cranberry and orange notes.

4. How do I know when the turkey is done?

The turkey breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot and the size of the turkey breast, so check it a bit early to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

5. Can I use this recipe with chicken instead?

Absolutely! This cranberry-orange sauce works wonderfully with chicken breast as well. The cooking time will be shorter, so keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking.

Related Read: Here’s a Healthy Yummy Dessert Recipe- Delicious and easy Chia Pudding Recipe

A Simple, Festive Turkey for a Cozy Thanksgiving

Whether it’s just you and a loved one or a small gathering of family and friends, this crockpot turkey breast recipe offers a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving meal without the hustle. You can effortlessly put together a memorable holiday meal with minimal ingredients and no hands-on work. The combination of cranberry, orange juice, and maple syrup delivers all the flavors of fall in a way that’s simple, cozy, and undeniably delicious.

This Thanksgiving (or any time you’re craving turkey!), give yourself the gift of an easy, flavorful, and stress-free meal with this crockpot turkey breast. Enjoy every bite, and happy holidays!

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