The easiest, most flavorful, tender turkey you’ll ever make. Thanks to the crock pot and generous seasonings this not only makes the main dish for your Thanksgiving, but the amazing juices make the simplest blender onion mushroom gravy. While the typical turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy usually have flour and butter–my Crock Pot Herb Turkey Breast with Blender Onion Mushroom Gravy uses none of these! This is grain free, paleo and whole30 approved! Not to mention it’s allergy-friendly since it’s naturally free of: gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut & tree nuts. Feeding someone with dietary restrictions on a food-centric holiday has never been easier! (And did I mention the gravy has hidden vegetables? WINNING.)
I feel like being able to make your own turkey officially marks the passage into adulthood. But the problem was–I never wanted to make the huge beast. I don’t care for dark meat. I hate digging through bones, and I hate feeling like my oven is taken over for an entire day cooking a large bird. So–I resisted learning because I wasn’t that interested.
Then–I realized I could use my old, trusty friend–the crock pot (or slow cooker–what do you call it?). Given the fact that we never have a large crowd, a turkey breast was just the answer. (Note: A turkey breast usually feeds 4-5 adults and several kids in my family.)
But the next problem was how to season this crock pot turkey? Everyone usually rubs the turkey with butter, and in our dairy-free household that was not an option.
Another issue was the gravy–how do I make it without using the typical flour to thicken it since we’re wheat and gluten-free?
The answer to all the food allergy questions for Thanksgiving is answered in this INGENIOUS recipe. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver and I will never make a turkey another way. Given that it gives me my turkey, carrots, and gravy all in one easy recipe I’ll never be tempted to even try another kind other than this crock pot turkey. I’ve sworn my allegiance and there is no turning back.
I mean, it makes sense, right? Instead of cooking your bird in a large box (oven) with dry heating circulating, you can instead cook it in a smaller dish, so that the juices end up almost covering it, so it’s slow simmering in it’s own juicy-goodness.
The only word of caution is that you’ll want to make sure that your turkey breast fits in your slow cooker. I have a large 6 quart, so you may want to invest if you only have a smaller crock pot. And, as with all turkey recipes–make sure your turkey has thawed in the fridge for 1-2 days before trying to cook your turkey in the crock pot.
Now, what about the gravy you say? How do I make gravy without any grains? Simple, by using veggies as the thickener instead. Not only does it help this be healthier (so I can put a whole lake on my mashed potatoes) but it helps it be grain free and extra delicious because instead of taste-less flour, it uses mushrooms and onions that have slow cooked with the turkey to bring even extra flavor goodness.
Simply whip up my dairy-free garlic & parsley mashed potatoes and you basically have most of your Thanksgiving meal done.
In fact, this crock pot turkey is so good, I make this mini version of Thanksgiving several times a year. And why not–it doesn’t take all day and I’m not slaving over anything, so I don’t mind making it more than once a year. I mean, turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy and carrots is a pretty sweet Sunday feast, I mean, dinner.
I truly hope this crock pot turkey helps lots of people with food allergies enjoy a delicious, but still traditional, meal on Thanksgiving. If you’re hosting someone for Thanksgiving with food restrictions, this is so easy you could either serve this for everyone, or simply throw this in its own crock pot since it wouldn’t be adding much more work.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone. I sure am thankful for all of the online friends I’ve made through this blog. Each and every single click and time you comment means the world! Please be sure to share this crock pot turkey recipe with anyone that it would help!
*Did you know I have an ENTIRE THANKSGIVING MENU for you? Check find the entire allergy friendly Thanksgiving menu here.*
Crock Pot Herb Turkey Breast with Blender Onion Mushroom Gravy (Allergy-friendly!)
The easiest, most flavorful, tender turkey you'll ever make. Thanks to the crock pot and generous seasonings this not only makes the main dish for your Thanksgiving, but the amazing juices make the easiest and most amazing gravy. While the typical turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy usually have flour and butter--my Crock Pot Herb Turkey Breast with Blender Onion Mushroom Gravy uses none of these! This is grain free, paleo and whole30 approved! Not to mention it's allergy-friendly since it's naturally free of: gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut & tree nuts. Feeding someone with dietary restrictions on a food-centric holiday has never been easier! (And did I mention the gravy has hidden vegetables? WINNING.)
Ingredients
- One (4-6 pounds) bone-in turkey breast completely thawed (remember to do this ahead of time!)
- 2 yellow onions, chopped roughly
- 1 package of baby carrots
- 1 package of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth (or 1 cup water + 2 teaspoons allergy-friendly bouillon
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil
- SEASONINGS:
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (regular works too if you can't have the additional spices)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Meat thermometer
- Blender
- Dairy-free garlic parsley mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Be sure to thaw your turkey completely before cooking. This can take 1-2 days depending on the size.
- Cut the skin off the turkey. This is important because the skin doesn't crisp like it does in the oven, and that way the herbs can be applied directly to the meat.
- In your slow cooker, place the carrots, onion, broth and mushrooms in the bottom. Next, place your turkey on top of the vegetables, breast side up. Pour the olive oil over the top of the turkey.
- In a small bowl, combine your spices. Pour the combined spices all over the top of your turkey.
- Place the lid and cook on the high setting for 1 hour and then the low setting for 5-7 hours, or until the thickest part of the breast reaches at least 165 degrees F. (It's really worth investing in a meat thermometer, you don't want to chance getting your guests sick.) Note that not all slow cookers cook at the same temperature, so it's better to start this earlier than needed, just in case it needs more cooking time so your dinner is waiting on it.)
- When the turkey is almost done, make the dairy-free mashed potatoes.
- When the turkey is done, remove it to a serving platter. Arrange the carrots around it.
- Take the juices, onions and mushrooms and place in your blender. Blend until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour into a gravy dish and serve. If this is thinner than you would like, take 2-3 Tablespoons of cornstarch and mix it with 1/3 cup water. Once that is stirred together, add that and the gravy to a pot over medium heat. Heat until bubbling, then allow to cool for several minutes. It will thicken as it cools.
- Serve the turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes while hot. Be sure to refrigerate any leftovers.
- NEED MORE THANKSGIVING IDEAS? I HAVE AN ENTIRE MENU HERE: https://allergyawesomeness.com/the-complete-meal-plan-for-thanksgiving-with-food-allergies/
- Do you want to cut down drastically on the cook time (I'm talking around an hour!) Then, see how to make it in the instant pot, in my cookbook: An Allergy Mom's Lifesaving Instant Pot Cookbook. It has 60 recipes that are all top-8-free, and are made in the instant pot for ease and quick clean up.
Notes
Adapted from: Chelsea's Messy Apron
DON’T FORGET TO PIN THIS, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT! ALSO, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY OTHER ALLERGY-FRIENDLY PINTEREST BOARDS.
Looking for other easy sides to go with your allergy-friendly Thanksgiving? Check these out:
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole (GF, DF, Top 8 Free, Vegan option)
The BEST Top 8 Free Cornbread (GF, Vegan)
For a complete allergy-friendly Thanksgiving meal (pies included!) check out this post that has everything covered: The Complete Thanksgiving Meal Plan for Thanksgiving with Food Allergies.
Hi! I’m Megan, a mom to four kids, two with multiple food allergies & one with EOE. I’m a published cookbook author that constantly tweaks recipes to make them allergy friendly–it’s an addiction. I share every recipe & tip with the hope that they help you as you manage your food allergies & dietary restrictions. You can still be awesome, even with food allergies!
Related Recipes:
Gluten & Dairy Free Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili (Top 8 Free Too!)
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Salads (GF, DF, Egg, Soy, Peanut, Tree nut Free, Top 8 Free)
Lemon Grilled Chicken (GF, DF, Egg, Soy, Peanut, Tree nut Free, Top 8 Free)
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Peanut & Tree nut Free; Top 8 Free)
Slow Cooker Pork Tacos (Gluten & Dairy Free Options!)
Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake (Gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut and tree nut free; top 8 free; vegan)
Nicole
I just popped this in the slow cooker but I didn’t see anywhere in the recipe that the broth was used. It is added as an ingredient but not in the instructions. I ended up adding it to the vegetables in the pot but I wanted to let you know it was left out. I’m looking forward to this turkey today! Thank you!
Megan Lavin
Thank you Nicole. I’m sorry for that oversight. Yes, your instincts were right. I’ll go correct that right now.
Lesli
You have a picture of the turkey breast in an Instant Pot but you only give instructions for a crock pot. I wanted instructions for the Instant Pot turkey. Do you have them?
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Hi Lesli! The photo is in the instant pot because it has both the slow cooker function and the pressure cooker function. When I got my instant pot I gave away my slow cooker so I wouldn’t have double the appliances. I have an instant pot version of how to cook a turkey, but it’s only in my cookbook: https://amzn.to/331dzE1
Heather
Glad to have found your site in time for Thanksgiving this year! This looks really good, I’ll bet it seasons the turkey real nice. I’m allergic to mushrooms though. Have you tried it any other ways?
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Hi Heather! Happy to have you here and happy early Thanksgiving! I would just omit the mushrooms, it will still work out great!
Teresa
Do you have a particular brand of turkey you use? I always worry about how theyre processed and have stayed away. But turkeys amazing and its time to bring it back. Have a great thanksgiving! Thanks for sharing your gift!
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Thanks Teresa. I’ve used several and been OK with all of them. If I ever feel unsure, I find I get a lot of comfort speaking directly to the company. They can usually give you more info than is on the label. Most companies have a 1-800 number. I’d start there and then go with what you’re comfortable with after you hear more. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!