Make the holidays stress-free with this super easy crockpot Thanksgiving turkey recipe using just 3 ingredients–juicy turkey breast tenderloins, turkey gravy, and savory seasonings. Perfect for a small gatherings or family dinners, this foolproof recipe delivers delicious, flavorful turkey with traditional gravy that everyone will love.

If you’re like me—a busy mom, a teacher, and someone who adores the holidays—you know that Thanksgiving can be both magical and overwhelming. Between lesson planning, wrangling kids, and trying to make the house feel festive, the idea of spending hours basting a turkey just doesn’t fit into my life.
That’s why I’m so thankful for my Aunt Annmarie. A few years ago, she introduced me to this Crockpot Turkey Breast Tenderloin Recipe for a small Thanksgiving gathering, and it was a complete game-changer. With just 3 simple ingredients—turkey breast tenderloins, turkey gravy, and your favorite seasonings—you get the juiciest, most flavorful turkey without the stress.

My husband swears this is the only way he ever wants turkey again, and honestly, I agree. The kids devour it every time, and it’s perfect for small family dinners or intimate holiday gatherings. Foolproof, delicious, and stress-free—this is holiday cooking at its best.
why your whole family will love crockpot thanksgiving turkey
- Only 3 Ingredients: No long shopping list or complicated prep.
- Hands-Off Cooking: The crockpot does all the work while you enjoy family time.
- Juicy & Flavorful: Tender turkey with savory gravy that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Small Gatherings: Ideal for families who don’t need a giant bird.
- Kid-Friendly: Easy to tailor with mild seasonings for picky eaters.
ingredients
To make this easy, delicious, and wholesome crockpot Thanksgiving turkey dish, you’ll need just 3 ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online!
Here’s what we are working with:
- turkey breast tenderloins
- jar prepared turkey gravy
- seasoning blend (garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper—or your favorite mix)

substitutions for this recipe
- Chicken breast instead of turkey breast tenderloins if turkey isn’t available.
- Homemade gravy instead of packaged for a from-scratch touch.
- Vegetable broth in place of gravy if you want a lighter dish.
- Italian seasoning instead of garlic/onion powder for a Mediterranean twist; even adding a splash of lemon juice for brighter flavors.
why this a great recipe for small gatherings
Not every Thanksgiving is a 20-person feast. Sometimes it’s just your immediate family, or maybe a few close friends. This recipe is perfect for those occasions because it’s portioned for smaller groups, doesn’t require an entire turkey, and still delivers that traditional holiday flavor. Plus, cleanup is minimal—leaving you more time to enjoy the people around your table.

how to make crockpot thanksgiving turkey
Place turkey breast tenderloins in the crockpot.


Sprinkle your seasonings evenly over the turkey.

Pour the turkey gravy over the top.

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the turkey is tender and fully cooked.

Slice and serve with the rich gravy spooned over the top.

Additional sides for your crockpot turkey
- Creamy Corn Casserole – Sweet, buttery, and perfectly creamy, this is a classic comfort side that kids and adults both love.
- Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts – Roasted until golden and caramelized with smoky bacon for a savory crunch.
- PA Dutch Potato Stuffing – A Pennsylvania Dutch classic made with mashed potatoes, bread cubes, onions, and butter—a hearty, comforting side.
- Pineapple Stuffing – Sweet and buttery with chunks of pineapple, this unique stuffing adds a bright, tropical twist to the traditional Thanksgiving table.
- Classic Mashed Potatoes – Fluffy, buttery potatoes that pair perfectly with the savory turkey gravy.
- Butternut Squash Soup – Traditional comfort, soothing warmth, creamy and smooth texture of butternut squash with the additional smokiness and hearty flavors from crispy brussels and bacon.
- Oven-Roasted Asparagus – Tender asparagus coated in a glossy Italian-butter glaze for a sweet, colorful addition.
- Buttery Dinner Rolls – Soft, warm rolls perfect for soaking up every last drop of gravy.

Storage and Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked turkey and gravy in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
- Meal Prep Tip: Shred leftover turkey and use it for sandwiches, wraps, or turkey pot pie later in the week.
Pro-Tip for This Recipe
For extra depth of flavor, sear the turkey tenderloins in a skillet with a little butter before placing them in the crockpot. It adds a beautiful golden crust and enhances the richness of the gravy.
This 3-ingredient Crockpot Turkey Breast Tenderloin Recipe has become a holiday tradition in my home, and I know it will become one in yours too. It’s foolproof, flavorful, and perfect for when you want all the joy of Thanksgiving without the stress. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or just want a simpler way to enjoy turkey, this recipe delivers every single time.
So this year, skip the hours in the kitchen and let your crockpot do the work—you’ll be grateful you did!

if you love this recipe, check out…
- Better Than Grandma’s PA Dutch Potato and Bread Stuffing
- The Best Caramel Apple Dumplings
- The Best Pineapple Stuffing Recipe
- Simple Creamy Ham and Potato Corn Chowder

Super Easy Thanksgiving Crockpot Turkey Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients)
- DFDairy-Free
- GFGluten-Free
- LCLow Carb
- SFSugar Free
Ingredients
- 4½ lbs turkey breast tenderloins
- 18 oz jar prepared turkey gravy
- 2 tbsp onion powder, dried thyme leaves, salt, and pepper, combined
Instructions
- Place turkey breast tenderloins in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle your seasonings evenly over the turkey.
- Pour the turkey gravy over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the turkey is tender and fully cooked.
- Slice and serve with the gravy spooned over the top.
Equipment
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to tag thetastefultribe on instagram @thetastefultribe if you try this super easy crockpot turkey recipe. We love seeing your version of the recipe! You can also post your pictures to our facebook page!
KT
This turned out so good! It took me literally 3 minutes to prep and was juicier and more tender than any oven roasted turkey I’ve attempted. We added some fresh herbs as well (rosemary and sage).