Super Easy Thanksgiving Crockpot Turkey Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients)

This 3-ingredient crockpot Thanksgiving turkey is made with turkey breast tenderloins, a jar of prepared turkey gravy and a simple seasoning blend. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the thickest piece reads 165°F on a meat thermometer. Slice, spoon the gravy over top and serve 6–8 people.

Make the holidays stress-free with this super easy crockpot Thanksgiving turkey. Perfect for small gatherings or family dinners, this foolproof recipe delivers juicy, 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 making the house feel festive, 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.

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:

how many turkey tenderloins do I need?

This recipe uses 4½ pounds of turkey breast tenderloins, which feeds 6–8 people. Package sizes vary, so check the weights on the labels and add them up until you’re close to 4½ pounds.

Cooking for a smaller crowd? You can make a smaller batch with less turkey and gravy. Smaller batches can finish sooner, so start checking the temperature at the early end of the cooking time. The USDA recommends filling a slow cooker one-half to two-thirds full, so a smaller crockpot works best for a half batch.

why this is 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

You’ll find the exact amounts and printable steps in the recipe card below. Here’s what each step looks like, plus the little things that make it work.

1. Lay the tenderloins in the crockpot. Arrange them as evenly as you can so they cook at the same rate. A little overlap is totally fine, just like you see here.

2. Season the turkey before the gravy goes on. Sprinkling the seasoning blend right onto the meat helps it stick to the turkey instead of floating off into the gravy.

3. Pour the gravy over the top. Try to cover the tops of the tenderloins so they stay moist while they cook.

4. Cover and let the crockpot do the work. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Try not to peek. Every time the lid comes off, heat escapes and the cooking time gets longer. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer in the thickest tenderloin reads 165°F.

5. Slice and serve. Slice the tenderloins and spoon that rich gravy from the crockpot over the top.

how long do you cook turkey tenderloins in the crockpot?

Cook them on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Those times are for the 4½ pounds of tenderloins in the recipe card. Every slow cooker runs a little differently, so use the time as your guide and a meat thermometer to know for sure.

should I cook it on low or high?

Both work! Low is perfect when you want to start the turkey in the morning and forget about it until dinner. High is there for the days you get a later start.

what temperature should crockpot turkey be?

Turkey is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part, which is the USDA guideline for all poultry. Check the thickest tenderloin with an instant-read thermometer before you turn off the crockpot. Tender doesn’t always mean done, so don’t skip this step. It only takes a moment!

can you put frozen turkey tenderloins in the crockpot?

No, thaw them first. The USDA recommends always thawing meat and poultry before it goes into a slow cooker, because frozen meat can spend too long at temperatures where bacteria grow. The easiest way is to move the packages to the refrigerator a day or two before you plan to cook.

Additional sides for your crockpot turkey

Planning the whole meal? Browse our full list of easy Thanksgiving recipes for more sides and desserts.

can I make crockpot turkey ahead for Thanksgiving?

Yes! Cook it the day before, then refrigerate the turkey and gravy in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. On Thanksgiving, reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven until it reaches 165°F, then move it to the crockpot on the warm setting to keep it hot while you finish everything else.

Or simply start it that morning. Since the turkey cooks in the crockpot, your oven stays free for all of the sides.

how do you store and freeze leftover turkey?

• 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.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the oven until they reach 165°F. The USDA doesn’t recommend reheating leftovers in a slow cooker, but it’s great for keeping reheated turkey warm.
• 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.

crockpot thanksgiving turkey FAQs

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…

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• The Best Pineapple Stuffing Recipe
• Simple Creamy Ham and Potato Corn Chowder
• The Easiest Chicken Pot Pie Recipe (Made With Crescent Rolls)
• Easy Slow Cooker Recipes: Soups, Chicken, Pot Roast and More

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