Craving the comforting flavors of a traditional turkey dinner but don’t want the fuss of roasting a whole bird? This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Quinoa Cranberry Stuffing offers the ideal solution! It’s a remarkably easy, flavorful, and healthy option, perfect for celebrating special occasions, holidays, or simply enjoying a weeknight meal with a smaller crowd. Imagine succulent, moist turkey breast complemented by a vibrant, savory, and slightly sweet quinoa dressing – all cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker.

This recipe is designed to serve up to 6 people, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner. If you’re a fan of turkey sandwiches (and who isn’t?!), it’s also perfectly suited for 4, leaving you with delicious leftovers for the next day. For smaller households or a cozy dinner for two, you can easily halve this Crockpot Turkey with Stuffing recipe without compromising on flavor or texture. Beyond its convenience, this dish is a healthy dinner option that is Weight Watchers friendly, completely dairy-free, and gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. We love pairing this turkey dinner with Healthy Roasted Carrots with Brown Sugar, which are a mere 2 WW points, and finishing the meal with a slice of Weight Watchers Crustless Pumpkin Pie. This slow cooker turkey breast consistently proves to be a popular and beloved dish, especially during the festive holiday season.

🍒 Reader Review

“I made this today but I used 4 chicken breasts. I also got a bit lazy and didn’t pre-bake the chicken breasts but just put them raw in the bottom of the slow cooker (greased) and it turned out just fine……breasts were still moist, not dried out at all. The flavor was really good and I’ll be sure to use this recipe again. Thanks for all your great recipes!!”⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why You’ll Adore This Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast Recipe

This recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a game-changer for holiday hosts and busy weeknight cooks alike. Here’s why you’ll want to make this slow cooker boneless turkey breast a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortlessly Easy to Make. Say goodbye to complicated cooking steps and hours spent slaving over a hot stove. This is truly a ‘dump and go’ holiday recipe! Simply combine the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do all the hard work while you focus on other tasks or enjoy your guests. It’s perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs seeking simplicity.
• Flexible Servings for Any Gathering. Whether you’re hosting an intimate Thanksgiving dinner for 2-6 people or need a reliable dish for a larger family meal, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily adjust the ingredient quantities to serve more guests, making it a versatile option for various occasions without needing a second recipe.
• A Healthy Choice You Can Feel Good About. In an era where healthy eating is paramount, this recipe shines. It’s not only delicious but also a wholesome option that aligns perfectly with a healthy lifestyle. It’s specifically Weight Watchers friendly, helping you stay on track with your points without sacrificing flavor.
• Allergy and Food Sensitivity Friendly. Dietary restrictions can often make holiday cooking challenging, but this slow-cooked turkey breast is designed to be inclusive. It is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, ensuring that guests with common allergies or sensitivities can enjoy a festive meal without worry.
• Incredibly Portable. Planning a potluck or celebrating away from home? This slow cooker meal is wonderfully portable. You can transport the cooked turkey and stuffing in your slow cooker (keeping it warm) or transfer it to a serving dish, making it a convenient option for any gathering location.
• Frees Up Valuable Oven and Stove Space. Holiday meals often require multiple dishes, leading to a constant juggle for oven and stovetop space. By cooking your main turkey dish in the slow cooker, you free up your oven and stovetop for all those essential side dishes, streamlining your cooking process and reducing kitchen stress.
• Satisfies Your Turkey Cravings Without the Whole Bird. Sometimes, all you want is that savory, comforting taste of turkey without the commitment of cooking an entire bird. This recipe delivers all the classic flavors and tenderness of a roasted turkey dinner in a manageable size, perfect for when a whole turkey is simply too much.

As Canadians, we celebrate Thanksgiving in October, enjoying the rich flavors of autumn. But for our American friends, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast makes for an exceptional, stress-free Thanksgiving meal. It brings all the traditional tastes to your table with minimal effort.

🥘 Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Crockpot Turkey

This delightful slow cooker boneless turkey breast recipe is my modern and improved take on a classic I discovered in an old mini crockpot cookbook. While the original was good, I’ve updated it to be more practical, flavorful, and, crucially, gluten-free. The original called for barley and a bone-in turkey breast, but I found that switching to quinoa and a boneless breast significantly enhances the dish.

Quinoa is a far more palatable and widely accepted grain for most people, and its gluten-free nature makes this recipe accessible to more diners. Opting for a boneless whole turkey breast also simplifies preparation, as it’s generally easier to find and work with. However, if you prefer, a bone-in turkey breast can certainly be used – just allow a bit more cooking time. Either way, this recipe promises a fantastic, one-pot Thanksgiving or holiday turkey meal that’s ready in under 4 hours.

Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients you’ll need for this superb crockpot turkey and stuffing recipe:

• Skinless and Boneless Turkey Breasts. These are the star of our dish, providing lean, tender meat that cooks beautifully in the slow cooker. You can typically find them pre-packaged, much like chicken breasts. Using boneless cuts means no carving around bones, making serving a breeze.
• Slivered Almonds. These add a delightful textural contrast to the soft turkey and quinoa. Toasted slivered almonds bring a nutty depth and a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish, preventing it from being one-note.
• Quinoa. Far more than just a grain, quinoa is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s a healthy carbohydrate choice packed with fiber, essential minerals, potent antioxidants, and complete protein, making it an excellent base for our stuffing. It’s also naturally gluten-free, incredibly versatile, and simple to prepare, absorbing the rich flavors of the broth and seasonings beautifully.
• Dried Cranberries. These vibrant little berries are crucial for balancing the flavors in the stuffing. Their perfect blend of sweet and tart notes cuts through the richness of the turkey and provides a festive touch, reminiscent of traditional holiday spreads.
• Onion and Minced Garlic. These aromatic foundational ingredients provide depth and savory notes, essential for building a rich flavor profile for both the turkey and the quinoa dressing.
• Poultry Seasoning. A blend of classic herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, poultry seasoning is the secret to giving this dish that unmistakable “holiday turkey” flavor without needing a whole pantry of spices.
• Chicken Broth (Gluten-Free). The liquid base for our slow cooker, chicken broth infuses moisture and savory flavor into the turkey and helps cook the quinoa to perfection. Ensure it’s gluten-free if catering to dietary needs.
• Dried Parsley. This herb adds a fresh, earthy note to the dressing and a touch of color.

*Refer to the printable recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions.

📖 Variations & Smart Substitutions

This slow cooker turkey breast recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Turkey Breast Alternatives: While boneless turkey breast is recommended for its ease and faster cooking time, you can certainly use a bone-in turkey breast if preferred. Just be aware that it will require a slightly longer cooking time. Alternatively, as one satisfied reader noted, chicken breast makes an excellent lean meat substitute if you’re not specifically craving turkey. Adjust cooking time accordingly for chicken, ensuring it reaches the safe internal temperature.
• Quinoa Swaps: If quinoa isn’t your favorite or you’re out, other grains can step in. Rice (such as wild rice for a nutty flavor, or brown rice for a similar texture) or couscous could be substituted. Keep in mind that cooking times and liquid absorption might vary, so monitor the dish as it cooks and adjust chicken stock if necessary.
• Nutty Additions: Slivered almonds provide a great crunch, but pine nuts offer a delightful, buttery alternative. Pecans or walnuts, lightly toasted, could also bring a lovely richness and different texture to the stuffing.
• Garlic Options: Freshly minced garlic is always best, but for convenience, you can use jarred minced garlic. In a pinch, a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder can replace half a teaspoon of fresh minced garlic.
• Herb Variations: While poultry seasoning and dried parsley give that classic holiday flavor, feel free to add other herbs. Fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary sprigs can be tucked around the turkey for an extra aromatic boost.
• Cranberry Alternatives: If dried cranberries aren’t available, other dried fruits like chopped dried apricots or cherries can provide a similar sweet-tart balance, though they will alter the traditional holiday flavor profile slightly.

In my family, the holidays just aren’t the same without a turkey dinner. Even when it’s just the four of us and I suggest trying something different, I’m met with resistance; they insist on turkey dinner! It’s more than just a meal; turkey dinner is profoundly comforting and steeped in tradition. When you can’t have “normal” – like our usual large family holiday gatherings – tradition becomes even more vital, a source of stability and joy.

If you’re seeking Thanksgiving crockpot recipes that capture the essence and taste of a traditional turkey dinner without all the hassle, you will absolutely adore how incredibly easy, healthy, and delicious this slow cooker turkey breast with quinoa cranberry stuffing is. It delivers all the nostalgic flavors in a convenient, wholesome package, perfect for creating cherished holiday memories.

🥗 What to Serve with Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing

This slow cooker turkey breast is the perfect alternative when you want a magnificent holiday meal without committing to a full oven-roasted turkey. To complete your festive spread, consider pairing it with these delicious and often Weight Watchers friendly side dishes:

• Healthy Roasted Carrots with Brown Sugar: A sweet and savory side that adds vibrant color and a healthy touch, perfectly complementing the turkey.
• Easy Green Beans and Mushroom Recipe: A classic and simple vegetable side that’s quick to prepare and universally loved, bringing a touch of freshness to your plate.
• Turnip and Apple Casserole: For a unique and flavorful twist, this casserole offers a lovely balance of earthy turnips and sweet apples, creating a comforting side dish.
• Corn Succotash: A vibrant and nutritious blend of corn, lima beans, and other vegetables, offering a burst of color and a delightful texture. This is a great gluten-free option.
• Chipotle Mashed Potatoes: If you enjoy a little kick, these creamy mashed potatoes infused with a hint of chipotle add a smoky, spicy depth that beautifully contrasts the traditional flavors of the turkey.

Top Tip #1: The Secret to Juicy Turkey

Always brown your turkey breast before adding it to the crockpot: Achieving a boneless turkey breast recipe that is as flavorful and incredibly moist as this one can be a challenge. Turkey breast, especially boneless, tends to dry out easily during cooking. The secret to locking in its natural juices and developing a rich, appealing crust is to brown it on all sides in a hot pan before transferring it to the slow cooker. This initial browning step creates a flavorful sear that not only enhances the taste but also helps to keep the turkey wonderfully tender and moist throughout the slow cooking process.

🔪 How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Stuffing

You will be amazed at how straightforward and incredibly easy this crockpot turkey breast recipe is to prepare. It truly simplifies holiday cooking!

1. Prepare the Almonds and Turkey: First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the slivered almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 4-6 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown, stirring frequently to ensure even toasting. While the almonds are toasting, spray a non-stick frying pan with cooking spray and heat it over high heat. Brown the turkey breast on all sides, cooking for approximately 3 minutes per side to develop a nice crust and seal in the juices.
2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker bowl with non-stick cooking spray. Carefully place the browned turkey breast at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, layer the uncooked quinoa, dried cranberries, toasted slivered almonds, chopped onions, minced garlic, dried parsley, and poultry seasoning evenly over and around the turkey breast. Finally, pour the gluten-free chicken stock over all the ingredients, ensuring everything is well moistened.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 3-4 hours. The precise cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your turkey breasts. The most reliable way to ensure the turkey is perfectly cooked and safe to eat is to check its internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) and is no longer pink in the center. (See our ‘Top Tip #2’ below for more details on checking doneness!)

👪 Serving Size

This crockpot Thanksgiving recipe is designed to generously serve 6 people. However, its flexibility means it can easily be scaled down to serve 4, or even just 2. Simply click on the serving number in the recipe card below, select your desired number of servings, and the ingredient amounts will automatically adjust to your needs, making meal planning effortless.

🔢 Weight Watchers Points

We’re thrilled to share that this Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Quinoa Cranberry Stuffing recipe is an excellent choice for those following Weight Watchers, coming in at just 6 Weight Watchers points per serving. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into your healthy eating plan.

🌡️ Storage Guidelines

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious slow cooker turkey breast and stuffing for days to come. Store any leftover turkey breast and stuffing mixture in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe also freezes exceptionally well; simply transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe, airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.

🍰 More Festive Holiday Desserts!

Did your family ❤️ this recipe? Did you know that commenting and ⭐rating recipes is one of the best ways to support your favorite recipe creators? If you LOVED this recipe, please comment and rate it in the recipe card or share photos on social media using the hashtag #foodmeanderings or tagging @foodmeanderings!