Description
These slow cooker pulled turkey sandwiches are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or feeding a crowd, this lighter BBQ classic is packed with protein and crowd-pleasing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 to 3 lbs boneless, skinless turkey breast (or thighs for richer flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 6–8 sandwich buns or rolls (brioche, potato, or whole wheat)
- BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade, for serving)
- Coleslaw (for serving)
- Pickles or pickled onions (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels and trim off any large pieces of fat. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth.
- Scatter sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place turkey breast on top. Pour sauce mixture evenly over the turkey.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours (or HIGH for 3-4 hours), until turkey is fork-tender and shreds easily. Check at 5 hours for doneness (internal temp should be 165°F).
- Transfer turkey to a cutting board and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Shred with two forks or meat claws.
- Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Return shredded turkey to the pot and stir to coat in juices. Add extra BBQ sauce if desired. Let sit on WARM for 10-15 minutes.
- Toast sandwich buns if desired. Pile on pulled turkey, drizzle with more BBQ sauce, and top with coleslaw, pickles, or other toppings. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, blend the sauce before pouring over the turkey. Turkey thighs can be used for a richer result. For gluten-free, use GF buns and BBQ sauce. Leftovers freeze well and are great for meal prep. If turkey seems dry, add a splash of broth or more sauce. For a spicier version, increase cayenne or add hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3.5 oz (100g) pulled turkey (not including bun or toppings)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 28
Keywords: pulled turkey, slow cooker, crockpot, BBQ, sandwiches, easy, meal prep, healthy, high protein, game day, crowd-pleaser