Slow Cooker Shredded Turkey – Tender, juicy, and full of flavor
There’s something so satisfying about discovering a recipe that’s both effortless, versatile and delicious — the kind of dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but requires almost no hands on time at all. This slow cooker shredded turkey is exactly that. It’s comforting, deeply flavorful, and endlessly versatile, making it a perfect recipe for busy weeknights, Sunday meal prep, and a creative way to use turkey outside of traditional Thanksgiving.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Shredded Turkey
Unlike roasting a whole bird, cooking a turkey breast in the slow cooker keeps things simple and stress-free. The result? Tender, juicy turkey that falls apart with a fork. The slow, gentle heat locks in moisture while allowing the classic flavors of thyme, rosemary, and sage to infuse every bite. It’s the essence of comfort food — cozy, aromatic, and satisfying without being heavy.
And the best part? It’s virtually hands-off. Once the turkey breast is nestled in the slow cooker with a splash of broth and a few fragrant herbs, you can walk away and let the magic happen.
Endless Ways to Enjoy It
This recipe can be transformed and enjoyed in so many delicious ways. A few favorites include:
• Turkey Sandwiches or Wraps: Pile high on toasted bread or a tortilla with greens, cranberry relish, and a smear of aioli.
• Quesadillas or Tacos: Add shredded turkey with melted cheese and a dollop of salsa or gravy for a fun fusion twist.
• Soups & Stews: Swap chicken for turkey tortilla soup or add to a hearty vegetable stew for easy protein.
• Thanksgiving Flatbread Pizza: My personal favorite — layer flatbread with cranberry sauce, shredded turkey, stuffing, melted cheese, and a drizzle of gravy for the ultimate leftover indulgence.
All about the Gravy
The key to taking this dish from good to unforgettable is the gravy. Toss the shredded meat in a little gravy before serving, or serve it on the side for drizzling — either way, it adds an irresistible layer of depth and silkiness that elevates every bite. I make my gravy in advance from rich drippings and a good broth, but you can certainly use your favorite store bought gravy to save a step.
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Tips for Successful Slow Cooker Shredded Turkey
- Anything works here- Bone-in or boneless. Just choose what looks fresh and best.
- Don’t skip the herbs. The combination of sage, rosemary, and thyme gives that signature fall flavored depth.
- This meat freezes very well, especially when Vacuum sealed.
Slow Cooker Shredded Turkey is all about simple preparation, rustic flavors, and the joy of creating a meal that feels both comforting and special. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an inspired way to reinvent leftovers, this slow cooker shredded turkey will become a recipe you return to again and again.
Slow Cooker Shredded Turkey
Ingredients
- fresh boneless turkey breast
- approx 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 Onion- quartered
- 4-5 garlic cloves – peeled and smashed with side of a large knife
- salt, pepper
Instructions
- Pay dry fresh turkey breast and season with salt & pepper.
- Place onion pieces on bottom of slow cooker. Place Turkey into slow cooker. If you have herbs handy, you can also add them in the pot.
- Pour enough chicken stock over the turkey to just cover it
- Turn crock pot on high for about 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Meat should be fork tender.
- When done, carefully remove meat to a large bowl. When cool enough to handle, shred adding some broth as you go to prevent drying out.
- You can drain the juices from the crockpot through a fine mesh sieve and use it to make a quick gravy if you would like. Or, simply season with salt and pepper to taste and serve the moist delicious, shredded meat as is.
Notes
- Serve on a roll with cranberry sauce, lettuce and cheddar cheese.
- Serve over mashed potatoes and smothered in gravy.
- Make Turkey Tacos
- Serve over warm Brussel sprout salad
- Make a Thanksgiving pizza (personal favorite and most requested!)
What readers are saying about Slow Cooker Shredded Turkey
So easy and we loved it more than regular roasted turkey! We used it to make south western inspired turkey burritos. We thought about also making burritos with traditional thanksgiving fixings- that would probably be a great bite. I am going to try your other slow cooker recipes soon.