Shredded Turkey Sandwiches Recipe is an easy slow cooker meal that turns turkey breasts into tender, pull-apart meat with almost no preparation. The turkey cooks with butter, onion soup mix, and either beer or low-sodium chicken broth, making this a useful recipe when you need a simple meal for several people.
Once the turkey is tender, it only needs to be shredded with two forks and piled onto sandwich buns. Toasted buns add a little crunch, while the tender turkey makes these sandwiches especially satisfying for casual lunches, family dinners, or larger gatherings.
Why These Shredded Turkey Sandwiches Work
- Minimal Prep: The ingredients go directly into the slow cooker without a complicated preparation process.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once everything is added, the slow cooker handles the cooking.
- Large Yield: The recipe uses about 5 pounds of turkey and provides seven servings.
- Two Cooking Options: Choose High or Low depending on your schedule.
- Simple Serving: Shred the cooked turkey and pile it onto sandwich buns.
- Easy to Scale: The straightforward ingredient list makes the recipe practical for casual gatherings.
What You Need to Know About the Ingredients
- Turkey Breasts: About 5 pounds of turkey meat provides the main ingredient and creates plenty of shredded meat for sandwiches.
- Beer: A 24-ounce mild-flavored beer adds liquid and another layer of flavor to the slow cooker. Choose a beer that will complement rather than dominate the turkey.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth can be used instead of beer if you prefer not to cook with beer.
- Butter: One stick of butter contributes richness while the turkey cooks.
- Onion Soup Mix: Two packets provide the main seasoning for the turkey without requiring a long list of individual spices.
- Buns: Use sturdy sandwich buns that can hold the shredded turkey without falling apart.
Shredded Turkey Sandwiches Recipe
These satisfying Slow Cooker Shredded Turkey Sandwiches are easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. My family loved these sandwiches, and the best part is there's no prep work involved.
Ingredients
- 2 Turkey breasts about 5 pounds of turkey meat
- 24 oz beer or substitute with low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 Stick butter
- 2 packets Onion Soup Mix
- 16 buns for serving
Instructions
- Place the turkey, beer, butter, and soup mix in the slow cooker.
- Cook until the turkey is easily shredded with a fork, approximately 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
- Shred the meat with two forks.
- Serve the shredded turkey on sandwich buns.
Notes
- Choose the Right Beer: If using beer, opt for a mild-flavored one to complement the turkey without overpowering it.
- Add Extra Flavor: Mix in some minced garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor before cooking.
- Toast the Buns: For a delicious crunch, lightly toast the sandwich buns before serving.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Protein | 24g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 67mg |
| Sodium | 555mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
How to Tell When the Turkey Is Ready
The most useful indicator is texture. After the recommended cooking time, the turkey should be tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork.
If the meat still feels firm when you try to shred it, it needs more cooking time. Once tender, transfer your attention to shredding rather than continuing to cook the turkey unnecessarily.
Common Slow Cooker Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Weak Buns: Very soft buns can struggle to hold a generous portion of shredded turkey.
- Choosing Strong Beer: A strongly flavored beer may overpower the relatively mild turkey.
- Shredding Too Early: Wait until the turkey is tender enough to pull apart easily.
- Skipping the Cooking Liquid: The beer or broth provides essential liquid for the slow cooker.
- Forgetting the Soup Mix: The onion soup mix provides much of the recipe’s seasoning.
- Over-Toasting the Buns: Toast them lightly so they retain enough softness to bite through comfortably.
Ways to Customize the Sandwiches
- Herb Turkey: Add fresh thyme or rosemary before cooking, as suggested in the recipe notes.
- Garlic Turkey: Add minced garlic to the slow cooker for a stronger savory profile.
- Toasted Buns: Lightly toast the buns before adding the turkey.
- Broth Version: Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of beer.
- Extra Sauce: Spoon some of the cooking juices over the shredded turkey before assembling the sandwiches.
- Simple Toppings: Add your favorite sandwich toppings after shredding the turkey.
Try More Turkey Recipes
Storage and Leftover Turkey
- Refrigerator: Transfer leftover shredded turkey to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
- Separate Buns: Store leftover turkey separately from buns to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Portioning: Divide leftovers into individual portions for easier reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the turkey gently until heated through, adding a little cooking liquid if needed.
- Freshness Tip: Assemble sandwiches shortly before serving for the best bun texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken broth instead of beer?
Yes. The recipe specifically lists low-sodium chicken broth as a substitute for beer. - What type of beer should I use?
A mild-flavored beer is recommended so its flavor complements the turkey without overpowering it. - Can I cook the turkey on Low instead of High?
Yes. The recipe calls for approximately 4 hours on High or 8 hours on Low. - How do I know when the turkey is ready to shred?
The turkey is ready when it can be easily shredded with a fork. - How should I shred the turkey?
Use two forks to pull the cooked turkey apart into smaller pieces. - Can I add herbs to the slow cooker?
Yes. The recipe notes that fresh thyme or rosemary can be added before cooking. - Should I toast the sandwich buns?
You can. The recipe notes that lightly toasting the buns adds a pleasant crunch before serving.
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The Freshman Cook started as a place to keep track of recipes I wanted to make again. Somewhere along the way, it grew into a collection of meals that friends requested, desserts that disappeared too quickly, and weeknight dinners that made life a little easier.
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