Description
Looking for an easy, delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or casual gatherings? Pulled Turkey Tenderloin is the ultimate recipe! This slow-cooker dish features tender, shredded turkey infused with tangy pickle juice, spicy jalapeños, and savory onion soup mix, then tossed in a creamy yogurt-mustard sauce
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Turkey:
- 1 package (20 ounces) turkey breast tenderloins
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle juice
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons canned diced jalapeño peppers
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- For Assembly:
- 5 kaiser rolls, split
- Optional Toppings:
- Prepared coleslaw
- Sliced jalapeño peppers
- Sweet pickles
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Turkey Breast Tenderloins: Lean, tender meat that shreds easily.
- Water: Dilutes the cooking liquid for even cooking.
- Sweet Pickle Juice: Adds tangy, sweet flavor and tenderizes the turkey.
- Onion Soup Mix: Brings savory, umami depth.
- Jalapeño Peppers: Provide a mild spicy kick.
- Greek Yogurt: Creates a creamy, light sauce base.
- Yellow Mustard: Adds sharp, tangy flavor.
- Pepper: Enhances the sauce’s seasoning.
- Kaiser Rolls: Sturdy rolls that hold the juicy filling.
- Toppings: Add crunch, heat, or sweetness for customization.
Substitutions and Variations
- Turkey: Swap with 20 ounces chicken breast (cook 5-6 hours) or pork tenderloin (cook 6-8 hours).
- Pickle Juice: Use dill pickle juice or 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar plus 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Onion Soup Mix: Replace with 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Jalapeños: Swap with 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 2 tablespoons diced green chiles.
- Greek Yogurt: Use sour cream or mayonnaise for a richer sauce.
- Yellow Mustard: Replace with Dijon mustard or 1 teaspoon mustard powder mixed with water.
- Rolls: Use brioche buns, slider rolls, or lettuce wraps for low-carb.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls and ensure onion soup mix is gluten-free.
- Milder Version: Omit jalapeños or use 1 tablespoon mild green chiles.
- BBQ Twist: Add 1/4 cup BBQ sauce to the yogurt mixture.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Open 1 package (20 ounces) turkey breast tenderloins.
- Measure 2 cups water, 1/2 cup sweet pickle juice, 2 tablespoons canned diced jalapeño peppers.
- Open 1 envelope onion soup mix.
- Measure 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Gather 5 kaiser rolls.
- Prep optional toppings: prepare coleslaw, slice jalapeños, and gather sweet pickles.
- Grease a 3-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Tip: Drain jalapeños to control spice; prep toppings in advance for quick assembly.
Step 2: Prep the Slow Cooker
- Add Turkey: Place turkey tenderloins in the greased 3-quart slow cooker.
- Make Cooking Liquid: In a small bowl, combine 2 cups water, 1/2 cup sweet pickle juice, 1 envelope onion soup mix, and 2 tablespoons diced jalapeño peppers. Stir well and pour over the turkey.
Tip: Ensure turkey is mostly covered by liquid; stir the mixture to dissolve soup mix fully.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours, until turkey is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tip: Check at 6 hours with a thermometer to avoid overcooking; don’t lift the lid often to maintain heat.
Step 4: Shred the Turkey
- Remove Turkey: Transfer turkey to a small bowl using tongs.
- Shred: Shred turkey with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
- Strain Juices: Strain the cooking juices through a fine-mesh sieve, reserving 1/2 cup. Discard remaining juices.
Tip: Shred finely for easy sandwich filling; reserve juices immediately to avoid losing liquid.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In another small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and the reserved 1/2 cup cooking juices until smooth.
- Toss with Turkey: Pour the sauce over the shredded turkey and toss to coat evenly.
Tip: Mix sauce thoroughly for consistency; taste and adjust with extra mustard or pepper if desired.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Prep Rolls: Split 5 kaiser rolls and toast lightly if desired (in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or on a skillet).
- Add Turkey: Spoon about 1/2 cup of the turkey mixture onto the bottom half of each roll.
- Add Toppings: Customize with prepared coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, or sweet pickles if desired.
- Serve: Place roll tops on sandwiches and serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Tip: Use a slotted spoon to avoid soggy rolls; serve with napkins for messy, delicious bites.