Introduction
What if you could make juicy, flavorful pulled meat sandwiches without using pork or beef? Meet this delicious and easy Pulled Turkey Tenderloin recipe! It’s a healthier twist on pulled pork, made with lean turkey breast, slow-cooked until tender, and tossed in a tangy yogurt-mustard sauce. Served on soft rolls and topped with coleslaw or pickles, it’s a simple meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for any day of the week.
Overview: What Makes Pulled Turkey Tenderloin So Special?
This Pulled Turkey Tenderloin is a slow-cooked sandwich filling that’s light, tangy, and packed with flavor. Instead of heavy sauces, we use a mix of Greek yogurt, mustard, and pickle juice for a zesty finish. The turkey cooks low and slow until it shreds easily with a fork. It’s super easy to make with just 10 minutes of prep and about 6 to 8 hours in the slow cooker. The difficulty level is easy, making it great for meal prep, casual dinners, or weekend sandwiches. You’ll love how juicy and fresh it tastes!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Pulled Turkey Tenderloin
- Turkey Breast Tenderloins: Lean, tender, and perfect for shredding after cooking
- Water: Helps keep the turkey moist during cooking
- Sweet Pickle Juice: Adds tangy sweetness and unique flavor
- Onion Soup Mix: Adds instant savory depth
- Diced Jalapeño Peppers: Gives a little kick of heat
- Greek Yogurt (Fat-Free): Creamy and healthy base for the sauce
- Yellow Mustard: Tangy and brightens the final flavor
- Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice
- Kaiser Rolls: Soft sandwich rolls to serve the turkey on
- Optional Toppings: Coleslaw, extra jalapeños, or sweet pickles for crunch and extra flavor
Substitutions and Variations
- Turkey Tenderloins: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs if preferred
- Pickle Juice: Try dill pickle juice if you want less sweetness
- Jalapeños: Leave them out or replace with green chiles for a milder taste
- Yogurt: Use sour cream or mayo if you don’t have Greek yogurt
- Rolls: Use hamburger buns, slider rolls, or even lettuce wraps
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this juicy and easy Pulled Turkey Tenderloin
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place 1 (20 oz) package of turkey breast tenderloins in a 3-quart slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix the Cooking Liquid
In a small bowl, combine 2 cups of water, ½ cup sweet pickle juice, 1 envelope of onion soup mix, and 2 tablespoons diced jalapeño peppers. Pour this mixture over the turkey in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or until the turkey is tender and easy to shred.
Step 4: Shred the Turkey
Remove the turkey from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Transfer the shredded turkey to a clean bowl.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Strain the cooking juices and reserve ½ cup. In a small bowl, mix the reserved cooking liquid with ½ cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Stir until smooth.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Pour the sauce over the shredded turkey and toss to coat evenly. Serve the turkey on split kaiser rolls. Add toppings like coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, or sweet pickles if you like!
Assembly: Serving the Perfect Turkey Sandwich
Spoon a generous amount of pulled turkey onto the bottom half of each roll. Add your favorite toppings for crunch and spice. Place the top of the roll on and press down lightly. Serve the sandwiches warm with chips, salad, or fresh fruit on the side. You can also keep the filling warm in the slow cooker for parties or game day gatherings.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pulled turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezing
You can freeze the pulled turkey for up to 2 months. Let it cool first, then store in a sealed bag or container. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Make-Ahead Tip
You can make the turkey and sauce a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat and assemble just before serving for an easy meal.
Recipe Variations
Try these creative twists on your Pulled Turkey Tenderloin
- BBQ Turkey Sliders: Add a little barbecue sauce to the yogurt mixture and serve on slider buns
- Turkey Lettuce Wraps: Skip the rolls and use large lettuce leaves for a low-carb version
- Spicy Chipotle Turkey: Add chipotle powder or adobo sauce to the cooking liquid
- Creamy Coleslaw Sandwich: Mix in coleslaw right into the shredded turkey for a creamy, crunchy twist
- Baked Pulled Turkey Subs: Layer turkey into hoagie rolls, top with cheese, and bake until warm and melty
Conclusion
Pulled Turkey Tenderloin is a light, tasty, and easy slow cooker meal that turns lean turkey into a juicy and flavorful sandwich filling. The sweet pickle juice, onion soup mix, and jalapeños give it bold taste, while the creamy yogurt sauce brings it all together. It’s healthy, satisfying, and easy to customize. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or making lunch for the week, this pulled turkey recipe is a winner. So grab your slow cooker and get ready for some delicious bites!
Print
Pulled Turkey Tenderloin
Description
What if you could make juicy, flavorful pulled meat sandwiches without using pork or beef? Meet this delicious and easy Pulled Turkey Tenderloin recipe! It’s a healthier twist on pulled pork, made with lean turkey breast, slow-cooked until tender, and tossed in a tangy yogurt-mustard sauce.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Pulled Turkey Tenderloin
Turkey Breast Tenderloins: Lean, tender, and perfect for shredding after cooking
Water: Helps keep the turkey moist during cooking
Sweet Pickle Juice: Adds tangy sweetness and unique flavor
Onion Soup Mix: Adds instant savory depth
Diced Jalapeño Peppers: Gives a little kick of heat
Greek Yogurt (Fat-Free): Creamy and healthy base for the sauce
Yellow Mustard: Tangy and brightens the final flavor
Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice
Kaiser Rolls: Soft sandwich rolls to serve the turkey on
Optional Toppings: Coleslaw, extra jalapeños, or sweet pickles for crunch and extra flavor
Substitutions and Variations
Turkey Tenderloins: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs if preferred
Pickle Juice: Try dill pickle juice if you want less sweetness
Jalapeños: Leave them out or replace with green chiles for a milder taste
Yogurt: Use sour cream or mayo if you don’t have Greek yogurt
Rolls: Use hamburger buns, slider rolls, or even lettuce wraps
Instructions
Place 1 (20 oz) package of turkey breast tenderloins in a 3-quart slow cooker.
In a small bowl, combine 2 cups of water, ½ cup sweet pickle juice, 1 envelope of onion soup mix, and 2 tablespoons diced jalapeño peppers. Pour this mixture over the turkey in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or until the turkey is tender and easy to shred.
Remove the turkey from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Transfer the shredded turkey to a clean bowl.
Strain the cooking juices and reserve ½ cup. In a small bowl, mix the reserved cooking liquid with ½ cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Stir until smooth.
Pour the sauce over the shredded turkey and toss to coat evenly. Serve the turkey on split kaiser rolls. Add toppings like coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, or sweet pickles if you like!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen turkey tenderloins? Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking for even results.
2. Is this recipe spicy? It has a mild kick from the jalapeños, but you can leave them out if you prefer.
3. Can I use leftover turkey? Yes! Just warm the shredded turkey in the sauce and skip the slow cooker step.
4. What sides go well with this? Try potato chips, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or fruit salad.
5. Can I serve this without bread? Definitely! Serve it in lettuce wraps, over rice, or on a salad.
6. Is the yogurt sauce tangy? Yes, it’s lightly tangy and creamy. You can add a little honey if you want it sweeter.
7. How do I keep the turkey moist? Make sure to keep some cooking juice in the mix and don’t overcook the meat.
8. Can I double this recipe? Yes! Just use a larger slow cooker and double all the ingredients.