How To Make Shredded Turkey And Recipes

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Shredded turkey, I know what you think.. what?? I love to get turkey breasts to cook to shred to put into recipes, or let’s not forget the leftover turkey from holiday dinners! Oven-roasted turkey, smoked turkey, or crockpot turkey make amazing dinners using the meat.

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Using leftover turkey that has been cooked as a holiday meal often brings the seasoning of the bird over to the dish. White meat from whole turkeys is lean white meat; dark meat is healthy but not as healthy as white meat. Turkey can be put into almost any recipe using chicken. I always buy extra turkeys at the grocery store when they are on sale during the holidays.

**Bonus points if you are on Weight Watchers**
Turkey breast is zero points and turkey in general, is a low point lean protein on the plan!

Picking Turkey

Full-Size Turkey– I always dig for at least a 20-pound turkey. This leaves a lot of leftover turkey recipes in the works and leftover turkey to freeze. This is typically best done in an oven, turkey fryer, smoker, or roaster pan.
Bone-In Turkey Breast– This turkey version is made of all-white meat; once cooked, you can remove all the meat to shred or serve slices of regular turkey for a smaller holiday dinner.
Boneless Turkey Breast-Can be oven roasted or made in a crockpot. This is also the easiest to cook in broth to shred for shredded chicken breast, as you won’t have to deal with any bones.

How To Make Shredded Turkey In The Crockpot

Now fun story had plans to make a nice turkey breast dinner; I had a small 48-ounce turkey breast. No, as you can see, I had chunks of turkey breasts, not a nice-shaped turkey breast to make dinner. Size did matter in this case. I instead used my directions for Crockpot Shredded Chicken and made shredded turkey breast to use in other recipes.

Uncooked chunks of turkey breasts on a plate

Allow the turkey breasts to cook slowly in the crockpot for about four hours in a broth and minced garlic mixture. Remove and shred with meat claws or with your kitchen aid mixture. I used 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 Tablespoon of minced Garlic, and 48 ounces of boneless turkey breast.

Cooked turkey Breast in crockpot of broth

How To Make Shredded Turkey On The Stove Top

Now just like the crock pot, this would be a rinse and repeat. Start a stockpot with broth and basic seasonings. I like to boil the turkey in just broth and minced garlic. This keeps the turkey ready in any recipe I choose, soup, casseroles, salads, or wraps.

How To Tell Your TUrkey Is Done

Like chicken, the turkey must be cooked until it is 165 degrees internal temperature. I can typically tell mine is fully cooked by how it is falling apart, but I always double-check the temperature with a meat thermometer.

how to shred turkey

Just like how you would Shred Chicken, you can use a kitchen aid mixer(on low) with the paddle attachment, a handheld mixer, or meat claws.

how to store cooked turkey

Allow your turkey to cool. Shred or store in chunks in the fridge for up to five days after cooking. You can freeze for up to 90 days in the freezer.

Storing leftovers properly requires the right tools! My preferred storage method is if the leftovers can be sealed in a food saver. If not, then an air-tight container or Ziploc bag for the fridge is the way I go. The air-tight container and a freezer Ziploc bag are the next best bet for freezing the leftovers. I also use a food scale to measure portions into serving sizes.

Freezable storage Containers Food Sealer Freezer Bags Food Scale

Seasonings To Put In Broth For Shredded Turkey

Onion Soup Mix
Black Pepper
Hot Sauce
Tomato Sauce
Tomato Paste
Chili Powder
Soy Sauce

What To Serve With Shredded Turkey Breast

Cranberry Sauce
Kidney Beans
Bell Peppers
White Beans
Hot Sauce

Shredded Turkey Recipes

Turkey Noodle Soup-This Smoked Turkey Noodle Soup is perfect to use up any leftover turkey and turkey carcass from any holiday dinner! Full of flavor and also perfect for freezing later on.

Turkey Shepherd Pie– Satisfy your cravings with our delicious Turkey Shepherd’s Pie! This is the perfect comfort food made with shredded turkey meat and mashed potatoes.

Easy Turkey Pot Pie– This Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe is the Perfect Way To Use Up Leftover Turkey! Plus, it’s the perfect comfort food too!

Turkey Noodle Casserole– Transform leftover turkey into a delicious and comforting meal with this easy turkey noodle casserole recipe! Quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili-This Smoked Turkey Chili Recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey from any holiday meal! Easy to make, and the taste is amazing as well!

Stove Top Casserole– Easy Stove Top Casserole is the perfect weeknight casserole to make your family! You can use leftover holiday turkey for the best comfort fall foods.

Crockpot Turkey Taco Soup– A delicious twist on taco night! Slow Cooker Turkey Taco Soup recipe! Made with tender turkey and canned beans! A WW Zero Point Soup too!

Turkey Salad-Add in different ingredients to change up the flavor, peppers, olives, spices, spicy mustard, and so much more! It goes perfectly on a bun for lunch!

Other Recipes To Check Out

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