Pulled Turkey

This pulled BBQ turkey recipe is made in the crock pot or slow cooker and is your heathy take on a pulled BBQ sandwich. 

I have been obsessed with tenderloins lately. From my first, crock pot pork tenderloin. Then my turkey version, turkey tenderloin slow cooker. Finally, of course, my Instant Pot turkey tenderloin as well, if you need something quick.

I have been making them whole, and eating them in slices. But, what I haven't done yet, is shred it up and make pulled BBQ turkey! I mean why not!? It is a healthier take on a classic pulled pork sandwich.

This is a perfectly seasoned turkey tenderloin, covered in bacon and a sweet BBQ sauce. Then, it is slow cooked to a tender and juicy perfection. Finally, shred it up and cover it in a delicious BBQ sauce.

You know this was a good one when my husband had a comment! He was pulling into the driveway and said "wow it smells amazing out here". Literally our entire house, even outside, was filled with the delicious aromas of a pulled bbq sandwich.

What You Need for Pulled BBQ Turkey

First things first is a crock pot or slow cooker of course. I use the original crock pot brand and I love using the liners for easy clean up; however, you do not have to. Make sure you grab a meat thermometer too, that can stay in a closed crock.

Then, grab your ingredients

• Turkey breast tenderloin
• Spices
• Bacon
• BBQ Sauce
• Brown sugar replacement
• Honey mustard

Turkey Tenderloin

For my turkey tenderloin recipes, I use a Jennie O turkey breast tenderloin. I believe Hormel or Butterball makes one as well? There is a very limited market for turkey tenderloins; therefore, there are only a couple of brands.

My Jennie O turkey tenderloin came in a package with two tenderloins. Each tenderloin was 12 ounces; however, I only made 1 piece. The single piece was enough for 3 servings which was perfect. However, you can certainly make both, we can go over adjusted cooking times.

If you are on Weight Watcher (WW) or just watching your calories / fat, this is a very lean cut of meat, as compared to a pork tenderloin.

If you prefer pork instead of turkey, I also have an amazing crock pot pulled pork recipe, or make both!

Spices / Seasonings

This is the seasonings blend that I have perfected for really good, slow cooker, turkey tenderloin. It is not spicy. It is a little sweet, but not too sweet, just a hint of sweet.

• Brown sugar replacement
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Nutmeg
• Black pepper

However, you can certainly adjust the seasonings to your liking for this pulled turkey recipe. If you are not a fan of one of the spices, you can omit it; however, you can also add more of one of the spices if you want to as well. Make this how you want to, it is your turkey loin.

BBQ Sauce

With the BBQ sauce, I choose to use a sugar free one. G Hughes is usually my go-to. You are more than welcome to use any of your favorite BBQ sauces. I want this recipe to be something you, enjoy and love, and that just speaks you.

Just be cautious as I do add brown sugar back into the sauce. If you are using a BBQ sauce with sugar, it may be too sweet for you.

Brown Sugar

I always, typically, use brown sugar replacement. It is easy grab a huge package from Amazon and that is what I always use. I do not mind using a replacement sugar. However, I know some people have concerns with that. You can substitute a brown sugar blend or just straight brown sugar.

Honey Mustard

I just use generic honey mustard for this recipe. Yes, it has sugar. It is pretty thick and makes a nice glazing for the slow cooker turkey tenderloin. However, you can use a sugar free honey mustard if you wish. However, to keep it less sweet, substitute regular mustard.

How to Make BBQ Pulled Turkey in the Crock Pot or Slow Cooker

First things first for pulled turkey is to grab a crock pot or slow cooker of course. I use the original crock pot brand and I love using the liners for easy clean up; however, you do not have to. Make sure you grab a meat thermometer too, that can stay in a closed crock.

I like to add two tablespoons of broth in the bottom of the crock pot. I think it keeps the turkey moist but who knows. However, you can also use water. Pour it into the crock pot first.

If the turkey is really moist, blot with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

Then, combine all of the seasonings in a small bowl, whisking together. Press the spices into the turkey tenderloin, being sure to coat all the sides. Place the turkey loin at the bottom of the crock pot.

Then, pour ¼ cup of the BBQ sauce on top of the turkey tenderloin. If using a meat thermometer, this is the time to place it into the largest area of the tenderloin; however, you do not need to.

Cooking the Pulled Turkey Recipe

Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on low for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. It will take about 8 to 10 minutes per ounce. However, still monitor the time on the thermometer.

Once the turkey tenderloin is fully cooked, remove from the crock pot, place in a large bowl, and shred with a hand mixer, two fork or a meat chopper. Add the remaining BBQ sauce, honey mustard and brown sugar. Then, toss to coat.

Add the turkey to a greased baking tray. Broil in the oven for 5 minutes.

Making More Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin

The Jennie O turkey tenderloin My Jennie O turkey tenderloin came in a package with two tenderloins. Each tenderloin was 12 ounces; however, I only made 1 piece. The single piece was enough for 3 servings which was perfect. However, you can certainly make both, we can go over adjusted cooking times. Everything is on low.

• 12 ounces: 105 to 120 minutes
• 16 ounces: 140 to 160 minutes
• 24 ounces: 200 to 240 minutes

However, as I have been saying, the meat thermometer is your best friend. Cooking times can vary so much depending on the thickness and shape of the turkey loin or the specific slow cooker. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Alternative Cooking Method (Pressure Cooker)

Looking for some more Jennie O turkey tenderloin recipes? If you need this quicker, make my instant pot turkey tenderloin. It only needs to cook for 10 minutes!

Pour ⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the pot. This will keep the turkey moist and help bring the pot to pressure.

Then, repeat the same steps as you would with the crock pot, seasoning and saucing the loin. Place the turkey loin at the bottom of the pot.

Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the pressure cook button to 10 minutes and start it. Once completely cooked, let set for 5 minutes, then vent and de-pressurize the Instant Pot then open the lid.

If the turkey is thinner, it may only need 9 minutes. However, be sure it comes up to temperature.

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Pulled Turkey

This pulled BBQ turkey recipe is made in the crock pot or slow cooker.

By the way, I use a 1 point smart baking company bun. You can order it by clicking this link and using code allie.carte.dishes for a discount.

Click on this link to automatically calculate your Weight Watchers points. The meat is only 1 point for me; however, may be different for you.

By the way, I use a 1 point smart baking company bun. You can order it by clicking this link and using code allie.carte.dishes for a discount. However, you can also add your own bun straight into the WW recipe builder.