Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Turkey Tenderloin

📝Shopping list

To make this amazing crockpot turkey tenderloin recipe, you will need these grocery store items: 

• ketchup
• dark brown sugar - light brown can be used in a pinch
• apple cider vinegar
• molasses
• dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• garlic powder
• smoked paprika
• black pepper
• salt - optional
• liquid smoke - or more to taste optional

🔪Instructions

This great recipe involves just a few simple steps:

Preparing your slow cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it with a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check your slow cooker's manual if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

🍳Cooking steps

• 🦃 Once your slow cooker is greased and ready to go, add all ingredients other than turkey and stir to combine.
• 🦃 Place turkey tenderloin into the sauce in the bottom of the pot and make sure all sides are well coated.  
• 🦃Cover and cook on the low setting for 4-6 hours or high for 2 -3 hours.  
• 🦃Your turkey is ready to serve when it reaches an internal temperature of 165℉
• 🦃 Remove cooked turkey and about half of the sauce from your slow cooker.  Reserve the sauce to use for dipping or as a topping.
• 🦃Using two forks, shred the turkey tenderloin.  
• 🦃Stir pulled bbq turkey tenderloin back into sauce remaining in crock pot and get ready to feast!

🍽Serving ideas

This easy recipe is great served many different ways.  Here are just a few suggestions:

1. Sandwiches -  Shredded turkey breast tenderloin is delicious served on hoagie rolls or brioche buns.  These doughy rolls absorb some of the tangy and wonderful cooking liquid.  
2. Wraps - Warm tortillas wrapped around BBQ turkey make a great dinner option!  
3. On top - Pasta, rice, quinoa, and polenta are all delicious beds for this warm turkey dish.  
4. Warm sides - Any pulled turkey recipe calls for great side dishes.  Some favorites are sweet corn spoonbread, mashed cauliflower, rice, black beans, and quinoa.  Baked sweet potatoes and ears of corn are also perfect pairings. 
5. Cold sides - A crisp green salad, cole slaw, and potato salad are easy ways to turn shredded turkey into a full meal. 

🔁Substitution ideas

• Too lazy to mix together homemade BBQ sauce?  No worries, we have all been there.  This recipe works with your favorite bottled bbq sauce just as well as homemade.
• Use chicken breast in place of turkey tenderloin in this easy turkey sandwiches recipe.  Be sure to watch the cooking time if you make this swap.  Chick breasts tend to cook a tiny bit faster.
• Reduce the tang in the sauce by substituting apple cider vinegar with apple juice.
• Skip the liquid smoke and use regular paprika in place of smoked paprika for a less smokey sauce.
• If you are a fan of smokey flavor, add additional liquid smoke to taste. 

Storing

Once your turkey tenderloins reach room temperature, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container.  They will last for 3-4 days this way.  

Freezing is also a perfect way to store these tenderloins.  They will stay good for 2-3 months when frozen.

😉Hints & hacks

1. This recipe makes enough sauce for about 3 lbs of tenderloins if you want to double the recipe.  It may require some additional cooking time, but every slow cooker is different.  The first time you make this, be sure to use a meat thermometer to monitor the finish time of the turkey.  
2. This is an easy meal to prep in advance  Just add all the main ingredients and seasonings to a zip-top bag and store in the refrigerator overnight.  When you are ready to cook, just toss it in your slow cooker and go!
3. Store leftovers of this slow-cooker BBQ turkey tenderloin in individual serving-sized containers for easy grab-and-go future meals.
4. Confirm your slow cooker bone-in turkey breast is finished cooking by a meat thermometer . Turkey is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. I always suggest the use of a slow cooker liner for easy clean up. I like to buy mine in bulk for a cheaper per-piece price.
6. In the market for a new crock pot? I love mine! The built in thermometer is especially helpful with this recipe!
7. Don't forget to turn on (and plug-in!) your slow cooker!!