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Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

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Tender, smoky collard greens simmered low and slow with smoked turkey, onions, garlic, and southern seasonings. This easy comfort food side dish is perfect for gatherings and delivers classic southern flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs collard greens, washed and chopped (remove tough stems)
  • 1–2 smoked turkey wings or drumsticks (about 1 lb)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash collard greens thoroughly in a colander, removing any grit and tough stems. Chop leaves into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place smoked turkey wings or drumsticks at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter diced onion and minced garlic over the turkey.
  3. Layer chopped collard greens over the turkey and aromatics.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar if using.
  5. Use tongs to gently toss the greens and seasonings so everything is coated.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until greens are very tender and turkey falls off the bone.
  7. After 4 hours (on LOW), taste the broth and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed. Continue cooking if greens are still tough.
  8. Remove turkey pieces, shred meat off the bone, discard skin and bones, and return shredded turkey to the slow cooker. Stir into the greens.
  9. Let everything cook together for another 15-20 minutes on LOW.
  10. Serve hot with a slotted spoon, spooning some broth over each serving. Garnish with extra red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

Taste and adjust seasoning midway through cooking. For vegetarian, substitute smoked turkey with smoked paprika and liquid smoke, and use vegetable broth. Prep greens the night before for convenience. If using pre-chopped greens, rinse well. Add extra broth when reheating leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: collard greens, slow cooker, smoked turkey, southern, comfort food, easy, gluten-free, soul food, crockpot greens

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