Crock Pot Collard Greens With Smoked Turkey

This Crock Pot Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey is a savory and soul-warming recipe, which includes fresh collard greens and smoked turkey wings. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 8 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey Ingredients

• 6 pounds collard greens (or 5 pounds bagged greens)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 large white onion, peeled and chopped (3 cups)
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced (1/3 cup)
• 3 pounds smoked turkey wings or drumsticks

How To Make Crock Pot Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

1. Wash and prep the greens: Tear collard leaves from the stems and stack in piles of five. Roll into “collard cigars” and slice into 1-inch strips. Wash thoroughly in cold water three times to remove dirt. Drain and set aside.
2. Make spice and liquid blends: Mix sugar, seasoned salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. In another bowl, stir together chicken stock and apple cider vinegar.
3. Layer the slow cooker: Add half the greens, followed by half of the spice mix, onions, garlic, liquid blend, and turkey wings. Press down to make room. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
4. Start cooking: Cover the slow cooker (use foil if it doesn’t seal at first) and set it to HIGH. Cook for 8 hours, stirring from top to bottom every hour.
5. Shred the turkey: Remove turkey wings once cooked, let cool slightly, shred the meat, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir and serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use other greens? Yes, mustard greens, turnip greens, or a blend work well. Adjust black pepper if using mustard greens.
• How to make it vegetarian: Skip the smoked turkey and use veggie stock with 2 tablespoons tamari for flavor.
• Why isn’t my lid closing at first? It’s normal—just press it down or wrap it with foil. It will seal after the greens wilt.
• How to keep the greens tender: Don’t cook on high heat for more than 12 hours. Reduce to WARM after 8 hours if not serving immediately.

What To Serve With Collard Greens

These greens are perfect alongside:

• Southern cornbread
• Fried chicken or baked pork chops
• Macaroni and cheese
• Rice or mashed potatoes
• Hot sauce and sliced onions

How To Store Collard Greens

Refrigerate:
Cool the greens completely and store in a sealed container for up to 5 days.

Freeze:
Transfer cooled greens to freezer-safe bags. Lay flat to freeze, then store upright. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Collard Greens Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 333kcal
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 1116mg
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 7g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use bagged greens instead of fresh?
Yes, just check for large stem pieces and remove them before cooking.

What type of smoked turkey works best?
Wings, drumsticks, necks, or tails all work—choose your preference.

Do I have to stir every hour?
It’s recommended to ensure even cooking, especially in a packed slow cooker.

Why are my greens still tough after 8 hours?
Simmer them for an extra hour on HIGH or try cutting them smaller next time.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Cajun Turkey Breast
• Crock Pot Buffalo Turkey Dip
• Crock Pot Brined Turkey Breast