Slow Cooker Collard Greens

Get ready for the most tender, flavorful collard greens you’ve ever tasted! This slow cooker version transforms tough leaves into silky, smoky perfection that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. The secret? A combination of smoked turkey and a perfectly seasoned broth that infuses every bite.

These aren’t your average greens – we’re talking about melt-in-your-mouth collards that soak up a rich, savory broth enhanced with garlic, onions, and just the right touch of heat from red pepper flakes. The slow cooking process allows the smoked turkey to release its flavor gradually, creating an incredible depth that you just can’t get with quick cooking methods.

Equipment Needed

• 7-Quart Slow Cooker
• Large Pot

Ingredients

• 4 lbs Collard Greens
• ½ cup Apple Cider Vinegar (for washing)
• 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, diced
• 2 lbs Smoked Turkey Drums
• 1 lb Smoked Turkey Neck
• 2 tsp Seasoned Salt
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 tbsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar (for cooking)

Steps

1. Thoroughly clean your sink and fill with 6 inches of hot water. Add ½ cup apple cider vinegar. Submerge collard greens and soak for 10 minutes to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Remove stems from greens: Fold each leaf in half lengthwise and strip the stem away from the leaf. (Pro tip: If the leaves are especially large, you can stack 2-3 leaves to speed up this process). Tear leaves into 2-3 inch pieces.
3. Heat large pot over medium heat (350°F/175°C). Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and chopped onions. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until onions are translucent and edges start to brown slightly.
4. Add garlic and all seasonings (seasoned salt, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes). Cook for 3 minutes until extremely fragrant. The sugar should start to caramelize slightly.
5. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. The broth should be deeply golden and aromatic.
6. Layer in your slow cooker: Place smoked turkey pieces on the bottom (this allows the smoke flavor to permeate upward), then add prepared collard greens. Pour the hot seasoned broth over everything. Cook on LOW for 8 hours. (Note: Do not cook on high – low and slow cooking is essential for tender greens).
7. After 8 hours, carefully remove turkey pieces. Shred meat off the bones (it should fall off easily) and mix back into the greens. Continue cooking for 4 more hours until greens are silky tender.

Smart Swaps

• Replace smoked turkey with 2 lbs smoked ham hocks
• Use vegetable broth and smoked paprika for a vegetarian version
• Substitute brown sugar with 2 tbsp maple syrup

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Omit brown sugar and add 1 tbsp monk fruit sweetener
• Reduce portion size to 1 cup (reduces carbs to 8g per serving)
• Add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar per serving to help regulate blood sugar

Pro Tips

• Don’t skip the vinegar wash – it removes bitterness and dirt
• Stir greens every 2-3 hours if possible for even cooking
• Let rest 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle
• Store leftovers in cooking liquid to maintain moisture