Smoky Turkey Collard Greens Simmered in Broth

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender collard greens slow-cooked with smoked turkey and savory spices, creating a rich and smoky Southern classic. This southern-inspired slow cooker ready in about 120 minutes pairs washed and chopped collard greens, large (about 1.5 lbs) smoked turkey leg, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 105 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 6 cups chicken broth and add the 1 large smoked turkey leg, bringing the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer the turkey leg in broth for 1 hour until tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove the turkey leg and shred the meat, discarding bones and skin; return shredded meat to the pot.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 lb chopped collard greens, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the pot.
  6. Step 6: Cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until collards are tender and flavorful.
  7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm, spooning generous amounts of smoky broth over the greens.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Turkey Collard Greens Simmered in Broth take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (15 min prep + 105 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoky Turkey Collard Greens Simmered in Broth?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken broth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Turkey Collard Greens Simmered in Broth?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoky Turkey Collard Greens Simmered in Broth for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smoky Turkey Collard Greens Simmered in Broth?

Southern slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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