Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos made with turkey breast and salsa verde and then topped with sweet dried cranberries, cilantro, and onion are the easiest five-ingredient tacos and couldn't be more delicious for a quick dinner. Toss the ingredients in a slow cooker, and dinner will be ready when you get home.

These crockpot turkey tacos start with one of the easiest slow cooker recipes ever—salsa chicken. But instead of chicken, we're using turkey breast, and instead of red salsa, we’re opting for a tangy, green salsa.

You can use any salsa you like and choose a spice level that suits your taste. I personally love Trader Joe's refrigerated Roasted Tomatillo Salsa or Herdez, but any salsa you enjoy will work. To enhance the flavors, we’ll add some simple spices and let the slow cooker work its magic.

Now, where these tacos really shine is in the toppings. To give them a seasonal twist, I added dried cranberries, and the combo of spicy salsa verde with sweet cranberries is unreal. Seriously, so good!

I also threw in some fresh cilantro, chopped onion, and creamy queso fresco. If you want even more seasonal flair, toasted pepitas would add a nice crunch!

What Does Salsa Verde Taste Like?

Salsa verde has a tangy, slightly smoky flavor with a mild kick of spice. Made with tomatillos, jalapeños, and fresh herbs, it’s zesty, bright, and incredibly fresh. The natural acidity from the tomatillos makes it the perfect balance of bold and vibrant flavors without being overwhelming.

Key Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for these easy turkey tacos. Check out the recipe card for the full ingredient list!

• Turkey breast: A lean protein that turns tender and juicy in the slow cooker. You can use turkey breast, turkey tenderloins, chicken breast, chicken thighs, or even pork. 
• Salsa verde: The star of the show! Pick a brand you love, or make homemade salsa verde for extra freshness.
• Taco seasoning: Adds warmth and spice to enhance the turkey’s flavor.
• Dried cranberries: The unexpected but delicious sweet contrast to the savory, spicy tacos.
• Corn tortillas: The classic choice, but flour tortillas work too!

Can I Use a Different Protein?

Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. Swap turkey for chicken, pork, or even a plant-based option like jackfruit or black beans.

Can I make these with ground turkey?

Absolutely! These slow-cooker tacos come out great with lean ground turkey. Start by browning the turkey in a skillet and draining any excess fat. Then, add it to the slow cooker with the green salsa, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Finally, add cranberries, queso fresco, and cilantro to your ground turkey tacos.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

Making these turkey tacos is as simple as tossing everything into the slow cooker and letting the magic happen!

1. Cook the Turkey: Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker, season it with taco seasoning, and pour the salsa verde on top. Let it cook on low for about 4 hours, until the turkey is fork-tender.

2. Shred the Turkey: Once the turkey is fully cooked, shred it using two forks and let it soak up all those delicious juices.

3. Warm the Tortillas: To keep your tortillas soft and pliable, quickly warm them in a pan or microwave. If you want extra flavor, lightly fry them in a bit of oil.

4. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each tortilla with the shredded turkey, top with dried cranberries, cilantro, chopped onion, and queso fresco. Add toasted pepitas for extra crunch!

Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal with these delicious sides:

• Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice: A classic pairing!
• Refried Beans or Black Beans: Adds extra protein and fiber.
• Mexican Street Corn Salad: Sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor.
• Fajita Veggies: A great low-carb option!

Why Did My Tacos Turn Out Dry?

If your turkey seems dry, it may have cooked too long. Slow cookers vary in temperature, so check it around the 3.5-hour mark to avoid overcooking. Keeping some extra salsa verde on the side can also help moisten the meat when serving.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Turkey Options: I usually go for turkey tenderloins since they’re easy to find year-round, but you can also use a boneless or bone-in turkey breast—just remove the skin before cooking. Prefer ground turkey? Brown it first before adding it to the slow cooker. If turkey isn’t available, chicken breasts or thighs work great too!
• Boost Your Salsa Verde: If your store-bought salsa verde tastes a little bland, blend it with a handful of fresh cilantro, a quarter of an onion, and a jalapeño for extra freshness and flavor. This quick hack makes it taste homemade!
• Make It Low-Carb: Swap the tortillas for low-carb wraps or turn this into a taco bowl with cauliflower rice, avocado, and black beans. For a crunchier option, go with crispy taco shells!
• Cranberry Swap: Not a fan of dried cranberries? Leave them out or cook fresh cranberries until they pop for a naturally tart, sugar-free option that works well for low-carb diets.
• Classic Taco Toppings: While the cranberry, queso fresco, and cilantro combo is delicious, you can also stick to traditional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocado, and sour cream. Anything goes!
• Taco Bowl Option: Skip the tortillas and serve the turkey over brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa with your favorite toppings for a protein-packed bowl.
• Spice It Up: Want extra heat? Add whole jalapeños to the slow cooker. They’ll release just a bit of spice as they cook, and anyone who likes more heat can grab one to enjoy with their tacos.
• Try a Different Salsa: Not a fan of green salsa? This recipe works just as well with red salsa, smoky chipotle salsa, or even a mild chunky salsa.
• Lettuce Wraps: Looking for a lighter option? Ditch the tortillas and serve the turkey in crisp lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb alternative!

This simple recipe will quickly become your favorite slow cooker recipe. Feel free to squeeze some fresh lime juice over the tacos once you've added your taco toppings. It adds a little bit of a zing to the spice.