The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Turkey Tenderloin in a Slow Cooker

Turkey tenderloin is one of the most delicious, juicy, and tender cuts of meat you can cook. But it can be tricky to get just right. That’s where the slow cooker comes in!

Cooking turkey tenderloin in a slow cooker results in incredibly moist, fall-off-the-bone tender meat infused with tons of flavor. It takes all the guesswork out of cooking this lean cut perfectly.

In this comprehensive guide I’ll share my top tips and easiest recipes for cooking turkey tenderloin in a slow cooker. Let’s get started!

What is Turkey Tenderloin?

Turkey tenderloin refers to the tender muscle located on the inside of the turkey breast closest to the breastbone.

It’s a long, thin, boneless, skinless cut of white turkey meat that is very tender since it doesn’t get much use. Turkey tenderloins usually come packaged individually.

Popular brands like Jennie-O and Butterball sell turkey tenderloins, which are normally found in the refrigerated meat section. Packages contain around 1-1.5 lbs of meat.

Benefits of Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin

Cooking this lean, delicate cut using a slow cooker has some major advantages:

• Tender and juicy meat – The low, slow cooking ensures it comes out incredibly moist and tender. No dry turkey here!

• Infused with flavor – Sitting in liquid all day allows the turkey to absorb delicious flavors

• Set it and forget it – Just throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning for effortless dinner prep.

• Perfect portions – Turkey tenderloins are the ideal size for feeding 2-4 people, Great for smaller holiday meals

• Healthy and lean – This cut provides a great hit of protein without much fat.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin

Follow these tips for the best results when cooking turkey tenderloin in a crockpot:

• Use the right size slow cooker – For 1-2 lbs of meat, a 4-6 quart cooker works best so tenderloins lay flat.

• Cook on LOW – High heat can cause dry, overcooked turkey. Low and slow is key.

• Use a thermometer – Cook until it reaches 160°F internally, then immediately let rest 10 minutes.

• Make a slurry – Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water. Add to sauce at end to thicken.

• Keep it covered – Don’t lift the lid unnecessarily or heat will escape.

• Let it rest before slicing – This allows juices to redistribute so meat stays moist.

Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

This is my go-to recipe that results in super juicy, fall-apart tender turkey tenderloin every time.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs turkey tenderloin
• 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄2 tsp dried thyme
• 1⁄4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Add broth, soy sauce, mustard, maple syrup, vinegar, garlic, thyme, and pepper to slow cooker.

2. Add turkey tenderloins and turn to coat both sides in sauce.

3. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

4. Remove turkey and tent with foil. Let rest 10 minutes.

5. Add cornstarch slurry to sauce, stir, and serve over sliced turkey.

The sweet and savory sauce complements the turkey wonderfully. And the slow cooker does all the work for incredibly moist, flavorful meat.

Flavor Variations

Once you master the basic recipe, there are endless flavor options to try for your crockpot turkey tenderloin:

• Apple cider glaze – Use apple cider instead of broth and maple syrup for the sauce.

• Cranberry mustard – Substitute cranberry mustard for Dijon.

• Herb rub – Coat tenderloins in a dried herb blend before cooking.

• BBQ – Use barbecue sauce instead of soy/mustard for a smoky flavor.

• Gravy – Substitute onions, carrots, celery, broth, and herbs instead of sauce ingredients.

Don’t limit yourself – get creative with flavors! The tenderloin absorbs any seasonings beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some of my favorite ways to serve juicy slow cooker turkey tenderloin:

• Classic holiday style with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce

• In sandwiches with lettuce, tomatoes, mustard, and cheese

• Diced up in salads like chef, cobb, or spinach for extra protein

• Over rice or whole grains like quinoa or farro

• In lettuce wraps or tacos with avocado and salsa

Any simple sides like roasted veggies, sauteed greens, or starchy sides pair wonderfully.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover crockpot turkey tenderloin makes for easy lunch and dinner prep during the week. Here are some tips:

• Allow turkey and sauce to cool completely before storing in the fridge in airtight containers.

• Store turkey and sauce separately to prevent turkey from getting soggy.

• Reheat turkey in broth or sauce to keep it moist.

• Use within 3-4 days for maximum freshness.

• Slice and add to salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, and more for easy meals!

As you can see, cooking moist, flavorful turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker couldn’t be simpler. With this easy recipe and a few helpful tips, you’ll have tender, juicy meat ready for anything from holiday feasts to busy weeknight dinners.

The savory sauce adds tons of flavor as the turkey cooks low and slow to tender perfection. Leftovers also make for great easy meals throughout the week.

Give this simple slow cooker turkey tenderloin recipe a try for your next dinner! Your family will keep begging for more.