The Easiest Way to Cook Juicy Turkey Tenderloin in a Slow Cooker

Cooking a perfectly juicy and flavorful turkey tenderloin can seem intimidating. But with the right recipe, it’s actually quite easy to make tender and delicious slow cooker turkey tenderloins right at home.

As a busy mom who loves cooking nourishing meals for my family, I relied on my trusty slow cooker to come up with this simple recipe. The great thing about using a slow cooker is you can just throw everything in, turn it on, and come back hours later to a complete, tender meal. No complicated techniques needed!

Over the years, I’ve tested all kinds of methods and flavor combinations. In this article, I’ll share my favorite foolproof recipe for turkey tenderloin cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, along with tips to get the best results every time.

What Exactly is Turkey Tenderloin?

First things first, let’s cover the basics. Turkey tenderloin refers to the tender muscle inside the turkey breast closest to the breastbone

Turkey tenderloins are long, thin cuts of boneless, skinless white turkey meat that are very tender. You can find them packaged on their own, normally under brands like Jennie-O or Butterball.

The tenderloin is the most tender part of the whole turkey breast because it doesn’t get as much exercise as the outer breast muscles This makes it perfect for slow cooking,

Why Cook Turkey Tenderloin in a Slow Cooker?

Cooking turkey tenderloin in a slow cooker has some major benefits:

• Tender and juicy meat – The slow, gentle heat of the slow cooker keeps the turkey incredibly moist. No dry turkey here!

• Infused with flavor – As the turkey cooks, it absorbs all the delicious flavors from the surrounding sauce or seasonings.

• Fuss-free – Just throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and dinner is ready by the time you get home.

• Perfect portions – Turkey tenderloins are the ideal size for 2-4 portions. Great for smaller holiday meals or family dinners.

• Lean and healthy – Turkey tenderloin is a lean cut that provides a great hit of protein without much fat.

My Favorite Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Over the years, I’ve made turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker countless ways. But I always come back to this simple, classic recipe that results in perfectly juicy, tender meat infused with flavor.

Here’s an overview of the easy recipe:

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
• Garlic, thyme, pepper

Directions:

1. Combine broth, soy sauce, mustard, maple syrup, vinegar, garlic, thyme in the slow cooker

2. Add turkey tenderloins and coat both sides

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

4. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing

The combination of mustard, maple syrup, and soy sauce gives amazing savory-sweet flavors that balance each other perfectly. And cooking low and slow ensures the meat stays incredibly moist and tender.

What’s not to love? Even my picky kids devour this turkey tenderloin!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin

Here are my top tips for success when making turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker:

• Use the right size slow cooker – Make sure tenderloins can lay flat and are covered by sauce. For 2 lbs, a 5-6 quart cooker is ideal.

• Cook on LOW – This is crucial for keeping the turkey tender and stopping it from drying out.

• Don’t peek! – Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes. Resist lifting the lid to let the turkey cook undisturbed.

• Use a thermometer – Cook until the thickest part of tenderloin reaches 160°F, then immediately let rest.

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

• Rest before slicing – Letting it rest redistributes juices. Skipping this step causes dryness.

• Store leftovers properly – Store turkey and sauce separately. Reheat turkey in broth or sauce to stay moist.

Flavor Variations to Try

Once you master the basic recipe, there are endless flavor options for your slow cooker turkey tenderloin!

A few of my favorites:

• Cranberry mustard – Substitute cranberry mustard for Dijon.

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

• Chili maple – Use cayenne and chili powder instead of pepper.

• BBQ – Use BBQ sauce instead of soy/mustard/maple.

• Gravy – Substitute onions, carrots, celery, broth, and herbs for the sauce.

Don’t limit yourself – get creative with flavors! The tenderloin soaks up any flavors you add.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving juicy slow cooker turkey tenderloin! Here are some of my favorite pairings:

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

• Over rice or pasta for a simple weeknight dinner

• In sandwiches with cranberry sauce and stuffing

• Diced up in salads

• In lettuce wraps or soft tacos with avocado

Some tasty side dishes that pair well are roasted veggies, sauteed greens, cranberry salads, rolls, and anything starchy to soak up the delicious juices!

As you can see, cooking juicy, flavorful turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker couldn’t be easier. With this simple recipe and a few tips, you can enjoy tender, fool-proof turkey tenderloin any night of the week.

The savory, sweet sauce complements the lean turkey wonderfully. And the slow cooker does all the work for you.