How Long to Cook Turkey Tenderloin in a Slow Cooker

Cooking turkey tenderloin in a slow cooker is a great hands-off way to enjoy delicious and juicy turkey breast meat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a flavorful turkey dinner with minimal effort. But an important question is, how long should you cook a turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker to get perfect results? In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about slow cooker turkey tenderloin including cooking times, temperatures, recipe ideas and more.

What is Turkey Tenderloin?

Turkey tenderloin refers to a boneless, skinless cut of meat from the breast of a turkey. It’s a long, slender piece of white meat that comes from the inside of the breast, right next to the breastbone.

Turkey tenderloins are very lean and tender since this muscle doesn’t get as much use as other parts of the turkey They are an excellent low-fat alternative to chicken breast. You can find turkey tenderloins sold individually or in pairs vacuum-sealed in most grocery stores

Benefits of Cooking Turkey Tenderloin in a Slow Cooker

There are a few reasons why cooking turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker is a great idea

• It comes out incredibly moist and tender – the slow, low heat helps break down tissues gently over time.

• The meat soaks up all the delicious flavors from surrounding ingredients like broth, spices and herbs.

• It frees up your oven for sides and other dishes.

• It’s an easy “set it and forget it” hands-off meal

• You can prep it in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat meal.

How Long to Cook Turkey Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker

Cooking time can vary a bit based on the size and amount of tenderloins, but here are some general guidelines:

• 1-2 turkey tenderloins (1-2 lbs total): Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours.

• 3-4 turkey tenderloins (2-3 lbs total): Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.

• For larger tenderloins over 2 lbs each, add 1 hour to the cooking time.

Internal Temperature

To ensure food safety and proper doneness, turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer.

However, carryover cooking will continue to raise the temperature 5-10°F after removing it from the slow cooker. So taking it out at 160°F and allowing it to rest will result in a safe internal temp while keeping the meat juicy.

Doneness Cues

If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these visual cues when testing doneness:

• The meat should be fork tender and easy to shred apart.

• The juices should run clear with no traces of pink when poked or sliced.

How to Cook Turkey Tenderloin in a Slow Cooker

Cooking turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker is simple. Here is an easy recipe and steps:

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 lb turkey tenderloin
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

** Directions: **

1. Pat the turkey tenderloin dry and rub lightly with olive oil. Season all over with salt, pepper, garlic and thyme.

2. Pour the chicken broth into your slow cooker and add the brown sugar, stirring to dissolve.

3. Place the seasoned tenderloin directly into the slow cooker, flipping a few times to coat in the broth.

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

5. Remove the tenderloin, tent with foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

6. Transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until reduced down to a sauce consistency, about 5-10 minutes. Season to taste.

7. Serve the sliced turkey tenderloin with the reduced cooking liquid drizzled over the top.

This simple preparation yields super juicy and flavorful turkey breast meat infused with the aromatics and broth. Letting it rest before slicing is crucial to keep all the juices intact.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin

• Use low sodium chicken or turkey broth as the cooking liquid. This keeps the meat moist and infuses lots of flavor.

• Resist lifting the lid during cooking to prevent heat loss and added time.

• Use an instant read thermometer to monitor doneness instead of cutting into the meat.

• Always let rest at least 5-10 minutes before slicing for maximally juicy results.

• Add veggies like onions, carrots, celery and garlic to the slow cooker for extra flavor.

• Use broth/sauce to make gravy or freeze for another use.

Flavorful Marinades and Sauces

One of the great things about cooking turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker is that it can soak up any flavors you add. Here are some tasty marinades and sauce ideas:

Citrus Herb: Orange juice, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, garlic, olive oil.

Asian: Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, brown sugar.

BBQ: Ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, brown sugar, chili powder.

Mediterranean: Red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, pepper.

Creamy Dijon: Olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme.

Maple Brown Sugar: Maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, thyme, garlic.

Complementary Side Dishes

Turkey tenderloin is mild in flavor and goes well with many classic holiday sides:

• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes, squash.

• Hearty grains like wild rice, quinoa or farro.

• Fresh green salad or slaw with vinaigrette.

• Classic mashed or baked potatoes.

• Stuffing or dressing.

• Cranberry sauce.

More Delicious Slow Cooker Turkey Recipes

If you liked cooking turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker, try these other easy turkey dishes:

• Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Slow Cooker Turkey Tetrazzini

• Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing

• Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

• Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

Cooking turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker is an easy, fuss-free way to enjoy deliciously moist and tender turkey breast meat. Allow 3-6 hours on LOW depending on the amount, and use a thermometer to check for 160°F internal temperature. Letting it rest before slicing and serving with a flavorful sauce ensures perfect results. With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, you can come home to a ready-to-eat turkey dinner.