Turkey Tenderloin Crock Pot Recipe

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

Looking for an easier alternative to cooking a whole turkey? This Turkey Tenderloin Crock Pot Recipe delivers all the flavor with a fraction of the effort. A simple marinade of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and aromatic herbs infuses the lean tenderloin with rich flavor as it slow cooks to juicy perfection. With just 5 minutes of hands-on prep time, your slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender, moist turkey that's perfect for a small family dinner or intimate gathering. Each serving provides a hearty 26g of protein with only 187 calories and 6g of fat, making it a nutritious main dish. The slow cooking method is virtually foolproof, ensuring you'll never serve dry turkey again. Pair with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal that feels special without hours of kitchen work.
Home Delicious Recipes
Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 13:46:56 GMT
Turkey Tenderloin Crock Pot Pin it
Turkey Tenderloin Crock Pot | homedeliciousrecipes.com

This Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin recipe is a fantastic and stress-free way to enjoy a juicy and flavorful turkey dinner without the fuss of roasting a whole bird. It's perfect for smaller gatherings, weeknight meals, or anyone who wants a delicious and healthy protein option with minimal effort.

Gathering Your Ingredients

  • Turkey Tenderloin: Provides a lean and healthy protein source. Ensure it's thawed before cooking.
  • Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Dijon Mustard, Crushed Garlic, Dried Thyme, Dried Rosemary, Sea Salt, and Black Pepper: These ingredients create a flavorful and tangy marinade that infuses the turkey with delicious flavors.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the flavor of the turkey during slow cooking.
Easy Turkey Tenderloin Crock Pot Recipe Pin it
Easy Turkey Tenderloin Crock Pot Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Cooking Instructions

Marinating the Turkey:
In a bowl or ziploc bag, whisk together all the marinade ingredients (olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, crushed garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper). Add the turkey tenderloins and coat them well in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 6 hours for enhanced flavor.
Bringing to Room Temperature:
Before cooking, take the marinated turkey out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. This helps the turkey cook more evenly.
Slow Cooking the Turkey:
Place the marinated turkey and the marinade in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth over the meat. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
Resting the Turkey:
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the slow cooker, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.

This crockpot turkey tenderloin has become a go-to meal for me when I want a healthy and delicious protein option without the fuss of cooking a whole bird. It's so easy to prepare, and the flavors are always a hit with my family. I love how versatile it is, pairing well with a variety of side dishes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this turkey tenderloin with classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce. Use leftover turkey for sandwiches, salads, or casseroles.

Creative Variations

Add other herbs and spices to the marinade, such as sage, paprika, or onion powder. Use different types of broth, such as vegetable broth or bone broth. Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the slow cooker for a complete meal.

Turkey Tenderloin Crock Pot Recipe Pin it
Turkey Tenderloin Crock Pot Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover crockpot turkey tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

This crockpot turkey tenderloin is a fantastic and flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the difference between turkey tenderloin and turkey breast?
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless, skinless portion of the turkey breast that has been removed from the bone and typically weighs between 3/4 to 1 pound each. It's more tender, cooks faster, and is ideal for smaller gatherings compared to a whole turkey breast.
→ Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook turkey tenderloin on HIGH for 3-4 hours instead of LOW for 6-8 hours. However, cooking on LOW is recommended for the most tender results. Always use a meat thermometer to verify it reaches 165°F regardless of cooking method.
→ What sides pair well with this turkey tenderloin?
This versatile main dish pairs beautifully with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter meal, serve with a salad and crusty bread. The mild flavor also works well with rice pilaf or quinoa.
→ Can I use other herbs for the marinade?
Absolutely! While thyme and rosemary create a classic flavor profile, you can substitute sage, oregano, herbes de Provence, or Italian seasoning. Feel free to customize based on your preference or what you have on hand.
→ What can I do with leftover turkey tenderloin?
Leftover turkey tenderloin is incredibly versatile. Slice it thin for sandwiches, dice it for soups or casseroles, add to salads, or use in place of chicken in any recipe. The leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin

This simple Turkey Tenderloin Crock Pot Recipe delivers juicy, flavorful turkey with a honey-garlic herb marinade - perfect for small gatherings without the fuss of a whole turkey.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
360 Minutes
Total Time
365 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 ½ pounds turkey tenderloin (about 2 tenderloins)
02 1 cup chicken broth or chicken stock, regular or low-sodium

→ For the Marinade

03 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
05 2 tablespoons honey
06 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
07 3 garlic cloves, crushed
08 ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 6 sprigs fresh thyme)
09 ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 sprig fresh rosemary)
10 1 teaspoon sea salt
11 ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, crushed garlic, thyme, rosemary, sea salt, and pepper until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 02

Place the turkey tenderloins in a gallon-sized zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and turn several times to coat the meat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours to allow the flavors to infuse into the turkey.

Step 03

Place the marinated turkey tenderloins in your slow cooker, pouring any remaining marinade over the top. Add the chicken broth, then cover with the lid.

Step 04

Cook the turkey tenderloins on LOW heat for 6-8 hours. Begin checking the internal temperature after 4 hours of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Step 05

The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F. For best results, remove from the slow cooker when it reaches about 163°F, as it will continue cooking slightly while resting. Tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  1. Always use fresh or properly thawed tenderloins, not frozen, as the USDA advises against cooking frozen meat in a slow cooker.
  2. If you're short on time, you can skip the marinating step and add the turkey and marinade directly to the slow cooker.
  3. Turkey tenderloins can be found year-round at many Walmart stores (Jennie-O brand).

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker/Crock Pot
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Gallon-sized zip-top bag
  • Meat thermometer
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains mustard

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 187
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 26 g