Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin

This crockpot turkey tenderloin is an easy way to make juicy, tender turkey without turning on the oven. It’s great for Thanksgiving, a smaller holiday meal, or a weeknight dinner when you want turkey without roasting a whole bird.

I use a simple turkey tenderloin marinade with garlic, herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil, then let the slow cooker do most of the work. Serve it with Cranberry Sauce, Homemade Cornbread, and Keto Green Bean Casserole for an easy holiday plate.

Why Make Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin

• Great for smaller holiday meals: Turkey tenderloin gives you tender white meat without cooking a whole turkey. It’s boneless and skinless, so there’s no carving and less prep.
• Keeps the oven open: The slow cooker helps when the oven is already full. You can save that space for cornbread dressing, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, or another holiday side.
• Mostly hands-off: Once the turkey and marinade are in the crockpot, the slow cooker does the work. You just need to check the temperature near the end so the turkey stays juicy.

Ingredients Needed for Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin

This crockpot turkey tenderloin uses a simple seasoning blend and a turkey tenderloin marinade that also becomes the flavorful cooking liquid in the slow cooker.

• Turkey breast tenderloins: These are boneless, skinless pieces of turkey breast. Most packs include two tenderloins.
• Herb seasoning: I use a mix with garlic powder, black pepper, dried thyme, and other savory herbs. The salt-free option of my Poultry Seasoning also works well if you want a classic Thanksgiving flavor.
• Onion powder: Adds savory flavor without needing fresh onion.
• Smoked paprika: Gives the turkey a little color and a mild smoky flavor.
• Xanthan gum, optional: Use a small amount to thicken the slow cooker juices into a simple gravy or glaze. Cornstarch also works, and this guide to substitutes for xanthan gum shares a few other options.

Turkey Tenderloin Marinade

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the marinade the best flavor.
• Herb seasoning: Adds savory flavor to the marinade so the turkey can cook low and slow in seasoned juices.
• Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the turkey.
• Lemon juice: Adds a little brightness and balances the savory seasoning.
• Sea salt: Seasons the turkey and the slow cooker juices.
• Sweetener: I use a natural sugar substitute, but regular sugar or your preferred sweetener will also work.

How to Make Turkey Tenderloin in a Crockpot

Add the turkey and marinade to the slow cooker

Whisk the turkey tenderloin marinade ingredients together, then add the turkey tenderloins and marinade to the crockpot. Since the turkey cooks low and slow in the marinade, it has time to take on flavor.

Season and slow cook

Mix the dry seasoning in a small bowl, then sprinkle it evenly over the turkey. Cover and cook on low, keeping the lid closed as much as possible so the slow cooker holds its heat.

Check the temperature and thicken the juices

Start checking the turkey around the 3-hour mark. It’s done when the center reaches 165°F. To make a quick gravy or glaze, thicken the slow cooker juices with xanthan gum, cornstarch, or another simple thickener, then spoon it over the sliced turkey or serve it on the side.

Tips for Juicy Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin

• Marinate only if it fits your schedule: You can marinate the turkey ahead of time for more flavor, but you do not have to. Add everything to the crockpot and start cooking when you’re ready.
• Use a meat thermometer: Turkey tenderloin is lean, so the easiest way to keep it juicy is to pull it once it reaches 165°F.
• Start checking around 3 hours: Turkey tenderloin usually takes 3 to 4 hours on low in the crockpot. The exact time depends on the size of the tenderloins and how hot your slow cooker runs.
• Adjust for pre-marinated turkey tenderloin: Some turkey breast tenderloins are already marinated or seasoned. You can still use the crockpot method, but adjust the added marinade or spices based on the flavor already in the package.
• Let it rest before slicing: Give the turkey a few minutes to rest after cooking so the juices settle back into the meat.
• Use the juices: The slow cooker juices add flavor back to the turkey. Thicken them for a quick glaze, or spoon them over the sliced meat before serving.

What to Serve With Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin

• For an easy Thanksgiving plate, serve crockpot turkey tenderloin with Keto Cranberry Sauce, Keto Green Bean Casserole, and Homemade Cornbread. It also goes well with Collard Greens with Bacon or Crockpot Fresh Green Beans with Bacon if you want a simple green side.
• For a bigger holiday meal, add Cornbread Dressing, Turkey Gravy, Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes, Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.
• For a lighter plate, use Mashed Cauliflower or Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.
• Need a different turkey option? Try Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin when you need it faster, Air Fryer Turkey Breast for crispy skin, Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast for another hands-off white meat option, or Baked Turkey Wings if you want dark meat.

How to Store Crock Pot Turkey Tenderloin

• Store leftover crockpot turkey tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To reheat it, add a little of the cooking juice, gravy, or broth so the turkey does not dry out. Warm it gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat.

FAQs

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