Turkey Tenderloin – Crock Pot Recipe

Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin recipe is the perfect easy meal whether you’re hoping to make a special meal at Thanksgiving or a quick, cozy and delicious meal mid-week. The slow cooking process allows the flavors of the herbs to develop and blend together, while the tightly sealed lid traps moisture and steam to keep the turkey tender, juicy, and flavorful.

this Recipe

Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin – The EASY Way!

Turkey tenderloin is a cut of meat that is very lean, tender and delcious and most people haven’t ever cooked with it. If you are one of those people, you’re going to wonder why you waited as long as you did!

A set it and forget it recipe is just what this crockpot turkey tenderloin and potatoes meal is. It is delicious and satisfying due to the slow cooking process, moisture retention, combination of spices and herbs that marinade together, and easy preparation. It’s hard to believe that in just a few hours you’ll be plating a meal that looks like you were working in the kitchen all day!

Turkey tenderloin has the same flavor as turkey breast, but is even juicier, extra tender and very flavorful! The flavor and aroma make this a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. And once you slice up this yumminess, you’ll also have a beautiful centerpiece on your dinner table!

If you need a quicker version, make sure to check out our Oven Roasted Turkey Tenderloin!

Why I LOVE this recipe!

• Easy preparation: Simply add the ingredients to the crockpot and let it do the work.
• Versatile: You can customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices to suit your tastes.
• Family-friendly: Slow cooker turkey tenderloin is a great option for feeding a crowd, and it’s usually a hit with kids because it’s so flavorful, juicy and tender.
• Leftovers: Crockpot turkey tenderloin is also great for leftovers, which can be used in sandwiches, salads, or other meals throughout the week.

What is Turkey Tenderloin

Turkey Tenderloin is a boneless, skinless portion of the turkey breast. It is the same cut on a turkey as a chicken tender is on a chicken, only larger due to the size of the bird. Turkey tenderloin is known to be lean and tender and is quick and delicious, so it is great for any day of the week, but can make a great substitute to cooking a whole turkey for Thanksgiving or holiday meals as well.

Recipe Notes

This crockpot Turkey Tenderloin recipe is as simple as promised! Just a few ingredients and a slow cooker for a family friendly meal.

In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use when making this recipe to get the absolute best and most delicious results.

Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.

Ingredients + Substitutions

• Turkey tenderloins – these can be found in the turkey section of the meat department. Generally I have found them both in Butterball and Jenni-o brand. The package generally will have 2 tenderloins and be slightly larger than a chicken breast.
  
• Baby creamer potatoes – I highly suggest using baby potatoes. If you must use larger potatoes, you will need to cut them smaller so that they cook all the way through.
  
• Butter – Just cut it up into 3-4 slices. You can use salted or unsalted. Whatever you keep on hand is fine!
  
• Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika – These spices are all important for a signature, holiday turkey flavor. The paprika is especially important because not only does it provide a wonderful flavor, but it gives the tenderloin a beautiful color.
  
• Spices– Thyme leaves, oregano, salt and pepper – these flavor the turkey tenderloin perfectly so I wouldn’t substitute any of these.

Recipe Tips

1. Turkey Breast Tenderloin — Because this cut is so lean we only cook as long as needed. So it is not an all day slow cooker meal. Set to cook low for 2.5 hours or high for 3.5. Time will vary depending on turkey thickness and crockpot size.  Using a meat thermometer will insure that you don’t overcook your turkey.
   • Once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, you’ll know it’s ready to take out and slice up or shred.
     
2. Baby Potatoes —This is important. If they aren’t small, you have to 1/4 or even 1/8th them otherwise they won’t cooked through all the way.
   • Cut baby potatoes in half and place on bottom of your crock pot, place your seasoned turkey over them, and then add your pats of butter on top of the turkey
     
3. How long to cook turkey tenderloin in the crock pot– I recommend cooking turkey tenderloin for about 3 hours on high in a slow cooker. Since turkey tenderloin is a lean white meat, it is best to err on the shorter side of the cooking range because lean meats can get tough or chewy when cooked too long in a slow cooker.

Recipe Variations

If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!

• Add Vegetables – If you want to make a complete meal in the crockpot, add some vegetables to the pot along with the turkey tenderloin. Carrots and onions are all great options that will complement the flavor of the turkey.
  
• Butternut Squash – Instead of potatoes, swap them out with butternut squash.
  
• Add liquid – To keep the tenderloin EXTRA moist and tender, add some liquid to the crockpot. A good liquid to use would be chicken broth. Just be sure to add enough liquid to cover the turkey tenderloin completely.
  
• Add some tanginess – 1/2 cup apple cider, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Mix in a small bowl and then pour the apple cider mixture over the turkey tenderloin, making sure it is evenly coated and set it and forget it.
  
• Spice it up – Mix together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp sriracha sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 cloves minced garlic to make a sweet and spicy glaze. Brush the glaze over the turkey tenderloin during the last hour of cooking to add some flavor and heat. Once you slice your turkey, pour the remaining sauce on top.

Freezer Meal Instructions

Making this Crockpot Chicken Tenderloin and Potatoes recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.

1. Make crockpot turkey tenderloin as directed.
2. Allow to cool to room temperature.
3. Package the tenderloin and potatoes into meal sized quantities in a freezer bag or freezer friendly container.
4. Freeze.
5. When ready to use, thaw the turkey and potatoes 24-48 hours in the refrigerator.

Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin and Potatoes Leftovers

If you have leftovers after making crockpot turkey tenderloin, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.

To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:

• in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
• in the freezer up to a month

Leftover Recipes

Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!

• Turkey and Bean Soup – Take your leftover turkey and potatoes and just add to this delicious and hearty soup.
• Turkey and Potato Tacos – Shred the leftover turkey and reheat it with the potatoes in a skillet with taco seasoning. Serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.
• Turkey and Potato Salad – Cut the leftover turkey and potatoes into bite-sized pieces and toss them with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing for a healthy and satisfying salad.
• Turkey Gravy and Potatoes – Make your favorite gravy and simply pour over your turkey and potatoes.
• Turkey and Wild Rice Soup – Not only is this a tasty way to makeover your turkey, but this is also a budget friendly recipe.

Meal Prep

To slice and use this Turkey Tenderloin for meal prep, place the turkey breast tenderloin in the freezer for about 2-3 hours. Once it is firm and starting to freeze, use a knife to thinly slice the turkey. The turkey can then be frozen, or put in the fridge and used as lunch meat or paired with sides for meal prep meals.

More Hearty Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!

You can check out all of my Easy Family Recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.

• Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey
• Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast
• Easy Crockpot Chili
• Crockpot Honey BBQ Meatballs