How Long To Cook Turkey Tenderloin In Slow Cooker

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

When it comes to cooking turkey tenderloin, the slow cooker is a fantastic tool. Not only does it make the process incredibly easy and convenient, but it also allows the turkey tenderloin to cook to perfection, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.

Turkey tenderloin is a lean cut of meat that is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. It is lower in fat than other cuts of turkey, making it a healthy choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Plus, it is packed with protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to cook turkey tenderloin in a slow cooker. We will cover everything from preparing the tenderloin to checking the internal temperature to ensure it is cooked to perfection. So, tie on your apron and let’s get started!

Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients we need to cook turkey tenderloin in a slow cooker:

• 2 pounds of turkey tenderloin
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)

These simple ingredients are easy to find and will add incredible flavor to your turkey tenderloin. You can customize the seasoning to your taste preferences, adding additional herbs and spices if desired.

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the next step: preparing the turkey tenderloin!

Step 1: Preparing the Turkey Tenderloin

Before cooking the turkey tenderloin, it is essential to properly prepare it to ensure delicious results. Follow these steps:

1. Start by removing the turkey tenderloin from its packaging. Rinse it under cold water, patting it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
2. Using a sharp knife, trim any visible fat or silver skin from the tenderloin. This will help prevent the meat from becoming tough during the cooking process.
3. Once trimmed, place the turkey tenderloin on a clean cutting board and cut it into smaller pieces if desired. This will help the meat cook more evenly and make it easier to serve.
4. Transfer the prepared turkey tenderloin pieces to a plate or a clean container and set them aside while we move on to the next step: seasoning.

By properly preparing the turkey tenderloin, we ensure that it cooks evenly and results in a tender and flavorful dish. Now that our turkey is ready, let’s move on to step 2: seasoning the turkey tenderloin.

Step 2: Seasoning the Turkey Tenderloin

Seasoning is a crucial step in adding flavor to the turkey tenderloin. Here’s how you can season it to perfection:

1. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix them together to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the turkey tenderloin, ensuring that all sides are coated.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the turkey tenderloin, rubbing it into the meat to ensure it is well-coated.

By seasoning the turkey tenderloin, we add layers of flavor that will infuse into the meat as it cooks in the slow cooker. The combination of herbs and spices will create a tantalizing aroma and enhance the taste of the final dish.

With the turkey tenderloin seasoned and ready to go, let’s move on to the next step: setting up the slow cooker.

Step 3: Setting up the Slow Cooker

Now that the turkey tenderloin is seasoned and ready, it’s time to set up the slow cooker for cooking. Follow these steps:

1. Place the turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker, ensuring that it fits comfortably without being overcrowded.
2. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, surrounding the turkey tenderloin. The broth will help keep the meat moist during the cooking process.
3. Secure the lid on the slow cooker, ensuring that it is tightly sealed.

Setting up the slow cooker properly is essential for even cooking and retaining the moisture in the turkey tenderloin. The slow cooker creates a gentle and consistent heat that allows the meat to become tender and flavorful.

Now that the slow cooker is ready, let’s move on to step 4: cooking the turkey tenderloin.

Cook turkey tenderloin in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 4: Cooking the Turkey Tenderloin

With the slow cooker set up, it’s time to cook the turkey tenderloin to perfection. Follow these steps:

1. Turn on the slow cooker and set it to the desired cooking temperature. For turkey tenderloin, it is recommended to cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The longer cooking time on low heat will result in a more tender and juicy tenderloin.
2. Let the slow cooker do its magic and avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process. This helps to maintain a consistent temperature and ensures that the turkey tenderloin cooks evenly.

The slow cooker method allows the turkey tenderloin to slowly cook, resulting in a moist and tender texture. The gentle heat ensures that the flavors meld together and that the meat remains moist and juicy.

Now that the turkey tenderloin is cooking away, let’s move on to step 5: checking the internal temperature.

Step 5: Checking the Internal Temperature

Checking the internal temperature of the turkey tenderloin is crucial to ensure that it is cooked to perfection and safe to eat. Follow these steps:

1. About 30 minutes before the estimated cooking time is complete, start checking the internal temperature of the turkey tenderloin using a meat thermometer.
2. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin, being careful not to touch bone or the sides of the slow cooker.
3. The turkey tenderloin is considered safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures that any harmful bacteria are killed and that the meat is cooked thoroughly.

If the turkey tenderloin has not reached the desired internal temperature, continue cooking it in the slow cooker and check the temperature again after a short while. Remember not to rush the process as slow cooking helps to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

With the internal temperature checked and the turkey tenderloin cooked to perfection, it’s time to move on to step 6: resting and serving the turkey tenderloin.

Step 6: Resting and Serving the Turkey Tenderloin

After cooking the turkey tenderloin to the desired internal temperature, it’s important to let it rest before serving. Follow these steps:

1. Once the turkey tenderloin is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using tongs or a meat fork.
2. Transfer the turkey tenderloin to a cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will allow the meat to rest and retain its juices.
3. Let the turkey tenderloin rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

After resting, it’s time to slice and serve the turkey tenderloin. Use a sharp knife to slice the tenderloin into desired portions. Serve it as a main dish with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Enjoy the succulent and moist turkey tenderloin that you’ve cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. The flavors and aromas will delight your taste buds, leaving you and your guests satisfied and wanting more.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully cooked turkey tenderloin in a slow cooker. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the delectable goodness.

Continue experimenting with different seasonings and flavors to create unique variations of this delightful dish. Happy cooking!

Conclusion

Cooking turkey tenderloin in a slow cooker is a hassle-free and foolproof method that results in tender, juicy, and flavorful meat. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily prepare a delicious turkey tenderloin dish that will impress your family and guests.

The slow cooker allows the turkey tenderloin to gently cook over a longer period of time, resulting in perfectly cooked meat that is moist and tender. The combination of seasonings and the addition of chicken broth infuse the meat with incredible flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.

Remember to prepare the turkey tenderloin by trimming off excess fat, seasoning it generously, and setting up the slow cooker properly. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the tenderloin and the temperature setting used, so be sure to check the internal temperature for doneness.

Once the turkey tenderloin is cooked, allowing it to rest before slicing and serving is essential for maximizing its juiciness and flavor. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, the slow cooker method for turkey tenderloin is a winner. It’s a versatile and convenient way to enjoy this lean and delicious cut of meat without any fuss or stress.

So, why wait? Grab your slow cooker and start creating mouthwatering turkey tenderloin dishes that will make you the star of the kitchen!