Cody Casey
Turkey tenderloin is a versatile dish that can be prepared in a crock pot or slow cooker for a family dinner or a small gathering. It is a convenient alternative to cooking an entire turkey, as it is a boneless, skinless strip of meat from the turkey breast that is easier to work with and prepare. The cooking time for turkey tenderloin in a crock pot can vary depending on the heat setting and the size of the tenderloin, but it typically takes around 2-4 hours on high heat and 4-8 hours on low heat. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure safe consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time on high heat | 2-3 hours |
| Cook time on low heat | 4-8 hours |
| Temperature | 160°F-165°F |
| Rest time | 5 minutes |
| Main ingredients | Turkey tenderloin, broth, butter, herbs, aromatics, olive oil |
| Herbs and spices | Rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, marjoram, red pepper flakes, paprika, dill |
| Side dishes | Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, salad, rice, green beans, cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey tenderloin crock pot cooking times
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless, skinless portion of the turkey. It is a thick, wide strip of meat from the inside of the turkey breast. It is a good alternative to cooking a whole turkey, especially for smaller gatherings.
To cook turkey tenderloin in a crock pot, you will need the following ingredients:
- Turkey tenderloins
- Olive oil
- Poultry rub (or a combination of basil, oregano, thyme, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
- Broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Butter
- Fresh herbs and aromatics (optional)
First, marinate the turkey tenderloins for at least an hour, or up to six hours. To do this, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, garlic, herbs, and seasonings in a large bowl. Place the tenderloins in a Ziploc bag with the marinade, cover, and refrigerate.
Next, add the poultry and marinade to the slow cooker. Pour broth over the meat and place the lid on the crock pot. Cook the turkey tenderloins on low for 6-8 hours, checking the temperature after 4 hours. The ideal internal temperature for the turkey is 165°F. To avoid overcooking, turn off the slow cooker when the internal temperature reaches 163°F.
Let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.
Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your tenderloins and the heat settings of your crock pot. If cooking on high heat, the turkey tenderloin will likely cook in about 2.5-3 hours.
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Preparing the marinade
Next, whisk the ingredients together in a large bowl until they are evenly combined. Take your time with this step to ensure that the marinade is consistent and well-mixed. Once combined, place the turkey tenderloins in a large Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and toss the contents to ensure that the meat is thoroughly coated.
You can then place the Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or up to six hours if you have the time. The longer you leave the tenderloins to marinate, the more intense the flavor will be. If you are able to leave the meat to marinate overnight, this is ideal. However, this step is optional, and your turkey will still be flavorful if you choose to cook it immediately after coating.
After marinating, remove the package from the refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker. This step will ensure that your slow cooker cooks the meat evenly.
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Adding flavour with herbs and aromatics
The slow cooking process enables herbs and aromatics to infuse the turkey tenderloin with flavour. To add flavour to your turkey tenderloin, you can use fresh herbs and aromatics such as rosemary, thyme, or savory sprigs, chopped onion, garlic, shallot, or leek. These ingredients will infuse the meat with flavour during the cooking process.
You can also use dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. If you don't have access to fresh or dried herbs, you can use a spice blend or an all-purpose seasoning. Alternatively, you can use a combination of basil, oregano, thyme, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
Another option is to create a marinade with olive oil, vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, garlic, herbs, and seasonings. Place the tenderloins in a Ziploc bag with the marinade and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to six hours. You can also pat the tenderloin dry and coat it with olive oil and spices before searing it in a skillet to lock in the juices and add flavour.
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Using a meat thermometer
To avoid overcooking, remove the turkey from the heat when the internal temperature reaches 163°F. The temperature will continue to rise a further 2-3 degrees as the meat rests. Allowing the meat to rest for 5 minutes will help the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender meat.
If you are cooking on high heat, the turkey should be done in about 2.5 hours. If cooking on low, it will be closer to 4 hours. However, cooking times can vary depending on the size of your tenderloins and the heat of your slow cooker, so it is important to check the temperature often to ensure your meat is cooked perfectly.
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Serving suggestions
Turkey tenderloin cooked in a crock pot is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany this juicy and tender main course:
Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with the turkey tenderloin. You can make them creamy by adding some butter and milk, or keep them simple with just salt and pepper. If you prefer roasted potatoes, try red potatoes or sweet potatoes. For a more indulgent option, you can also make au gratin potatoes.
Vegetables
Green beans are a popular choice to serve with turkey tenderloin. You can roast them with some garlic and olive oil, or make a green bean casserole. Other roasted vegetables such as butternut squash, broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts would also be delicious. For a lighter option, serve the turkey with a fresh salad.
Gravy and Sauce
Making a gravy to go with your tenderloin is a great way to add extra flavour and moisture to the dish. You can make a simple gravy by creating a roux with butter and flour, then adding in the cooking liquid from the crock pot. Alternatively, you can use cornstarch for a lighter option. Drizzle the gravy over the sliced turkey before serving. Cranberry sauce is another classic sauce to serve with turkey, balancing out the flavours of the dish.
Stuffing and Rolls
Stuffing is a traditional side dish for Thanksgiving and can be a great addition to your turkey tenderloin meal. Dinner rolls are also a good option, and you can even use leftover meat to make pull-apart dinner rolls!
Dessert
To finish off your meal, consider a sweet dessert option such as carrot pie or pumpkin custard pie, which complement the savoury flavours of the main course.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 2-3 hours to cook turkey tenderloin on a high setting and 4-6 hours on a low setting.
The turkey tenderloin is done when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Let the cooked turkey rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
This recipe makes two tenderloins, which will feed four people comfortably.
