Whether you need a hands‑off holiday dinner or a set-it-and-forget-it entrée, slow cooker turkey tenderloin is the solution! Get juicy and tender results every time without worrying about it drying out. Serve delicious slices topped with savory garlic butter sauce made alongside the meat.

closeup of green dinner plate containing sliced turkey breast, mashed potatoes and green beans, with slow cooker in the background

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What is turkey tenderloin?

Turkey tenderloin is a cut of meat located underneath the turkey breast. Tenderloin is a muscle that is less-used than the breast, which makes it less tough and super tender. Because it is a smaller cut of meat, most packages at the store sell two tenderloins together.

Tenderloins are frequently sold preseasoned or marinated and ready to cook, but you can also select unseasoned tenderloins to cook and serve with gravy or sauce.

What’s To Love About This Recipe

This is a simple method to prepare the juiciest slices of turkey tenderloin you can get! The slow cooker is the best way to make tenderloin so that it doesn’t dry out and get tough.
The tenderloin is seasoned with a light Cajun rub balanced with herbs for extra flavor. With butter and garlic, you’ll get the most delicious garlic butter sauce right in the slow cooker to drizzle on top of the slices before serving.
Juicy slices of tenderloin are a versatile protein option to serve with any veggies or carbs. Mashed potatoes or noodles on your plate are other great choices to soak up extra buttery sauce!
If you need something on the faster side, but still want to use your slow cooker, this recipe can work in just a few hours. Start in the afternoon and serve a delicious, slow-cooked meal for dinner.

Ingredients Needed

Turkey tenderloin – Tenderloins are usually sold in packs of two, and you can fit them side by side in an oval slow cooker. Tenderloins are as expected – lean and tender! They slow-cook well with broth and seasonings to prevent drying out.
Butter – Butter adds flavor to the tenderloin and, combined with the broth, creates the delicious sauce to spoon over slices when serving. Use unsalted butter for the best control over the seasoning.
Cajun seasoning – Cajun flavors bring a nice blend of smoky spice to the tenderloin! Choose a mild, low-sodium blend to balance the other spices. Use my Homemade Cajun Seasoning and make adjustments as needed, or find a store-brand that you love.
Dried thyme and dried parsley – These herbs provide a classic, savory balance to the Cajun spices.
Garlic powder and onion powder – Together, these add a more robust flavor to the meat and combine well with the herbs and Cajun blend.
Salt – This is an optional addition, depending on how much salt you include with the butter, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth. I suggest adding a little extra to the sauce in the slow cooker just before serving.
Garlic – Jarred minced garlic is a convenience for prep time, but fresh works just as well.
Chicken broth – Low-sodium chicken broth is preferred to balance the overall saltiness of the dish. You can also swap the broth with turkey or vegetable broth if you like.

ingredients to include white platter with 2 pieces of turkey breast, glass measuring cup of chicken broth, bowl of minced garlic, black plate with butter, platter with seasonings

How To Make Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin

In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt (if needed).

glass bowl with seasonings and wooden handled spatula on side

Add butter, broth, minced garlic, and turkey to the slow cooker and sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the top of the tenderloin.

overhead view of black slow cooker with all ingredients

Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours until turkey reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 ℉. (I like to cook it longer to fall-apart tender.)

overhead view of black slow cooker containing slow cooked turkey breast on a mat surrounded by bowls of green beans, potatoes and 2 forks

Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

wooden cutting board on cloth mat with one sliced turkey breast and one not yet cut with a knife on the side

side view of sliced turkey breast on a wooden cutting board

Spoon garlic butter sauce from the slow cooker over the slices to serve.

overhead view of light green plate on a mat containing sliced turkey breast, mashed potatoes and green bean, salt and pepper shakers, two forks and slow cooker in background

Pro Tips

Defrost the tenderloins first if needed so they reach accurate temperatures in the allotted cooking time.
Use a meat thermometer and remove the turkey when it reaches 165 ℉ to prevent drying out.
Let the turkey rest for up to 15 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
Use mild Cajun seasoning for less spice, or hot Cajun for more heat.
For extra flavor, brown the turkey in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, using 1 tablespoon of olive oil, before adding it to the slow cooker.
If you want a thicker sauce, remove the turkey after cooking and whisk a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water into the sauce. Heat on high for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Use a larger slow cooker so the broth does not completely cover the turkey, and allow the seasoning to stick to the meat.
Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the turkey just before serving for maximum flavor.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Swap turkey tenderloin for boneless turkey breast (and adjust cooking time as needed – or see my recipe for Slow Cooker Turkey Breast.)
Try other seasoning blends like lemon pepper, Italian, or a Homemade Garlic and Herb Seasoning blend.
Replace butter with ghee for a lactose-free option.
Add baby potatoes or green beans to the slow cooker along with the tenderloin for a one-pot meal.
Use low-sodium or regular chicken broth as preferred.

Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin

Short(er) on time? Make the tenderloin in the Instant Pot for results that are just as juicy!

Season the tenderloin and add it with butter, broth, and minced garlic to the Instant Pot as directed.
Cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes with a quick pressure release at the end.
Remove the tenderloin from the Instant Pot and let it rest before slicing. Spoon garlic butter sauce over slices and serve.

You may need to cut the tenderloin pieces in half lengthwise to fit them in the Instant Pot.

How To Serve Turkey Tenderloin

Whether it’s a fancy holiday dinner or another weeknight, turkey tenderloin is a simple, delicious choice that works with plenty of favorite sides. Serve with:

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
How To Make The Perfect Slow Cooker Rice
Sautéed Carrots with Honey
Slow Cooker Gratin Potatoes
Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
Fresh salads, a slice of bread or dinner roll, and more!

The leftovers are just as delicious the next day. Slice or chop up the tenderloin and repurpose it into:

Hearty turkey wraps
Sandwiches with mustard or cranberry sauce
Grain bowls with Roasted Fall Vegetables
or chopped into soups with potatoes and other veggies!

closeup view of sliced turkey breast on green plate with mashed potatoes and green beans on the side

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store leftover tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap sliced tenderloin tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat gently in the oven at 300 ℉ or in the microwave at 50% power until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth as needed.