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Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Crockpot Creamy Peppercorn Turkey Tenderloin Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Creamy peppercorn turkey tenderloin in a slow cooker with onions and sauce.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
4
Includes 5 min resting

Tips for success

If you prefer a more refined sauce, you can remove the cooked turkey once it reaches 165°F (74°C), then whisk the sauce in the slow cooker with a splash of heavy cream before serving. This will create an even richer, more luxurious mouthfeel. Be sure to slice the turkey against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness in every single bite you serve.

To add a touch of brightness to the final dish, you can garnish the plated turkey with a small amount of freshly chopped parsley or chives.

While not strictly necessary for the flavor profile, it provides a nice visual contrast to the creamy white sauce and the tender meat. Always serve the turkey with a generous ladle of the sauce from the bottom of the cooker.

Variations

  • Mushroom Peppercorn: Add one cup of sliced fresh cremini mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken base.
  • Herb-Infused Turkey: Stir in one teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary when adding the garlic powder to provide a fragrant, woody depth to the finished sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the meat and sauce are cooled down within 2 hours before refrigerating.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat
Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the turkey and sauce are cooled to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking before placing them in the fridge.

For longer storage, you can freeze the turkey and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, though the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly upon thawing.

You can prepare the sauce mixture of soup, broth, and seasonings the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the turkey in the slow cooker, add the onions, and pour the prepared sauce over the top.

This allows you to start the meal immediately without any extra prep time, making it a perfect strategy for busy work days.

Serving ideas

This creamy turkey tenderloin pairs beautifully with simple sides that can soak up the extra sauce. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed white rice, or even buttered egg noodles.

The mild flavor of these starches complements the savory peppercorn sauce without overpowering the delicate taste of the turkey tenderloin itself.

Serve the turkey alongside a portion of roasted green vegetables like asparagus or steamed broccoli. The crisp, clean flavor of the vegetables provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the creamy sauce. If you prefer a lighter side, a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette also works well to cut through the creaminess of the main dish.

Frequently asked questions

Can this be made with turkey breast cutlets instead of tenderloins?
Turkey breast cutlets are much thinner than tenderloins and will cook significantly faster. If using cutlets, reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat. Check the internal temperature after 2 hours to ensure they do not exceed the safe limit.
Why does the sauce look separated after cooking?
The sauce may appear slightly separated if the slow cooker runs too hot or if the cooking time is too long. To fix this, briefly whisk the sauce vigorously before serving to re-emulsify the fats and liquids. Using a lower heat setting and ensuring the tenderloins are covered in liquid helps maintain a stable, creamy consistency.
Is it necessary to brown the turkey before putting it in the slow cooker?
Browning is not required for this recipe, as the slow cooking method effectively braises the turkey in the creamy sauce. Skipping the browning step saves time and keeps the process simple. The turkey will develop a soft, tender texture that is characteristic of this slow-cooked preparation, which is the intended result for this dish.
Recipe card

Crockpot Creamy Peppercorn Turkey Tenderloin

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4
Creamy peppercorn turkey tenderloin in a slow cooker with onions and sauce.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb turkey breast tenderloins
  • 1 cup sliced onions
  • 1 tsp cracked black peppercorns
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Place the turkey tenderloins into the ceramic insert of your slow cooker. Distribute the sliced onions evenly over the top of the turkey pieces.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth. Sprinkle the cracked black pepper and garlic powder over the turkey, then pour the cream mixture over the top.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the turkey is cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Let the turkey rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving with the warm sauce.
Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
320
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
14 g
Fiber
1 g
Sugar
3 g
Sodium
780 mg
Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.
Recipe by Clara Weller (pen name) · Allquickyrecipes · https://recipes.allquickyrecipes.com/crockpot-creamy-peppercorn-turkey-tenderloin/part-3