Crockpot Sweet and Smoky Turkey Tenderloin Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly more intense flavor, you can sear the turkey tenderloins in a hot pan with a small amount of oil before placing them in the slow cooker.

This optional step adds a layer of complexity through the Maillard reaction, enhancing the savory notes of the meat. If you choose to sear, ensure the pan is very hot and the meat is dry before adding it to the oil.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the turkey once it is cooked and set it aside to rest. Pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat for several minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

This creates a concentrated glaze that can be drizzled over the sliced turkey right before serving for a professional, restaurant-quality presentation.

Variations

• Spicy Barbecue Turkey: Add a tablespoon of hot sauce or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce before pouring it over the turkey to introduce a pleasant heat that balances the sweetness.
• Honey Garlic Turkey: Substitute the barbecue seasoning and sauce with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic for a savory, sweet, and aromatic glaze that offers a different flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in the microwave or a covered pan with a splash of water until steaming hot throughout.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Ensure the meat is cooled to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing it in the fridge. Properly stored, the turkey will remain safe and flavorful for up to three days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.

This dish is ideal for preparing in advance. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and keep it in the refrigerator overnight, then simply place it into the cooker base and start the cooking process in the morning.

This saves time and allows the spices to marinate with the meat, potentially enhancing the overall depth of flavor in the final dish.

Serving ideas

Serve the sliced turkey tenderloin warm, ideally accompanied by a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the barbecue glaze.

The sweet and smoky profile pairs beautifully with hearty sides like corn on the cob or coleslaw, making it a versatile main course that fits well into a variety of meal themes.

Arrange the slices in an overlapping pattern on a platter, drizzling any remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the top for a polished look. Adding a garnish of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, can provide a pop of color that contrasts nicely with the dark, glossy glaze of the barbecue sauce, enhancing the visual appeal of the finished meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Sweet and Smoky Turkey Tenderloin

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs turkey tenderloins
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits
• 1 packet barbecue seasoning
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw turkey tenderloins into the bottom of the slow cooker insert, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the cooked bacon bits over the raw turkey. Sprinkle the barbecue seasoning evenly across the meat, then pour the barbecue sauce over the top to coat everything thoroughly.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the turkey, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

6 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

15 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.