Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Turkey Tenderloin Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, consider toasting the cinnamon briefly before adding it to the slow cooker, or use a cinnamon stick instead of ground cinnamon for a more subtle, woody aroma.

If you enjoy a bit of texture, you can garnish the finished dish with a few toasted walnuts or pecans just before serving, which adds a pleasant crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft apples and tender turkey.

If you find that the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can carefully remove the turkey and apples, then set the slow cooker to its highest setting to reduce the liquid for a few minutes.

Alternatively, a small amount of cornstarch slurry can be whisked into the hot liquid to thicken it into a more substantial glaze that clings beautifully to the sliced turkey medallions.

Variations

• Savory Herb Turkey: Replace the cinnamon and brown sugar with a tablespoon of dried thyme, rosemary, and sage. Add a minced clove of garlic for a savory, aromatic twist that pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes.
• Spicy Apple Turkey: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the apple cider mixture. This provides a subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness of the apples.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Ensure it is refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of cider if needed.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the best quality, consume the turkey within three days. When storing, try to keep the turkey submerged in some of the cooking liquid to prevent the meat from drying out further while it sits in the cold environment of the refrigerator.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, gently reheat the turkey and apples together, adding a splash of water or cider if the sauce appears too thick or has been absorbed by the meat.

Serving ideas

Serve the sliced turkey medallions on warm plates, topped generously with the spiced apples and a drizzle of the cooking liquid. This dish pairs exceptionally well with simple, mild side dishes that allow the sweet and savory flavors of the turkey and apples to take center stage.

Consider serving it alongside roasted root vegetables, a light green salad, or a portion of steamed wild rice to complete the meal.

The presentation is elevated when the turkey is sliced into even medallions and arranged neatly on the plate. Spoon the warm, glossy apple mixture over the meat just before serving to ensure the dish looks inviting and stays warm.

If desired, a light sprinkling of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a pop of color and a fresh note that balances the sweetness of the cinnamon and cider.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Turkey Tenderloin

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb turkey tenderloins
• 2 medium apples, sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup apple cider

Instructions

1. Place the raw turkey tenderloins at the bottom of the slow cooker vessel. Ensure the meat is arranged in an even layer to promote consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Distribute the sliced apples evenly over the top of the turkey. Sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the apples, then pour the apple cider over the entire mixture.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the turkey and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing into medallions to serve with the cooked apples.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

4.5 g

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