Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Pork Tenderloin for Easy Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a bit of heat to this dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your barbecue sauce before pouring it over the pork.

This contrast between the sweetness of the honey and the spicy kick creates a more balanced flavor profile that many prefer. If you want a deeper, more savory flavor, you can also add a teaspoon of smoked paprika alongside the garlic powder.

If you find the sauce is too thin once the pork is cooked, you can carefully remove the meat and whisk the remaining sauce in the slow cooker with a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

Turn the slow cooker to high for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken into a glossy, rich consistency that coats the back of a spoon perfectly. This simple step can elevate the presentation and mouthfeel of the finished dish.

Variations

• Spicy Honey BBQ: Add two minced jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce before pouring it over the pork for a spicy, sweet, and tangy finish.
• Garlic Herb Pork: Swap the barbecue sauce for a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and fresh thyme, and increase the garlic powder to two teaspoons for a more savory, aromatic flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the cooked pork to cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing it in the refrigerator. When storing, keep some of the extra sauce in the container with the meat to prevent it from drying out during storage and subsequent reheating.

This dish is excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the ingredients and assemble them in the slow cooker insert, then store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply bring the insert to room temperature for 30 minutes before starting the cooking cycle to ensure even heat distribution.

Serving ideas

Serve the sliced honey BBQ pork medallions alongside a fresh, crisp salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the barbecue sauce.

The contrast of textures between the tender, saucy pork and crunchy vegetables provides a satisfying dining experience. You can also serve the pork over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed rice, which will soak up the extra sauce from the slow cooker.

For a more casual presentation, serve the medallions on toasted slider buns with a side of coleslaw. The crunch of the slaw pairs beautifully with the sweet, sticky barbecue sauce on the pork.

No matter how you serve it, ensure you drizzle a little of the extra sauce from the slow cooker over the medallions right before serving to keep the dish moist and visually appealing for your guests.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Pork Tenderloin for Easy Dinners

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

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork tenderloin
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup honey barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the pork tenderloins into the base of the slow cooker. Layer the sliced onions over the top of the meat to provide moisture and aromatics during the long, slow cooking process.
2. Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly over the onions and pork. Pour the honey barbecue sauce over the entire assembly, ensuring the meat is well-coated to allow the flavors to penetrate while it simmers.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), remove it from the cooker and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into medallions to serve.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

9 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

650 mg

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