Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Turkey Tenderloin Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the turkey tenderloins in a hot pan with a small amount of oil for one minute on each side before placing them into the slow cooker. This adds a layer of caramelization that complements the honey glaze. However, this is entirely optional and not required for a delicious, tender result if you are short on time.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the turkey once cooked and pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat until it reduces to a syrupy consistency, then drizzle this concentrated sauce over the sliced turkey before serving.

This simple step adds an extra dimension of texture and intensity to the final dish, making the presentation feel more polished and professional.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Mustard: Add one teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the glaze mixture to introduce a gentle heat that cuts through the sweetness of the honey.
• Herbed Turkey: Incorporate one teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary into the glaze. These woody herbs provide an aromatic depth that complements the natural flavor of the turkey perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep 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.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps prevent bacterial growth. Once cooled, store the turkey and the remaining glaze together in the container to keep the meat from drying out.

Properly stored, the turkey will maintain its quality for up to three days in the refrigerator. Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to keep the meat fresh and prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.

This dish is excellent for make-ahead meals. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the insert into the base and start the cooking process.

This saves valuable time on busy days while ensuring you have a hot, home-cooked meal ready by dinnertime without any last-minute preparation or stress in the kitchen.

Serving ideas

Serve this honey mustard turkey alongside simple sides that can soak up the delicious glaze. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad work beautifully to balance the sweetness of the honey.

The tender meat pairs exceptionally well with grains like quinoa or rice, which can also be topped with the extra sauce from the slow cooker to ensure no flavor is wasted during the meal.

When presenting the dish, arrange the sliced turkey in an overlapping pattern on a warm platter to showcase its glistening glaze. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired for a pop of color. Serving the dish while it is still warm is essential for the best texture, as the honey glaze can become slightly sticky if it cools down too much before it reaches the table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Turkey Tenderloin

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

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb turkey tenderloin
• 1/4 cup mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup honey

Instructions

1. Place the raw turkey tenderloins into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure they are laid out in a single layer to promote even cooking throughout the process.
2. Add the mustard, garlic powder, and honey directly over the turkey tenderloins in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to distribute the ingredients as evenly as possible over the meat.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked meat to a cutting board and let the meat rest at least 3 minutes before carving into slices.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

6 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

16 g

Sodium

350 mg

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