Optional Gravy
For a thicker sauce to spoon over the pork:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
1. Prepare the Pork
Remove the pork tenderloin from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick to the surface.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork.
2. Sear the Tenderloin
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the seasoned pork and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning until several sides are nicely browned.
This step is optional, but it adds a deeper roasted flavor and gives the finished pork a more appetizing exterior.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the seared pork tenderloin in the slow cooker.
In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, honey, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, thyme, and black pepper.
Pour the mixture around and over the pork.
4. Cook Slowly
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for approximately 2½–4 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the tenderloin and the performance of your slow cooker.
Pork tenderloin is lean, so avoid cooking it for an unnecessarily long period.
The safest way to determine when it’s done is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. Cook the pork tenderloin to 145°F (63°C), then allow it to rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing.
5. Rest the Pork
Once the pork reaches the proper internal temperature, carefully remove it from the slow cooker.
Place it on a cutting board and loosely cover it with foil.
Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Resting gives the juices time to redistribute so they don’t immediately run out when you cut into the meat.
6. Make the Sauce Thicker
If you’d like a thicker gravy, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan.
Mix the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until smooth.
Bring the cooking liquid to a gentle simmer, then whisk in the cornstarch mixture.
Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Slice and Serve
Cut the rested pork into slices and arrange them on a serving platter.
Spoon the warm sauce over the top, or serve it alongside the pork so everyone can add as much as they like.
A little chopped fresh parsley makes a simple finishing touch.
Tips for Tender Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Don’t Confuse Tenderloin With Pork Loin
They’re different cuts.
Pork tenderloin is a smaller, narrow, very lean cut that cooks relatively quickly. A large pork loin roast requires a different cooking approach and significantly more time.
Don’t Overcook It
Because tenderloin contains very little fat, prolonged cooking can make it dry.
Use an instant-read thermometer rather than relying solely on the clock.
Searing Is Worth the Extra Few Minutes
The slow cooker will cook the pork beautifully, but browning it first develops additional flavor and creates a more attractive exterior.
Let the Pork Rest
Don’t skip this little step. A few minutes of resting can help keep the sliced pork noticeably juicier.
Slice Against the Grain
Look at the direction of the muscle fibers and cut across them rather than parallel to them. This helps produce more tender slices.
Easy Variations
Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin
Replace part of the broth with apple cider and add thinly sliced apples to the slow cooker. The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with pork.
Garlic Herb Pork
Skip the honey and increase the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley for a more savory flavor profile.
Maple Dijon Pork
Replace the honey with pure maple syrup for a slightly deeper sweetness.
Mushroom Pork Tenderloin
Add sliced mushrooms during cooking and use the flavorful cooking liquid as the base for a simple mushroom gravy.
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a little cayenne to the seasoning mixture.
What to Serve With Pork Tenderloin
This pork is incredibly versatile, so you can build the meal around whatever sounds good.
Classic Comfort Food
Serve it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered green beans
- Glazed carrots
- Dinner rolls
Lighter Dinner
Try:
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Green salad
- Cauliflower mash
Cozy Sunday Supper
For a hearty meal, serve slices of pork with mashed potatoes and plenty of savory sauce spooned over everything.
Don’t forget some crusty bread for soaking up the leftover gravy.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the pork to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate leftovers and use them within 3–4 days.
