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Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin: A Tender, Flavorful Dinner Made Easy

There’s something wonderfully comforting about coming home to the aroma of a slow-cooked dinner. Pork tenderloin is naturally tender and lean, and when paired with a flavorful sauce and a few simple ingredients, it can become an easy centerpiece for a family meal.

This slow cooker method keeps the preparation simple while giving the pork plenty of time to absorb the flavors around it. The key is to avoid overcooking the tenderloin, since it is a lean cut and can become dry if left in the slow cooker for too long.

Ingredients

1 to 1½ pounds pork tenderloin
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 small onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Pork

Remove the pork tenderloin from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim away any visible excess silver skin or tough connective tissue.

In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over every side of the pork.

2. Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the sliced onion across the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the minced garlic over the onions.

The onions create a flavorful base for the pork and help keep the meat from sitting directly against the bottom of the cooker.

3. Mix the Cooking Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.

The broth provides moisture, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness. Dijon mustard and vinegar provide acidity that helps balance the sauce and complement the pork.