If you need a no-fuss, melt-in-your-mouth dinner, this slow cooker pork tenderloin is a game-changer. It’s juicy, tender, and packed with flavor—plus, the slow cooker does all the work! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you just want something comforting with minimal effort. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even on a sandwich. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening sauce)
- 1 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
Pro Tips
- Sear for Extra Flavor – If you have a few extra minutes, sear the pork in a hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker. It adds a nice crust and extra depth of flavor.
- Don’t Overcook – Pork tenderloin is a lean cut, so keep an eye on the cooking time to keep it juicy. 6 hours on low is perfect.
- Use a Meat Thermometer – It should reach 145°F inside for the perfect tenderness.
- Let it Rest – After cooking, let the pork sit for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices don’t run out.
- Make it a Meal – Throw some baby potatoes or carrots in the slow cooker with the pork for an easy one-pot dinner!
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife & cutting board
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap the sweetener – Use maple syrup instead of honey or brown sugar for a different flavor.
- Change the broth – Beef broth works well instead of chicken for a richer taste.
- Add some heat – A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives it a little kick.
- Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a velvety sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix the sauce ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just pour it over the pork and start the slow cooker!
How to Make It
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it, making sure it’s well coated.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the pork reaches 145°F inside.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the pork and let it rest. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water. Stir into the slow cooker sauce and cook on high for 5 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Slice the tenderloin, drizzle with the thickened sauce, and enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—fall-apart tender pork tenderloin with almost no effort! Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it out and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Happy cooking! 🍽️💛
