If you’re looking for a dish that blends sweet, savory, and a hint of spice all in one easy meal, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe is an absolute winner. The tender pork soaks up a luscious honey garlic sauce, slow-cooked to perfection, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels both comforting and special every single time.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Effortless slow cooking: Toss everything into your crockpot and let it work its magic, freeing up your time for other things.
Perfectly balanced flavors: The harmony of honey’s sweetness, garlic’s punch, and a subtle spicy kick makes this pork truly crave-worthy.
Juicy, tender pork: Slow cooking ensures the pork tenderloin stays moist and succulent, not dry or tough.
Versatile for any night: This recipe shines on busy weeknights but is elegant enough for guests and special occasions.
Ingredients & Substitutions
At the heart of this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe are simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component adds something special—honey lends sweetness and stickiness, garlic amps up the savoriness, and the broth and soy sauce create a rich and tangy base that brings it all to life.
- Pork tenderloin: This lean, tender cut cooks evenly and remains juicy—perfect for slow cooking.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible glaze.
- Minced garlic: Gives an aromatic depth and savory punch to the sauce.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Balances the sweetness with a gentle saltiness without overpowering the dish.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and adds subtle savory flavor; water can be a budget-friendly substitute.
- Corn starch: Thickens the sauce, giving it that perfect glaze consistency.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness and balances sweetness with a mild tang.
- Red pepper flakes: Offers just a hint of heat to keep things exciting.
- Seasoning salt & salt: Enhances and rounds out all flavors beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Pork
Start by lightly greasing your slow cooker to prevent sticking, then add the trimmed pork tenderloin, cut in half if needed to fit. Generously season it all over with seasoning salt to build that foundational flavor before cooking.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, low sodium chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, corn starch, apple cider vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes until smooth. This mixture will become a luscious sauce that slowly infuses the pork with incredible flavor.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Pour the honey garlic sauce around the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker, making sure not to wash off the seasoning. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours (or high for 1.5-2 hours) until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. This gentle cooking method locks in juiciness and tenderness.
Step 4: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the pork rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Serve the sliced pork drizzled with that gorgeous honey garlic sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions add a pop of color and bright flavor that complements the richness of the sauce. Sesame seeds sprinkled on top add a subtle nutty crunch, which really elevates the dish’s texture.
Side Dishes
This pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce, steamed vegetables for freshness, or even a simple jasmine rice pilaf to balance the sweet and savory flavors. Roasted carrots or green beans also make fantastic accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feel, slice the pork and arrange it on a platter, drizzling the sauce over generously and sprinkling garnishes on top. Alternatively, try serving this tenderloin atop a bed of garlic butter noodles or alongside a fresh garden salad for a light yet satisfying twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Make sure to keep the sauce included to prevent the meat from drying out and to keep those flavors vibrant.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Once cooled, place leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 4-6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat your pork tenderloin gently to avoid drying it out. The microwave works fine for quick meals, but warming in the oven at a low temperature or on the stovetop with a splash of broth will keep the meat tender and the sauce luscious.
FAQs
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Can I use pork loin instead of pork tenderloin in this recipe?
You can use pork loin, but keep in mind it’s larger and leaner than tenderloin, so it requires longer cooking. It’s best to cook the pork loin on low for several hours before adding the sauce to prevent burning the sugar content and to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
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How do I know when the pork tenderloin is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 140°F. After removing it, allow it to rest for 10 minutes—the temperature will rise a bit more, giving you juicy, perfectly cooked pork.
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Can I make the sauce thicker?
Absolutely! If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can whisk a little extra cornstarch mixed with water into the sauce once the pork is cooked and simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Is it possible to prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe by searing the pork in a skillet and then simmering it gently in the honey garlic sauce on the stove or finishing it off in the oven, but the slow cooker definitely makes it easier and ensures tender, flavorful results.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe really is a gem—a fuss-free, tasty dish that feels like a treat but comes together with ease. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving it again and again!
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring tender pork infused with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and delivers juicy, flavorful pork every time.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pork tenderloin (trimmed, silver skin removed — 1–1¼ lbs, cut in half crosswise to fit)
Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛–¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce
- ⅔ cup honey
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth (or substitute water)
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1½ tablespoons corn starch
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Lightly grease a 3-4 quart slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Season Pork: Place the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker and season all over with ½ teaspoon seasoning salt evenly to enhance the flavor.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, low sodium chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, corn starch, apple cider vinegar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
- Add Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce around the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker. Avoid pouring directly over the top to keep some seasoning on the meat surface.
- Cook Pork: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork reads at least 140°F, ensuring the pork is safely cooked yet tender and juicy.
- Rest the Meat: Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the pork tenderloin rest in the cooker, covered, for 10 minutes. This resting period helps retain juices within the meat.
- Serve: Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and serve with the sauce from the slow cooker spooned over top for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook: Since pork tenderloin is lean, it can dry out quickly. Remove the pork as soon as it reaches 140-145ºF to keep it juicy.
- Pork Loin Variation: This recipe is for pork tenderloin, not pork loin. Pork loin is larger and requires longer cooking—4-5 hours on low without sauce, then add sauce to prevent burning.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 4-6 months. Thaw overnight before reheating in a microwave or oven until warmed through.
