Name: Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 lb); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 2 teaspoons corn starch

If you’re on the hunt for an effortless dinner that feels special and tastes absolutely divine, this Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe is a total game changer. I love this recipe because it combines the juiciest pork tenderloin with a sweet and tangy honey balsamic glaze that practically melts in your mouth, all done in the slow cooker to make your life easier. Stick around because I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to nail this delicious, hands-off meal every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Hands-Off: Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and forget about it until dinnertime.
Flavor-Packed: The garlic herb rub combined with the honey balsamic glaze creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking gently locks in moisture for melt-in-your-mouth pork.
Versatile: Pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

The image shows two rows of sliced meat, each piece coated with shiny brown sauce, arranged neatly inside a white slow cooker. The meat slices have a brown outer edge and a light beige inside, with green herb bits sprinkled on top. The sauce pools around the meat, creating a rich, glossy surface that covers the bottom of the cooker. The cooker sits on a white marbled surface, and there is some green leafy garnish blurred in the background at the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor without fuss. Let’s look at what you’ll need and why each plays its part so well.

Pork Tenderloin: Choose a fresh, solid piece around 1 pound; trimming any silver skin helps it absorb the rub better.
Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, savory punch without overpowering the pork’s natural flavor.
Dried Parsley: A touch of grassy freshness that brightens the rub.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and helping to tenderize the meat.
Black Pepper: Gives a mild kick and depth to the seasoning blend.
Onion Powder: Contributes a subtle sweetness and umami complexity.
Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and beautiful color to the crust.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the glaze light while building savory flavor in the slow cooker.
Balsamic Vinegar: The star of the glaze—tangy and slightly sweet for perfect balance.
Honey: Brings that luscious sweetness that caramelizes during cooking.
Ketchup: Adds depth, a hint of tomato sweetness, and helps thicken the glaze.
Corn Starch: Essential for thickening the sauce once it’s cooked.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe is flexible enough to suit a variety of tastes and needs. Over time, I’ve tweaked it a bit to keep things fresh and cater to what’s in my pantry or who I’m cooking for.

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the garlic herb rub for a subtle heat that wakes up the glaze beautifully.
Herb Swap: Fresh rosemary or thyme works great in place of dried parsley if you want a more woodsy aroma.
Lower Sugar Option: You can reduce the honey amount slightly or swap it with maple syrup for a different but still delicious sweetness.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free ketchup and cornstarch to keep this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive folks.

How to Make Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Tenderloin

If your pork tenderloin is longer than your slow cooker, cut it in half crosswise so it fits comfortably. This is a little trick I discovered when my tenderloin wouldn’t sit right—it just cooks more evenly this way. No trimming? No worries, just adjust the cook time slightly and make sure it fits snugly.

Step 2: Make the Herb Rub and Coat the Pork

In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Rub this seasoning all over the tenderloin. I find that pressing it in gently with your fingers helps that flavor really stick. Place the pork right into your slow cooker—no need for extra oil; the glaze does the work.

Step 3: Whisk and Pour the Glaze

Combine the chicken broth, honey, balsamic vinegar, ketchup, and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Whisk it thoroughly until smooth—that corn starch starts thickening the sauce as it cooks, so make sure it’s fully dissolved. Pour this over the pork in the slow cooker, letting it mingle with the rub on the meat.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, or on low for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin hits 150-160°F. I always use a thermometer because it guarantees a juicy, not dry, result—trust me, I learned that the hard way! Once cooked, transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Optional Sauce Thickening

If your glaze feels a little thin (it happens sometimes depending on your slow cooker and timing), strain the liquid from the slow cooker into a small pot. Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until thickened to your liking. This step amps up the glossy, luscious finish that this glazed pork deserves.

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Pro Tips for Making Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best way I’ve found to keep the pork tender and not turn it dry—check it around the 90-minute mark on high to avoid overcooking.
Cut Into Even Pieces: If your tenderloin is too long for your slow cooker, cutting it in half ensures it cooks evenly and the glaze coats every bite.
Let It Rest: Always rest the pork for about 5 minutes after cooking; the juices redistribute and make slicing easier and juicier.
Don’t Skip the Glaze Thickening: Thickening the sauce after cooking makes the dish feel restaurant-worthy and helps the glaze stick perfectly to each slice.

How to Serve Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe

The image shows two rows of sliced meat arranged side by side inside a white oval cooker. Each piece of meat is covered in a shiny brown sauce that pools around the meat inside the cooker. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top of the sauce and meat, adding color contrast. The white edges of the cooker frame the warm colors of the meat and sauce. The background features a white marbled texture with a small bunch of green parsley in the upper left corner and a folded blue cloth partially visible at the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish this pork tenderloin with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even some thinly sliced green onions to add a pop of color and a burst of mild freshness that complements the glaze wonderfully. Sometimes a few sesame seeds add a fun twist and texture, especially if you want to give it a slightly Asian-inspired vibe.

Side Dishes

This glazed pork tenderloin pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes—my family’s favorite—or buttery garlic rice to soak up all that luscious sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or carrots also work beautifully to round out the plate. And on busier nights, a simple side salad brings fresh crunch without added effort.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pork tenderloin thinly sliced over a bed of cheesy polenta, garnished with microgreens and a drizzle of the thickened glaze for a touch of elegance. It also looks beautiful served alongside grilled peaches or a fruit chutney to bring out the balsamic’s fruity notes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover glazed pork tenderloin in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. I usually pour any leftover glaze on top to preserve moisture and flavor—it keeps the pork juicy and ready to reheat.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully too! Slice the pork before freezing, then store it with some of the glaze in freezer-safe bags or containers. When I do this, I label it and typically use it within 2 months for best flavor.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a skillet on low heat with a splash of water or extra glaze to keep things moist—high heat dries out the pork quickly, so low and slow is key here. This way, you still get that tender, flavorful bite like it’s freshly made.

FAQs

Can I cook the pork tenderloin without cutting it in half?

Yes! If your pork tenderloin fits in your slow cooker whole, absolutely leave it that way. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 150 to 160°F for perfect doneness.
What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar mixed with a dash of honey or brown sugar to mimic that sweetness and depth, though the flavor won’t be as rich and thick as balsamic.
How do I know when the pork tenderloin is fully cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is the best method. Insert it into the thickest part of the pork—when it reads between 150 and 160°F, your pork is cooked through, juicy, and safe to eat.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Use the pressure cooker function for about 20 minutes, then do a natural release. Be sure to properly seal and adjust cooking times as Instant Pots cook faster. You might want to reduce the liquid slightly since less evaporates under pressure.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love this Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe because it’s that rare dish that’s both comforting and fancy without any stress—perfect for busy weeks or when you want to impress without sweating it. Over the years, it’s become a family favorite that I trust to deliver juicy, flavorful pork every single time. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the simplicity and the crowd-pleasing results as much as I do!