Name: Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489266H49M33S
Total time: PT-489266H49M33S
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 looking for a meal that’s hands-off, full of flavor, and turns out incredibly tender every time, you’re in the right place. This Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe has become a favorite of mine for busy weeknights and weekend dinners alike. The combination of savory garlic herb rub with a sweet and tangy honey balsamic glaze means you’ll have your family asking for seconds before you even finish plating. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll feel like you’ve found a secret weapon in the slow cooker world!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Just rub, mix, and slow cook—minimal prep means maximum flavor with very little fuss.
Perfectly Tender Pork: Slow cooking locks in moisture, ensuring the pork tenderloin stays juicy, never dry.
Balanced Sweet & Savory Glaze: The honey and balsamic vinegar combo creates a glaze that’s both tangy and sweet, making every bite exciting.
Versatile Serving Options: Pairs wonderfully with everything from mashed potatoes to rice or pasta, so you can customize your meal.

Inside a white slow cooker, there are two rows of sliced roasted meat arranged neatly side by side, each piece covered with a shiny brown sauce that looks thick and smooth. The sauce pools at the bottom, surrounding the meat and creating a glossy finish. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top of the meat and sauce, adding a touch of color contrast. The slow cooker rests on a white marbled surface with some green leaves visible in the top corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together simply, yet the flavors pack a punch. You’ll want to use good quality balsamic vinegar and fresh spices to really make the glaze sing.

Pork tenderloin: Choose a fresh, well-trimmed piece about 1 pound; cutting it in half helps if your slow cooker is on the smaller side.
Garlic powder: Brings warmth and depth without overpowering the pork.
Dried parsley: Adds a subtle herbal note that brightens the dish.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Black pepper: Provides just enough spice kick.
Onion powder: Adds a gentle savory background flavor.
Paprika: Gives a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the rub.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the glaze moist and flavorful without too much salt.
Balsamic vinegar: The star of the glaze, introducing tangy sweetness.
Honey: Balances acidity and creates that shiny glaze you’ll love.
Ketchup: Adds a mild tomato base and depth to the sauce.
Corn starch: Helps thicken the glaze for that perfect sticky finish.

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 like to tweak this Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe now and then depending on what I have on hand or the season. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Spicy kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the rub when I want a little heat without overpowering the glaze.
Maple syrup substitute: Instead of honey, swap in maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness – perfect for fall dinners.
Herb swap: Fresh thyme or rosemary mixed into the rub makes a fragrant twist that’s lovely and elegant.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of ketchup to keep the glaze safe for gluten-sensitive folks.

How to Make Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Pork Tenderloin

First things first, check the size of your pork tenderloin against your slow cooker. If it’s too long, slice it crosswise into two shorter pieces—that way everything cooks evenly. Then, mix the garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl and rub this all over the pork. I love rubbing every nook and cranny so the flavors really sink in.

Step 2: Mix Up the Glaze and Add to Slow Cooker

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, honey, ketchup, and the corn starch. Pour the mixture right over the pork in your slow cooker. This combo will cook down into that sweet and tangy glaze everyone’s going to rave about.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow (or Quick and Hot!)

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for about 1.5 to 2 hours or on low for 2 to 3 hours. Here’s a tip: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the pork is perfectly cooked when it reaches 150-160°F in the thickest part. This step helps avoid the dreaded dry pork scenario.

Step 4: Rest and Decide on Sauce Thickness

Once done, transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes — this keeps all those juices locked in. If you like your glaze thicker, strain the liquid and thicken it on the stovetop by stirring in a corn starch slurry (mix 1 teaspoon corn starch with 1 teaspoon water). Cook and stir over medium-high heat until glossy and thickened.

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Pro Tips for Making Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Don’t Skip the Meat Thermometer: I used to guess cook times, which sometimes meant under or overcooked pork—now I check temperature, and it’s perfect every time.
Rub Well and Get Cozy: Massaging the seasoning into the pork creates deeper flavor; plus, it’s a nice little kitchen moment you’ll enjoy.
Use a Slow Cooker That Fits: If your pork is too long, don’t force it—cutting it helps even cooking and prevents dry edges.
Thicken Sauce Separately: Thickening the glaze on the stove after cooking keeps the pork moist and the sauce perfectly glossy without burning.

How to Serve Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe

The image shows two rows of thick sliced cooked meat arranged side by side inside a white slow cooker. Each meat slice is coated with a shiny, dark brown sauce that pools at the bottom, creating a rich layer beneath the meat. Small bits of green herbs are sprinkled evenly over the meat slices, adding a fresh touch of color. The white slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface, with a bit of blue fabric visible at the bottom right corner and some green leafy herbs in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top just before serving—not only does it add a pop of color, but the herby freshness cuts through the glaze’s sweetness beautifully. Sometimes I’ll even throw on a few thinly sliced green onions for a gentle bite and crunch.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines served over creamy mashed potatoes or garlic buttered noodles — the sauce soaks right into them and makes each bite irresistible. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans also pair perfectly. For something lighter, steamed rice with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs works like a charm.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to slice the pork and fan it out on a large platter, then drizzle extra glaze over the top. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens adds a restaurant-quality touch that impresses guests without extra effort. You can also serve slices on toasted baguette slices for an elevated appetizer option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the pork and glaze together so the meat doesn’t dry out. When the glaze soaks in overnight, it actually tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

This Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Slice the pork first, then store in a freezer-safe container with some glaze on top to keep it moist. It’s handy for quick weeknight meals, and reheats beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture. Alternatively, microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel works fine for busy days—you just want to avoid drying the pork out.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of pork for this recipe?

While this recipe is optimized for pork tenderloin because it stays tender and cooks relatively quickly, you could use pork loin chops or boneless pork roast—but cooking times will vary and those cuts may need longer cooking to become tender.
Is it necessary to thicken the glaze?

Not at all! If you prefer a thinner, saucier glaze, simply serve it as is. Thickening is optional and just helps if you want that sticky, clingy sauce perfect for drizzling or dipping.
How can I tell when the pork tenderloin is done in the slow cooker?

The best way is using a meat thermometer—when the internal temperature hits 150-160°F, your pork is safe and juicy. Without a thermometer, look for meat that’s no longer pink and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Can I double the recipe for a larger family?

You can double the ingredients, but I recommend cooking in batches or using a larger slow cooker to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding.
Does the glaze taste very sweet?

The glaze balances sweetness from honey with tangy balsamic vinegar, creating a harmonious flavor. It’s sweet but not overpowering—if you want less sweetness, feel free to cut back slightly on the honey.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe makes dinner feel special without stressing me out. It’s tender, flavorful, and gives you that comforting “home-cooked” vibe with barely any effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe has become my go-to when I want something delicious, fuss-free, and downright satisfying. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with slow cooker pork all over again!