Crockpot Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Crockpot/Slow Cooker Any 4–6 quart model will work perfectly. For pork tenderloin recipes in crockpot slow cooker setups, oval-shaped models accommodate the meat more easily.
Mixing bowl To whisk together the glaze ingredients.
Whisk Essential for a smooth glaze.
Measuring spoons and cups Precision matters for flavor balance.
Tongs To sear or flip the pork if you do the optional browning step.
Skillet (optional) For browning the tenderloin beforehand, which enhances flavor.
Small saucepan (optional) For reducing or thickening the glaze at the end.

2 –2.5 lbs pork tenderloin not to be confused with pork loin—tenderloin is leaner and more tender
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup avoid pancake syrup; real maple adds depth
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion sliced thin
½ cup chicken broth or water

Start by patting the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Trim off any visible silver skin if it's still attached. While pork loin roast crock pot recipes sometimes call for searing, this recipe offers a choice. If you want extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a touch of olive oil, and brown the pork on all sides (about 5 minutes total). Otherwise, you can skip this step for a true dump-and-go approach.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended. This mixture should be thick and fragrant with a perfect blend of sweet and savory notes.

Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the crockpot. These will act like a flavorful bed for the pork and help prevent sticking. Lay the tenderloin on top of the onions and pour the maple glaze over it. Add the chicken broth around the sides (not directly over the pork) to keep the tenderloin moist as it cooks.

Set the crockpot to low and cook for 4 hours. The pork should be tender, juicy, and easily sliceable but not falling apart like pulled pork—though if you go a little longer, it could double as a pork tenderloin pulled pork slow cooker recipe. For those seeking healthy crockpot meals, this dish fits the bill thanks to lean pork and minimal added fat.

When the pork is done, remove it and tent it with foil to rest. Pour the remaining liquid from the crockpot into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. To thicken the sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Stir until thickened into a glossy glaze, about 2–3 minutes.

Slice the pork into medallions and drizzle the glaze on top. Serve over mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.