Slow Cooker Chicken Tenderloins with Herb Sauce

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Tenderloins with Herb Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken tenderloins; 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth; 1 medium onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ cup (120ml) fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon honey; ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Looking for a hassle-free dinner? Try these slow cooker chicken tenderloins with herb sauce—delicious, moist, and a family favorite. Discover the recipe now!

February 8, 2025
by Sophie Langley.

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Have you ever wondered how a simple chicken dish could transport you to a world of flavors, memories, and sultry dinners by the hearth? that’s exactly what i felt the first time i whipped up my slow cooker chicken tenderloins with a homemade herb sauce.

Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me tell you what makes this recipe so special. it takes around 15 minutes to prep, and then you just let your trusty slow cooker do the magic for about 4 to 6 hours on low heat.

And if you’re more pressed for time, the high setting will get your chicken ready in roughly 2 to 3 hours .

You don’t need to be a culinary genius to pull this off. seriously, it’s as easy as pie—or should i say, chicken?

Now, let’s set the stage with a little history. the concept of cooking chicken slowly can be traced back to many cultures that prized tender, juicy results.

Back in the day—think medieval feasts—chicken was often a staple at noble tables, often prepared with fresh herbs to elevate its flavor.

The method of cooking meats slowly has evolved, but our slow cooker chicken tenderloins matches perfectly with the no-fuss mentality of home kitchens today.

Simple, savory, and without the fuss, this dish is a quintessential representation of comfort food, blending old-world charm with contemporary ease.

What makes this recipe uniquely enticing, you might ask? well, how about its rich culinary heritage ? the beauty of this dish lies in the marriage of tender chicken and vibrant herb sauce, inspired by the rustic cooking techniques of yore.

Combining herbs like thyme and oregano offers a bouquet of flavors that not only sing but dance across your palate.

The slow cooker allows the chicken to marinate in its own juices—imagine tender bites bathing in a hot spring of savory goodness.

Is there anything more comforting than knowing that when you walk in the door after a long day, your dinner is waiting, gently wafting those mouth-watering smells? plus, it’s incredibly versatile.

Not feeling like herbs today? go with your favorite seasonings or even add a splash of something exotic for a little twist.

You’ve got options!

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of why this dish stands out: the unique flavor combinations . you’ve got the sweetness from the onions, the savory depth from the broth, and then—bam—your herb sauce adds that zesty, fresh kick.

It’s just plain exciting! and the techniques? you can opt to sear your chicken first for an extra layer of flavor, or you can skip that step if you want to keep it super speedy.

Either way, you’ll end up with moist chicken that never fails to impress.

On to the health front: let's not forget the goodness packed into this recipe. with lean chicken tenderloins, this dish is low in fat while still providing a hearty punch of protein.

By letting the chicken simmer in low-sodium chicken broth , we keep added salt to a minimum, making it a fabulous choice for those watching their sodium intake.

Plus, this meal is packed with nutrients that not only fill up the tummy but also serve specific dietary needs, whether you’re going low-carb or looking for healthy dinner ideas.

Now, to wrap things up for those who are jotting down notes, here’s your quick recipe at a glance: you’ll need about 15 minutes of prep time, and it serves 4 hungry souls.

The skill level? easy-peasy! great for a family-friendly meal or just a simple dinner for one.

So, are you ready to bring some charm and simplicity to your dinner table? hang on tight, because next, we’re diving into the ingredients section .

You won’t want to miss what magic we’re about to create with just a handful of components! grab your notepad, and let’s get cooking!

Slow Cooker Chicken Tenderloins with Herb Sauce ingredients

Perfect Ingredients Selection

Premium Core Ingredients

For my slow cooker chicken tenderloins , sourcing the right ingredients makes all the difference. picture this: 1.5 lbs (680g) of the most succulent chicken tenderloins you can find—look for those in the butcher’s case that have a nice pink hue.

You’ll also need 1 cup (240ml) of low-sodium chicken broth. using low-sodium broth keeps your dish flavorful without overwhelming it with salt.

I still remember the first time i forgot and ended up with chicken soup. cough! lesson learned!

Adding a medium onion, sliced, and three cloves of minced garlic is a must—these aromatics are like the trusty sidekicks of your chicken, adding depth to the flavor.

When selecting the garlic, go for firm cloves without any sprouts; trust me, you’ll want to skip that bitterness.

And then we have the dried herbs. grab two teaspoons each of dried thyme and oregano, along with a teaspoon of paprika for just a hint of smokiness.

A tip? crumble the dried herbs between your hands when adding them to the pot—it releases all those lovely oils!

Oh, and stock up on ingredients to keep it fresh—so store your dried herbs in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency!

Signature Seasoning Blend

Next up, let’s talk about that fabulous signature seasoning blend . this is where the magic happens! while the chicken is cooking, i let my kids do the fun part—seasoning! i mean, they sprinkle in those herbs like confetti! for a top-of-the-line herb sauce, mix in a half cup (120ml) of fresh parsley with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice—trust me, it brightens everything up.

Add in a tablespoon of dijon mustard and a dollop of honey—these flavors meld together so beautifully, creating a sauce that you’ll want to drench everything in.

Season it with salt and pepper to taste. when i first experimented, i may have sprinkled a little too much salt.

What a salty disaster that was!

Smart Substitutions

Okay, life happens, right? you might not have every ingredient on hand—and that’s where smart substitutions come in. if you find yourself without chicken tenderloins, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.

They add a slightly higher fat content, which makes everything super moist and tender.

If you’re living that low-carb life and find rice or potatoes too heavy, serve the chicken with some zoodles or cauliflower rice instead!

And let’s not forget about dietary swaps! replace the honey in the herb sauce with agave nectar if you’re vegan or use maple syrup if you want to experiment with a different sweetness.

Kitchen Equipment Essentials

Now, let’s gear up with some kitchen equipment essentials . first, a quality slow cooker is non-negotiable. i swear by mine, which has seen everything from chili to seared chicken tenderloins for this very recipe.

Also, a sturdy wooden spoon for mixing—it really helps get into those nooks of the slow cooker.

Don’t overlook the value of a good chef’s knife and a heavy-duty cutting board. and for those who love multitasking, a food processor can chop herbs in a matter of seconds.

Just be careful not to over-process them. i once ended up with parsley puree. oops!

Pro Ingredient Tips

Let’s wrap it with some pro ingredient tips . when you’re choosing chicken, freshness matters. look for that fresh butcher smell; if it’s scentless, you could be in trouble.

I learned this the hard way—dinner was a bit suspicious that night!

Storage is just as crucial! keep herbs and fresh ingredients in airtight containers to preserve their lifespan. and keep an eye on dates if you ever buy spices; they can lose their kick over time.

Lastly, budget-savvy home cooks will appreciate this nugget: buying dried herbs in bulk can save you a pretty penny. Just gather friends to chip in, and you’ll have a pantry stocked with goodness!

Now that we’ve got the ingredients sorted, let’s dive into how to whip this all together. Get ready for some fun in the kitchen!

Foolproof Cooking Steps for Slow Cooker Chicken Tenderloins with Herb Sauce

Cooking can sometimes feel, well, a bit overwhelming. but fear not! this recipe for slow cooker chicken tenderloins is not only incredibly simple but also a feast for the senses.

So, let’s walk through the steps together, shall we?

Essential Preparation Steps

Before we dive in, let's get things organized. anyone who cooks knows that mise en place is your best friend.

Trust me, i've learned this the hard way while frantically searching for garlic or either chopping onions in a rush.

Mise en Place: Start by gathering all your ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need chicken tenderloins, broth, necessary spices, and stuff for the herb sauce.
Prep techniques: rinse the chicken and pat it dry. this first step can feel like a chore, but it helps the seasoning stick later.

Also, chopping onion and garlic beforehand avoids the frantic “where’s the knife?” dance mid-recipe.
Time management: this is a hands-on recipe in the beginning. the total cooking time is about 6 hours on low (or 3 hours on high), so you can set it up in the morning and come home to a dreamy dinner.

Who doesn’t love that?
Organization Tips: Lay everything out in the order you’ll use them. It really saves time, trust me; I once spent 10 minutes looking for my measuring spoons!

Professional Cooking Method

Let’s get down to the actual cooking. This is where the magic happens.

Prep the chicken: start by rinsing those tenderloins and patting them dry with paper towels. then, sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano.

Don't be shy; give those tenderloins a nice coating.
Sear the chicken (optional) : now, if you want an extra flavor kick (and who doesn’t?), heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’ve got that lovely golden crust. don't sweat it if you forget this step; the slow cooker will make them super tender anyway.
Prepare the slow cooker : place sliced onion and minced garlic into the bottom of the slow cooker. they’ll infuse their flavor into the chicken as it cooks.

Then lay your seasoned chicken on top.
Add the Liquid : Pour the chicken broth around the sides. Avoid pouring it directly on top of the chicken to keep your spices in place.
Cook : cover your slow cooker with the lid and select low heat for about 4-6 hours, or high for 2-3 hours.

Your success indicator? the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°f (that's about 75°c for our metric friends). when it reaches that temp, you know you’re golden!
Make the herb sauce : while the chicken cooks, whip up your herb sauce. just mix fresh parsley, lemon juice, dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil in a bowl.

Easy peasy! season it with salt and pepper to taste. the zing from the lemon makes all the difference—trust me, it’s worth it.
Serve : When the chicken is nice and tender, shred it with two forks or serve it whole if you like. Drizzle that vibrant herb sauce over the top before plating up.

Expert Techniques

Now for a few pro tips. Cooking isn't just about following the recipe; it’s about knowing little tricks that can save dinner.

Searing Chicken Tenderloins : If you do sear them, don't overcrowd the pan; give them room to breathe so they brown properly.
Timing precision : if you’re using frozen chicken, just extend the cooking time by about an hour on low. i once forgot to thaw my chicken and ended up with a tense evening of waiting.
Quality Checks : Always check that internal temp. A meat thermometer will become your new best friend.

Success Strategies

Every great cook has their challenges. Here are mine, so you don’t wander into the same traps!

Troubleshooting Tips : If your chicken comes out dry, it might just need a bit more broth next time. In slow cooking, moisture is key.
Quality Assurance: Taste as you go. If you find the broth bland midway through, you might need to add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon.
Perfect Results Guide : If your chicken shreds easily, you're spot-on! Tender chicken recipes like these should easily fall apart when you’re ready to serve.

And there you have it! You’re now equipped to face dinner time with delightful slow cooker chicken tenderloins and an herb sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s explore some additional information that could turn this already superb dish into something really special!

Slow Cooker Chicken Tenderloins with Herb Sauce steps

Game-Changing Tips

Professional Insights

Cooking in a slow cooker can seem a bit intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s a total game-changer! i remember when i first tried slow cooker chicken tenderloins.

I thought, "how can anything cooked for hours taste good?" spoiler alert: it did—and then some! the magic truly happens as those tenderloins absorb all that tasty broth and seasoning over time.

As a pro tip, always trim any excess fat to keep things nice and wholesome.

Expert Techniques

For the best flavor, try searing the chicken tenderloins before they hit that slow cooker. i’ve skipped this step before and, honestly, it can make a world of difference.

A touch of browning locks in those savory flavors. if you're feeling extra fancy, use a cast-iron skillet; it adds a rustic flair and, oh!—that extra flavor! in my kitchen, i’ve learned that every little detail counts!

Kitchen Wisdom

Make sure to layer your onion and garlic properly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Onions can caramelize beautifully and bring depth to your dish, while garlic, well, it just makes everything better, doesn’t it? And if you happen to overfill the slow cooker, expect some serious mess—but don't sweat it; we've all been there!

Success Guarantees

A little patience goes a long way with slow cooker recipes. if you crank up the heat, the chicken may end up dry and less flavorful.

I’ve made that mistake way too many times. so stick to the recommended low for about 4-6 hours for perfectly juicy results every time.

Your taste buds will thank you!

Perfect Presentation

Plating Techniques

When it comes to plating, simplicity can be stunning. shred that chicken and mound it gently in the center of the plate.

I once tried to be too artistic and almost ended up with a mess. less is often more; let your chicken be the star of the show!

Garnish Ideas

Fresh herbs are your best friends. a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme on top not only look fabulous, but they also give off delightful aromas that'll make your guests weak at the knees.

Trust me; it elevates the meal!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your slow cooker chicken tenderloins with something rustic and homey. think fluffy garlic mashed potatoes or a bed of fluffy quinoa.

I always find that adding a bit of color with a light salad can make the meal look even better.

Visual Appeal Tips

Aim for contrast! white bowl, vibrant greens, and golden chicken—all of these elements work beautifully together. don’t forget good lighting—natural light is best! if photographing your dish, all it takes is a little tweak of exposure and boom! you've got a masterpiece on your hands.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Storage Guidelines

If you're like me, you tend to batch cook for the week. these slow cooker chicken tenderloins are perfect for meal prep! just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Preservation Methods

For long-term storage, these chicken tenderloins freeze like a champ. Just make sure to cool them down first to avoid freezer burn. I’ve lost countless good meals due to that little oversight!

Reheating Instructions

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove—addition of a splash of chicken broth while reheating helps keep them moist. Nobody wants dry chicken after all that effort!

Freshness Tips

Always check the chicken’s smell and texture when you take it out from storage. fresh chicken should never smell sour.

I didn't catch this once, and it was a lesson i won’t soon forget!

Creative Variations

Flavor Adaptations

Feeling adventurous? Swap the herbs! Rosemary and sage can give your dish a completely new twist. I love starting with a classic and then getting creative.

Dietary Modifications

For a gluten-free version, ensure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free (some brands are sneaky). I once found myself at a dinner party explaining this, and it was both awkward and hilarious!

Seasonal Twists

In fall, add a touch of pumpkin or butternut squash to the slow cooker for an earthy sweetness. This is a go-to for my fall family gatherings!

Regional Variations

Try adding a bit of soy sauce or ginger for an asian twist. one time, i combined italian herbs with soy sauce, thinking i'd broken the rules.

Turns out, delicious knows no bounds!

Complete Nutrition Guide

Detailed Breakdown

This meal is not just tasty; it’s packed with protein, low in carbs, and weighs in at about 300 calories per serving. Perfect for a well-rounded dinner.

Health Benefits

The citrus in the herb sauce gives a boost of vitamin C, while the chicken is a lean source of protein. It’s comfort food that your body will love!

Dietary Information

If you're watching sodium intake, using low-sodium chicken broth is essential, folks. It’s an easy swap that makes a big difference in health while still maintaining flavor.

Portion Guidance

Stick to one serving, and if you’re super hungry, go for a timeless side of veggies or a nice grain dish on the side; it rounds out the meal beautifully.

Expert FAQ Solutions

Common Concerns

“Can I use frozen chicken?” Oh, absolutely, but be prepared for a longer cook time. It's like a slow dance; just go with the flow.

Expert Answers

“what if my chicken feels tough after cooking?” this usually means it was overcooked, and no one wants that! keep an eye on the time and take it out as soon as it hits 165°f.

Troubleshooting Guide

Had your chicken end up too salty? Add a side of rice or other grains to balance out those flavors. I’ve had my fair share of oversalts—learn from my culinary mishaps!