Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pork Chops - Balancing Motherhood (2024)

Crockpot

These Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pork Chops are juicy and so tender that every bite will melt in your mouth. Seasoned with the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, this pork chop recipe is guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Brown Sugar Slow Cooker Pork Chops

These brown sugar crock pot pork chops are truly one of the best things you’ll ever put on the dinner table. They are slow cooked to perfection, locking in all their juices and making them so tender, they fall off the bone. But the real highlight of this recipe is the incredible combination of flavors coming from savory seasoning and sweet, sticky brown sugar.

With this delicious recipe, you just give bone-in savory chops a quick sear, add the brown sugar and garlic, and the crock pot does the rest of the work for you. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, these brown sugar crock pot pork chops are a sure way to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Amazing flavor –Though this is a simple dish, the sweetness of the brown sugar perfectly balances the savory garlic, giving the pork chops irresistible flavors.
• Tender and juicy pork chops –The slow cooking method allows time for the collagen in the meat to break down, making them super tender and able to soak up the cooking juices.
• Time saver recipe –These slow cooker pork chops are a set-it-and-forget-it recipe, making them perfect for busy weeknight family dinners.
• Simple ingredients – This easy recipe calls for pork chops and just 5 other basic pantry staples.

Ingredients

• Bone-in pork chops, 1/2 thick
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Vegetable oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Brown sugar

How to Make Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork Chops

Step One: Sear the Pork Chops

Add vegetable oil (or olive oil) to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. Brown pork chops on both sides for 2-3 minutes or until slightly golden brown.

Step Two: Add Other Ingredients

Once done, place pork chops in the bottom of the slow cooker and spread the garlic all over the pork chops. Then sprinkle the brown sugar all over the top.

Step Three: Cook and enjoy

Cook on the low setting for 6 hours or cook on high for 3-4 hours if you are in a rush.

Variations and Add-ins

• Honey mustard:Add a touch of sweet tanginess by mixing about ¼ cup of honey mustard in a small bowl with the brown sugar and garlic. Place the pork chops in the bottom of your slow cooker and pour the mixture over them.
• Apple cider vinegar:Add a splash to the crock pot with the other ingredients. The vinegar pairs perfectly with the brown sugar.
• Asian twist:Give your pork chops Asian flavors by adding soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar to the slow cooker.
• Balsamic vinegar:Give the pork chops a robust kick of flavor with a generous drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze. Add it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients before cooking.
• Maple syrup:Swap the brown sugar with pure maple syrup. The flavors will be very similar but tad less sweet than when using the sugar.
• Apples:Add a couple of chopped Granny Smith Apples to the top of the pork chops before cooking. The flavor combination is unreal!

How Long Can I Keep Leftover Pork Chops?

Leftover pork chops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze the leftovers. For best results, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, ensure the internal temperature of the pork reaches 165°F.

Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops?

While bone-in pork chops tend to have more flavor and are juicier, you can certainly use boneless pork chops. In fact, boneless pork chops are a popular substitution for a lot of recipes due to their convenience and ease of cooking. They work well in slow cooker recipes like these brown sugar pork chops because the longer cooking time helps ensure their tenderness and juiciness.

Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless pork chops may take a little less time, depending on their thickness.You can also look for pork loin roasts to go on sale at the grocery store. Just slice the roast into 1/2 inch thick cut pork chops and you’ll have easy boneless pork chops.

What Goes with Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops?

If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, you can serve them with a simple side of white rice, baked sweet potatoes, or your favorite green vegetable like green beans or broccoli. If you have a little more time on your hands, try one of these tasty sides:

• Hot German Potato Salad
• Zucchini Fritters
• Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
• Stick of Butter Rice
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Easy Baked Mac and Cheese
• Creamy Bacon Pea Salad
• Easy Green Bean Casserole

Tips for Making the Best Pork Chops in the Crock Pot

• Choose the right cut of pork: For this recipe, I prefer to use bone-in pork chops because they have better moisture retention when slow cooked.
• Don’t skip the sear: Before adding them to the slow cooker, sear the pork chops in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side. This helps to lock in the flavor and juices and gives them a nice color.
• Season properly: Pork chops have a mild flavor and act like a blank canvas for seasonings. So, make sure you generously season before cooking.
• Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on the chops when the actual cook time is close to being up. Thinner pork chops will take less time, so use a meat thermometer to help you tell when they reach 145°F.
• Add liquid if needed: If you find that the pork chops are not creating enough juice, you can add a little apple juice or chicken broth to the crockpot.
• Brush with the juices: To give them a glossy finish, transfer the cooked pork chops to a baking dish and brush them with the cooking liquid from the crock pot.

Can I Make Pork Tenderloin with this Recipe?

Sure! You’ll want to season and sear just like the pork chops. It will take between 6-8 hours cooking on low. The exact time will depend on your slow cooker and the size of the tenderloin.

More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

• Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
• Crockpot Smokies
• Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
• Crockpot Beef Stew
• Simple Slow Cooker Chili
• Crockpot Meatballs
• Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken