recipes

 

For Thickening the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Fresh parsley or sliced green onions are optional for garnish.

Kitchen Tools

You don't need anything fancy.

You'll want:

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Tongs
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan, if thickening the sauce separately

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Step 1: Season the Pork

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.

Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Don't skip this simple step.

Seasoning the meat itself gives you much more flavorful pork than relying entirely on the sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the pork chops and sear for about 2 minutes per side, just until nicely browned.

You're not trying to cook them through.

The goal is to develop some beautiful color on the outside.

And while you can skip the searing step when you're in a hurry, I highly recommend doing it when you have a few extra minutes.

That browned exterior adds another layer of flavor.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Chicken broth
• Minced garlic
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ketchup
• Dijon mustard
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes, if using

The sauce will smell fantastic before it even hits the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Place the seared pork chops in the slow cooker.

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top.

Try to arrange the pork chops in a single layer when possible so the sauce can surround the meat.

Step 5: Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for about 3–4 hours, depending on the thickness of your pork chops and the characteristics of your slow cooker.

You can also cook them on HIGH for approximately 1½–2½ hours, but LOW is generally preferable for a gentler cooking process.

Pork is safe when it reaches 145°F (63°C) followed by a short rest, but the ideal cooking time will vary depending on the cut and thickness.

Because pork chops are relatively lean, don't assume that leaving them in the slow cooker for many extra hours will make them better.

Overcooking can make them dry.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove the chops from the slow cooker and set them aside.

Pour some of the cooking liquid into a small saucepan.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry.

Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve

Return some of the thickened sauce to the pork chops or spoon it generously over the top.

Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions if desired.

And don't forget to spoon extra sauce over your side dishes!

That sauce is too good to waste.

Tips for Tender Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Pork chops can be tricky because they're much leaner than cuts like pork shoulder.

A few simple tricks can make a big difference.

Choose Thicker Pork Chops

Thin pork chops can cook very quickly and are more likely to become dry.

If you have the choice, look for chops around ¾ to 1 inch thick.

Don't Overcook Them

This is probably the most important tip.

A slow cooker doesn't mean the meat should cook indefinitely.

Start checking the pork toward the earlier end of the cooking range.

Don't Skip the Sear

Searing isn't necessary for food safety, but it adds delicious browned flavor.

It's worth the extra skillet.

Let the Pork Rest

Once the pork comes out of the slow cooker, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

This gives the juices a chance to settle.

Don't Make the Sauce Too Thick

Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Start with less cornstarch if you're unsure.

You can always add a little more.

Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops?

Absolutely!

Bone-in pork chops work beautifully in this recipe.

They may require slightly different cooking times depending on their thickness, so use the internal temperature and tenderness as your guide.

Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops?

Yes.

Boneless chops are convenient and cook quickly, but they're also lean.

Keep a close eye on the cooking time so they don't become dry.

Can I Use Pork Loin Instead?

You can, but pork loin is a larger cut and won't cook exactly like individual pork chops.

If using a whole pork loin, you'll need to adjust the cooking method and cooking time substantially.

Can I Add Vegetables?

Definitely!

This recipe works well with vegetables that can handle slow cooking.

Try adding:

• Carrots
• Onion
• Bell peppers
• Green beans
• Mushrooms

For vegetables that you want to remain crisp-tender, consider adding them later in the cooking process rather than at the beginning.

Can I Make the Sauce Spicier?

Of course!

Add more red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or a small spoonful of your favorite hot sauce.

The sweetness of the honey pairs beautifully with heat.

Can I Make It Less Sweet?

Yes.

Reduce the honey slightly and add a little more broth or vinegar to balance the sauce.

You can also increase the garlic and mustard for a more savory flavor.

What to Serve With Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Now we get to the fun part.

That sauce deserves something delicious underneath it!

Steamed Rice

Rice is probably my first choice.

The grains soak up the honey garlic sauce beautifully.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes and sweet-savory pork are a seriously comforting combination.

Spoon the sauce over the potatoes too.

Trust me.

Roasted Vegetables

Broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and green beans all pair nicely with these pork chops.

Buttered Noodles

If you're feeding picky eaters, buttered noodles are an easy win.

Add a little of the honey garlic sauce and watch what happens.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pork and sauce.

How to Store Leftover Pork Chops

Allow leftovers to cool appropriately, then transfer the pork and sauce to airtight containers.

Refrigerate promptly.

For best quality, enjoy refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days.

When reheating, add a spoonful of broth or extra sauce to help keep the pork moist.

Warm gently rather than aggressively overcooking the meat again.

Can You Freeze Honey Garlic Pork Chops?

Yes.

Place cooled pork chops and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags.

Remove as much excess air as practical and label the container with the date.

For best quality, use within approximately 2–3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

The sauce may change slightly in texture after freezing and thawing, but a gentle reheating should bring it back together nicely.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the honey garlic sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it in a covered container.

You can also season and sear the pork chops earlier in the day.

Keep the pork refrigerated until you're ready to assemble the slow cooker.

For food safety, don't leave raw pork sitting at room temperature while you prepare the rest of the meal.

Delicious Ways to Use Leftovers

Don't want to eat the exact same dinner again?

No problem!

Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowls

Slice the leftover pork and serve it over rice with steamed broccoli, carrots, and extra sauce.

Pork Wraps

Thinly slice the pork and tuck it into tortillas with lettuce, shredded carrots, cucumber, and a drizzle of sauce.

Pork Fried Rice

Chop the leftover pork and add it to fried rice with vegetables and scrambled egg.

Honey Garlic Pork Noodles

Slice the pork and toss it with cooked noodles, vegetables, and a little extra sauce.

Honestly, leftovers might be even more exciting than the original dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put raw pork chops directly into the slow cooker?

Yes. Pork chops can be cooked directly in a slow cooker. Searing them first is optional and mainly adds additional browned flavor.

Why are my slow cooker pork chops tough?

Pork chops are relatively lean, and overcooking can make them dry and tough. Cooking time varies according to thickness, cut, and slow cooker, so use an instant-read thermometer and avoid automatically cooking them for extra hours.

How do I know when pork chops are done?

Check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer. Pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C) followed by a short rest.

Can I use honey mustard instead of Dijon?

Yes. Honey mustard will make the finished sauce sweeter, so you may want to slightly reduce the honey.

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium?

Yes, but the sauce may be considerably saltier. You may want to reduce the added salt on the pork or use less soy sauce.

Can I make this recipe without searing?

Absolutely.

If you're short on time, place the seasoned pork chops directly into the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

A cornstarch slurry is the easiest method. Mix cornstarch with cold water before whisking it into hot cooking liquid.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes.

Maple syrup will give the sauce a slightly deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and verify that your other ingredients, particularly condiments, are certified gluten-free if needed.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3–4 hours on LOW
Total time: About 3¼–4¼ hours
Servings: 4
Course: Main course
Cuisine: American-inspired
Method: Slow cooker

Approximate Nutrition

Nutrition will vary depending on the size and cut of the pork chops, the amount of sauce consumed, and the sides served.

One serving of pork with sauce may provide approximately:

• Calories: 400–500
• Protein: 35–45g
• Carbohydrates: 25–35g
• Fat: 15–22g
• Sugar: 20–25g
• Sodium: 900–1,200mg

Serving the pork with rice, potatoes, or another side will increase the overall nutrition values.

Final Thoughts

There's something wonderfully comforting about coming home to the smell of dinner that's been slowly cooking away.

And these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops make that feeling especially easy to achieve.

Tender pork.

Sweet honey.

Plenty of garlic.

Savory soy sauce.

And a glossy sauce that begs to be spooned over rice or mashed potatoes.

It's simple enough for a busy weeknight but flavorful enough to feel like a special dinner.

And the best part?

You don't need a complicated recipe or a long list of unusual ingredients.

Just season the pork, give it a quick sear, whisk together the sauce, and let the slow cooker take over.

That's my kind of dinner.

If you make these pork chops, leave a review and share a photo on Pinterest. I always love seeing how readers serve their recipes!

And if you have extra sauce, don't let it go to waste. Pour it over rice, vegetables, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Trust me...

you'll want every last drop.