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Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pork Chops

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Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Description

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pork Chops are a tender, juicy, and flavour-packed dinner made with thick-cut pork chops, brown sugar, warm spices, butter, and a savoury-sweet cooking sauce. The pork cooks slowly until it becomes fork-tender, while the brown sugar melts into the juices and creates a glossy glaze with caramel-like flavour. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper balance the sweetness and give the dish a rich, savoury finish. This recipe is ideal for busy weekdays, family dinners, meal preparation, or cosy weekend meals because it requires only a few minutes of preparation before the slow cooker does the rest of the work. Serve the pork chops with mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, roasted vegetables, green beans, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Bone-in chops usually stay especially juicy during slow cooking, but boneless pork chops may also be used with a slightly shorter cooking time.

Ingredients For the Pork Chops

  • 6 thick-cut bone-in pork chops
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional for searing

For the Brown Sugar Topping

  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional

For the Cooking Liquid

  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Optional Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Cracked black pepper
  • Extra sauce from the slow cooker

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops

For extra flavour, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This step is optional, but it gives the finished dish a deeper colour and richer flavour.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of butter.

Step 4: Arrange the Pork Chops

Place the pork chops in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. If they overlap slightly, rotate their position halfway through cooking.

Step 5: Make the Brown Sugar Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients resemble damp crumbs.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Spread the brown sugar mixture evenly over the pork chops. Press it gently onto the surface of the meat so it stays in place.

Step 7: Add the Butter

Scatter the small butter pieces evenly over the brown sugar topping.

Step 8: Add the Cooking Liquid

Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around the sides of the slow cooker. Avoid pouring them directly over the topping.

Step 9: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours or on high for 2½ to 4 hours. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the chops and the slow cooker.

Step 10: Check for Doneness

The pork is ready when it is tender and reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 63°C. For very soft, slow-cooked chops, they may be cooked slightly longer.

Step 11: Thicken the Sauce

Transfer the pork chops to a plate. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until slightly reduced. Alternatively, leave the slow cooker uncovered on high for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 12: Serve

Return the pork chops to the sauce or spoon the warm glaze over them. Garnish with parsley, thyme, or cracked black pepper before serving.

Tips

  • Use thick-cut pork chops because thin chops can dry out during slow cooking.
  • Bone-in pork chops usually remain juicier than boneless chops.
  • Searing is optional, but it improves colour and flavour.
  • Do not add too much liquid because the pork releases juices while cooking.
  • Light brown sugar provides a mild caramel flavour, while dark brown sugar creates a deeper molasses taste.
  • For a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar to ¾ cup.
  • Add sliced onions or apples beneath the pork chops for extra flavour.
  • Avoid lifting the lid repeatedly because this releases heat and increases cooking time.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently in a covered frying pan, microwave, or low oven with a little sauce.
  • Freeze cooked pork chops and sauce for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Boneless chops may cook more quickly, so begin checking them early.
  • If the sauce tastes too sweet, add a small splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
  • The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Q&A

Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops?

Yes. Boneless chops work well, but reduce the cooking time and check them early to prevent dryness.

Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes. Season the pork and prepare the brown sugar topping up to one day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble before cooking.

Why Are My Pork Chops Dry?

The chops may have been too thin or cooked for too long. Use thick-cut chops and begin checking them during the earlier part of the suggested cooking range.

Can I Add Apples to the Slow Cooker?

Yes. Add thick apple wedges during the final 1½ to 2 hours so they soften without turning completely mushy.

Can I Make the Sauce Less Sweet?

Yes. Reduce the brown sugar and increase the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce slightly.

What Should I Serve with Brown Sugar Pork Chops?

Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, roasted carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread all pair beautifully with the sweet and savoury sauce.

Servings

Serves: 6

Nutrition

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 485
  • Protein: 39g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Fibre: 1g
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 690mg

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