Introduction
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pork Chops are a simple, comforting meal that combines tender pork chops with a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, cozy family dinners, or whenever you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced
Instructions
- Lightly grease the slow cooker or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the pork chops in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
- Top with slices of butter.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the pork chops are tender and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Carefully remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and spoon some of the sauce over the top before serving.
Description
These pork chops become incredibly tender during slow cooking while the brown sugar creates a rich glaze that balances sweetness with savory spices. The butter melts into the seasoning mixture, forming a delicious sauce that’s perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Use thicker pork chops to prevent them from drying out.
- Avoid overcooking, as lean pork chops can become tough.
- Sear the pork chops in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before slow cooking for extra flavor.
- Spoon the cooking juices over the pork chops before serving to keep them moist.
- Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking for the best texture.
Variations
- Maple Brown Sugar: Replace half the brown sugar with maple syrup.
- Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Honey Garlic: Substitute some of the brown sugar with honey and add minced garlic.
- Onion Style: Add sliced onions to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Apple Pork Chops: Add sliced apples during the last 2 hours of cooking.
Correction
For the best results, use pork chops that are at least 3/4 to 1 inch thick. If your slow cooker tends to cook hot, begin checking for doneness early. The safe internal temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C) followed by a short rest period. If excess liquid accumulates, you can reduce it on the stovetop to create a thicker sauce.
Enjoy!
Serve these Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pork Chops with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, green beans, or a fresh garden salad. The sweet, savory glaze and fork-tender pork make this an easy comfort-food favorite that the whole family will enjoy.
