Slow Cooker BBQ Smothered Pork Chops

Introduction

Tender, juicy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor, these Slow Cooker BBQ Smothered Pork Chops are the perfect easy comfort-food dinner. With just a handful of simple ingredients and the slow cooker doing most of the work, you’ll have pork chops coated in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for optional browning

Instructions

1. Season the pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Optional browning: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side. This adds extra flavor but can be skipped for an even easier meal.
3. Layer the slow cooker: Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the pork chops on top.
4. Make the BBQ sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, broth, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Smother: Pour the BBQ mixture evenly over the pork chops.
6. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours, until the pork is tender and safely cooked through.
7. Finish: Spoon plenty of the BBQ sauce and softened onions over the pork chops before serving.

Description

These pork chops slowly cook in a sweet, smoky, tangy BBQ sauce until tender and flavorful. The onions become soft and savory while the sauce thickens into a delicious glaze that practically begs to be spooned over everything on the plate.

Tips

• Don’t overcook: Pork chops are lean and can become dry if cooked too long.
• Bone-in chops tend to stay especially juicy and flavorful.
• Browning the chops first is optional but gives the finished dish a deeper, richer flavor.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth during cooking.
• For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking.
• Let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Spicy BBQ: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Honey BBQ: Replace the brown sugar with 2 tablespoons honey.
• Garlic BBQ: Add 2–3 minced garlic cloves.
• Cheesy BBQ Pork Chops: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the chops during the final few minutes.
• Pineapple BBQ: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-tangy twist.
• Southern-style: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread.

Enjoy!

Serve these Slow Cooker BBQ Smothered Pork Chops hot with mashed potatoes, rice, mac and cheese, or your favorite vegetables. Spoon that extra BBQ gravy over the top, and enjoy a hearty, fuss-free homemade dinner!