Honey Garlic Pork Chops (Slow Cooker)
These Honey Garlic Pork Chops are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a rich sauce that brings out the best in tender pork. The slow-cooked method ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is ideal for busy days. Whether you brown the pork or skip the step, it’s a stress-free meal that packs a punch of flavor.
Perfect for families or dinner parties, this easy-to-make dish will impress anyone who loves comforting, flavorful meals with minimal effort. Add a dash of heat for extra flavor, and enjoy!
Honey Garlic Pork Chops (Slow Cooker) – Ingredients
Boneless pork chops form the hearty base of this dish, offering a tender, juicy texture as they absorb the sweet and savory sauce.
A touch of olive oil adds richness and helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior.
Minced garlic imparts depth, blending seamlessly with the sweetness of honey and the savory kick of soy sauce.
Ketchup creates a smooth, tangy backdrop, while cornstarch thickens the sauce to perfection, giving it a velvety finish.
A sprinkle of chopped parsley brings a fresh burst of color and a hint of herbaceous flavor to balance the richness.
Honey Garlic Pork Chops (Slow Cooker) – A Delicious and Easy Meal
These Honey Garlic Pork Chops are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, featuring tender pork chops bathed in a flavorful sauce. The slow cooker ensures they turn out juicy and succulent every time. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. Below, you’ll find tips for perfecting the recipe, serving suggestions that complement the pork chops, and answers to common questions to help make your cooking experience even smoother.
Recipe Tips
- Browning the Pork Chops: While the recipe allows you to skip the browning step, it’s highly recommended for deeper flavor. Searing the pork chops before slow cooking gives them a golden, caramelized crust that enhances the taste of the finished dish. This step is especially useful if you prefer a more robust flavor profile.
- Adjusting Sweetness and Saltiness: The combination of honey and soy sauce can vary in sweetness and saltiness depending on your brand of soy sauce and honey. If you want a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a little extra honey. For a saltier flavor, you can increase the soy sauce slightly. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the pork chops to ensure it matches your preferences.
- Adding Heat: If you like a bit of spice in your meal, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce mixture. The sweetness of the honey pairs wonderfully with a hint of heat, balancing the flavors and giving the dish an extra kick.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Steamed Rice: A simple side of steamed white or brown rice works wonderfully with Honey Garlic Pork Chops. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, offering a perfect pairing to balance the rich, savory flavors of the pork. For an extra touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve the pork chops alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts. Their natural sweetness complements the honey garlic sauce while adding color and nutrition to the meal. Roasting brings out the vegetables’ natural sugars and enhances their depth of flavor, making them the ideal side dish.
- Crispy Potato Wedges: Crispy roasted potato wedges provide a hearty, crunchy contrast to the tender pork. Tossed in olive oil and herbs, these wedges are simple to prepare and pair perfectly with the rich flavors of the pork chops. Add a drizzle of the leftover sauce over the potatoes for extra flavor.
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork? Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute for pork chops in this recipe. They will cook similarly and absorb the honey garlic sauce just as well, offering a delicious variation for those who prefer chicken.
2. Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low? For the best results, it’s recommended to cook this dish on low heat for 4 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 2 to 3 hours, but keep in mind that the pork may not turn out as tender.
3. Can I freeze the cooked pork chops? Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork chops. Simply let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, and enjoy a meal ready to go!
4. How can I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch mixed with cold water toward the end of the cooking time. Stir it in gradually, and let it cook for another 15-30 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
These Honey Garlic Pork Chops are a must-try for anyone looking for an easy, flavorful dinner. With these helpful tips, serving suggestions, and FAQs, you’ll be able to create a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Honey Garlic Pork Chops (Slow Cooker)
Ingredients
- 6 thick-cut boneless pork chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Begin by heating olive oil in a pan over high heat. Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Sear the pork chops in the pan for 4-5 minutes on each side, until they achieve a deep golden-brown crust. Once seared, transfer the pork chops to the slow cooker.
- For those preferring a quicker option, skipping the browning step is possible. Simply season the pork chops and place them directly into the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the minced garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, and honey. Whisk the mixture together thoroughly and pour it over the pork chops in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4 hours, allowing the pork to become tender and soak in the flavorful sauce.
- After the initial cooking period, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water in a small bowl, then add the mixture to the slow cooker.
- Continue cooking for an additional hour until the sauce has thickened and the pork chops are fork-tender. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
For those who prefer a bit of spice, adding sriracha or chili flakes can elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
