Slow Cooker Sticky Glazed Pork Chops

Description

Slow Cooker Sticky Glazed Pork Chops are tender, juicy, and packed with sweet, savory flavor. These pork chops slowly cook in a rich brown sugar glaze made with soy sauce, ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and Dijon mustard. The sauce becomes glossy and flavorful as it cooks, coating every piece of pork with a delicious sticky finish. This easy slow cooker dinner is perfect for busy weeknights because most of the preparation takes only a few minutes. Serve the pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, roasted vegetables, green beans, or corn for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients For the Pork Chops

4 bone-in pork chops, about ¾–1 inch thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Sticky Glaze

½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup ketchup
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

For Garnishing

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Freshly cracked black pepper, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and helps the seasoning stick to the surface of the meat.
2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the pork chops in the skillet and sear for about 2 minutes per side, just until lightly browned. Searing is optional, but it adds extra flavor and color to the finished dish.
4. Transfer the pork chops to a 6-quart slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer when possible so the glaze can coat them evenly.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
6. Pour the glaze over the pork chops, making sure each chop is generously covered. Use a spoon to spread the sauce over the tops if needed.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest portion. Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the chops and your slow cooker.
8. Avoid opening the lid repeatedly during cooking. Keeping the slow cooker covered helps maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
9. Once the pork is cooked, carefully transfer the chops to a clean plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
10. Stir the remaining glaze in the slow cooker. If you want a thicker and stickier sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan and simmer it over medium heat for several minutes until slightly reduced.
11. Spoon the thickened glaze generously over the pork chops. The sauce should look glossy, rich, and sticky.
12. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Tips & Notes

Use pork chops that are similar in thickness so they cook at approximately the same rate. Bone-in pork chops are especially flavorful and work beautifully in this recipe.
Do not overcook the pork. Slow cooker temperatures can vary, so an instant-read thermometer is the best way to determine when the chops are done.
Searing the pork is optional, but it adds a deeper browned flavor. If you are short on time, you can skip this step and place the seasoned chops directly into the slow cooker.
For a sweeter glaze, add another tablespoon of brown sugar or honey. For a more savory flavor, slightly reduce the brown sugar.
Add red pepper flakes or a small pinch of cayenne if you enjoy a little heat.
If the glaze is too thick after cooking, stir in a small amount of warm chicken broth. If it is too thin, simmer it briefly in a saucepan to reduce it.
For extra garlic flavor, add another minced garlic clove to the glaze.
Leftover pork should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently with some of the glaze to help keep the pork moist.

Q&A

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes. Boneless pork chops can be used, but they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Start checking the internal temperature earlier.
Can I skip the browning step?
Yes. The pork can go directly into the slow cooker after seasoning. Browning simply adds additional flavor and color.
How do I make the sauce extra sticky?
After removing the cooked pork, simmer the remaining sauce in a saucepan for a few minutes until it becomes thicker and glossy. Spoon it over the pork before serving.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a small amount of hot sauce to the glaze.
What sides go well with these pork chops?
Mashed potatoes, white or brown rice, roasted potatoes, green beans, broccoli, carrots, corn, and a simple garden salad are excellent choices.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the glaze up to one day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Servings

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings, with one pork chop and sticky glaze per serving.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving: 470 calories, 39g protein, 32g carbohydrates, 22g fat, 1g fiber, 20g sugar, and 760mg sodium. Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the size of the pork chops, amount of glaze consumed, and specific ingredient brands used.