Slow Cooker Apple Pork Chops are too easy to make and need only a few ingredients and 5 minutes to prepare! I know you'll love them! Indulge in tender pork chops, seasoned to perfection and slow-cooked with a savory broth, brown sugar, and cinnamon. A delightful family dinner awaits!
I make this recipe regularly. Not only because these chops are so simple but because of the wonderful taste. Delicious, easy recipes are hard to come by and you will be glad you found this one! I always have apples around the house, don't you? This means in a pinch I can always throw this recipe together!
Slow cooker pork chops result in the most tender pork chops. I love the sweetness of the pork, especially with a sour apple like Granny Smith, it makes every bite absolutely wonderful!
If you love cooking easy meals in your slow cooker, you've got to try my Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Chops, Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, or Pork Stew in the Slow Cooker.
Why You Will Love This Apple Pork Chop Recipe
- Tender and Juicy Pork: Slow cooking the pork chops ensures you'll have juicy pork chops.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of green apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a deliciously sweet and savory flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the pork.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, this easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Versatility: This dish is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the seasoning or adding additional ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults alike, this slow cooker pork chops with apple recipe is sure to be added to the family favorites recipe list.
Ingredients
- Pork Chops: Boneless thick-cut pork chops provide a meaty texture that easily absorbs the flavors of the seasonings and apples during the slow cooking process. You can use bone-in pork chops if that's what you like; be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker cuts.
- Granny Smith Apples: These tart and crisp apples add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork. They break down slightly during cooking, releasing their natural sweetness and complementing the pork's savory flavors. Other tart apple varieties like Braeburn or Honeycrisp or you can use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala for a different flavor profile.
- Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning: These seasonings add depth of flavor to the pork chops. Garlic powder provides a hint of garlic flavor without overpowering the dish, while Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs for complexity.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of sweetness to the dish, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples and creating a cozy aroma.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a delightful sweetness to each bite.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the pork chops and apples moist and tender while cooking. You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, cranberry juice, apple cider, or apple juice for a fruitier taste.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Spicy: Add a bit of chili pepper flakes or jalapeno powder to the cooking liquid to add some heat.
- Add Veggies: Add sliced onions and red bell peppers over the top of the pork chops in the crockpot for extra savory goodness. Potatoes or carrots also work if you want to make it a complete crockpot meal.
- Chicken: Swap the pork chops for boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a poultry alternative.
How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Pork Chops
Step 1: Season the thick-cut chops with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper on both sides of the chops.
Step 2: Place the pork chops inside the slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray.
Step 3: Place the sliced apples in a small bowl and toss with the brown sugar and cinnamon to coat the slices evenly.
Step 4: Place the apples over the top of the pork chops. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
Step 5: Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Step 6: Serve the slow cooker pork chops with freshly cut apples on the side. Spoon some of the flavorful sauce from the slow cooker over the pork chops for extra flavor.
⭐️ Hint: The apple pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Be sure to have a thermometer handy so you don't overcook your pork.
Love pork chops? Then you've got to try these Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops, Maple Glazed Pork Chops or Oven Baked Bone-In Pork Chops next!
Storage
- Refrigerator: Allow the crockpot pork chops to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate the pork chops with apple for up to 3 days. You can freeze the dish for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent them from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
- Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes and Skillet Roasted Broccoli are some of my favorite side dishes and they would pair wonderfully with pork chops.
- Hearty casserole side dishes pair great! Try my Zucchini Casserole Stuffing or Cream Cheese Corn Casserole.
Recipe Tips
- Evenly Coat the Apples: Make sure to evenly coat the apple slices with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture to ensure every bite is sweet and flavorful.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the seasoning mixture before adding it to the pork chops to adjust the flavors according to your preference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, crisp apples for the best texture and flavor in the dish.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Check the crockpot pork chops periodically to avoid overcooking. Your tender pork will become dry if it's cooked for too long.
- Thicken the Sauce: You can thicken the sauce by transferring it to a saucepan after cooking and simmering it over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
FAQ
It's not necessary to peel the apples, but you can do so if you prefer a smoother texture in the final dish.
Yes, you can easily double this recipe to serve more people. Adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger slow cooker if needed. You may need to extend the cooking time because it will be more full.
Other Slow Cooker Pork Recipes to Try
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Slow Cooker Apple Pork Chops
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
- 3 boneless thick-cut pork chops
- 3 Granny Smith apples cored and sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the thick-cut chops with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly on both sides of the chops.
- Core and slice the Granny Smith apples. Place them in a small bowl and add the brown sugar and cinnamon. Toss until the apples are coated evenly.
- Arrange the seasoned pork chops in the bottom of the crockpot and then place the coated apple slices over the pork chops.
- Pour the chicken broth on top of the apples and pork chops. This will help keep everything moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours. Alternatively, you can cook the boneless pork chops on high for 2-3 hours.
- The apple pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- Once cooked, serve the slow cooker pork chops with freshly cut apples on the side. Spoon some of the flavorful sauce from the slow cooker over the pork chops for extra flavor.
Notes
- Evenly Coat the Apples: Make sure to evenly coat the apple slices with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture to ensure every bite is sweet and flavorful.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the seasoning mixture before adding it to the pork chops to adjust the flavors according to your preference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, crisp apples for the best texture and flavor in the dish.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Check the crockpot pork chops periodically to avoid overcooking. Your tender pork will become dry if it's cooked for too long.
- Thicken the Sauce: You can thicken the sauce by transferring it to a saucepan after cooking and simmering it over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
Nutrition
This post was originally published March 2016. It has been updated with new images and content.
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