Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops.

Equipment

• Slow cooker (4–6 quart recommended)
• Frying pan (for searing)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4–6 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

Honey Garlic Sauce

• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely sliced
• 2 tablespoons ketchup (adds depth and slight tang)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (balances sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

Thickening Slurry (optional but recommended)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Optional Garnish

• Chopped parsley
• Sesame seeds
• Spring onions

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

1. Pat the pork chops dry using paper towels. This step is important because dry meat sears better, locking in flavor. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Intensity Tip: Low effort, but important for flavor development.

Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor (Recommended)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear each side for about 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
2. This step is optional, but it adds a deep caramelized flavor that enhances the final dish significantly.
3. Intensity Level: Medium (requires attention, but quick process)

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, combine:
2. Honey
3. Soy sauce
4. Minced garlic
5. Sliced onion
6. Ketchup
7. Apple cider vinegar
8. Oregano
9. Black pepper
10. Chili flakes (optional)
11. Whisk until fully combined. The sauce should smell sweet, tangy, and strongly garlicky.

Step 4: Layer in the Slow Cooker

1. Place the seared (or raw) pork chops at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the top, ensuring all pieces are coated.
2. If you want extra flavor infusion, gently move the pork chops around so sauce gets underneath them as well.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Pork Chops

1. Set your slow cooker:
2. LOW setting: 4–6 hours (best texture, most tender)
3. HIGH setting: 2.5–3.5 hours (faster option)
4. During cooking, the pork slowly absorbs the honey garlic sauce, becoming tender and juicy. The sauce will also deepen in flavor as garlic and soy sauce blend with honey.
5. Cooking Intensity: Very low (set and forget)

Step 6: Check for Doneness

1. Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and are tender enough to break easily with a fork.
2. If using bone-in chops, ensure meat is fully cooked near the bone.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

1. If you prefer a thicker glaze-like sauce:
2. Remove pork chops and set aside on a plate.
3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water.
4. Stir slurry into the slow cooker sauce.
5. Turn slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
6. Return pork chops to coat them in the glossy sauce.

Step 8: Serve

1. Serve the pork chops hot, spooning extra honey garlic sauce over the top.
2. Great side dishes include:
3. Steamed white rice
4. Mashed potatoes
5. Roasted vegetables
6. Buttered noodles
7. Simple green salad

Nutrition

Calories: 380–450 kcal · Protein: 28–34 g · Fat: 12–18 g · Carbohydrates: 30–38 g · Fiber: 0–1 g · Sugar: 22–28 g · Sodium: 700–1000 mg (varies by soy sauce)