Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Butter Pork Chops are a deliciously tender and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy days. The sweet and savory sauce combines honey, garlic, and butter for a comforting dish that melts in your mouth. Set it and forget it, then enjoy a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 thick-cut pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted preferred)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Red pepper flakes (for heat, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for depth)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Step 2: (Optional but recommended) Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Sear the pork chops for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, melted butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and Dijon mustard until fully combined.
- Step 4: Place the pork chops in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Pour the honey garlic butter sauce evenly over the top.
- Step 5: Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F and are tender. Avoid overcooking to prevent drying out.
- Step 6: (Optional) For a thicker glaze, remove the pork chops and whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water. Stir this into the sauce, cover, and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes until thickened. Return pork chops to the sauce and spoon the glaze over before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For added depth, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey by half and increase the Dijon mustard slightly.
- Searing the pork chops before slow cooking enhances flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme when serving for a fresh finish.
Storage
Store any leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the meat. If the sauce has thickened in the fridge, stir in a little water or broth before reheating to loosen it.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, both bone-in and boneless pork chops work well. Just monitor the cooking time, as boneless chops may cook slightly faster.
How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Pork chops are safe and tender when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Butter Pork Chops recipe delivers tender, juicy pork chops coated in a rich honey garlic butter sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish features a balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, making it an easy yet impressive meal. With simple ingredients and optional searing for enhanced depth, it’s perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 4 thick-cut pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional for heat)
Thickening Sauce (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- Season the Pork: Pat the pork chops dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using to add extra flavor and color.
- Optional Sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the pork chops for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust. This step enhances the flavor and texture but can be skipped to save time.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, melted butter, low-sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes if using. Combine until smooth and fully integrated.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Arrange the pork chops in a single layer in your slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic butter sauce evenly over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker to LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. Cook until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F and become tender. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): Remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and keep warm. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens. Return pork chops to the slow cooker and spoon the thickened glaze over them before serving.
Notes
- Searing the pork chops before slow cooking adds more flavor but is optional.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Make sure not to overcook the pork chops to keep them juicy.
- The thickened sauce step enhances the glaze consistency and adds richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on LOW or 2 to 3 hours on HIGH
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker pork chops, honey garlic pork chops, butter pork chops, easy slow cooker recipe, tender pork chops, garlic butter sauce
