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
Scale
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