why make this recipe
This slow cooker honey garlic pork chops recipe is ideal when you want a hands-off, comforting weeknight dinner with big flavor. It combines sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and bright garlic to create a glossy sauce that keeps pork chops tender and juicy without constant attention.
introduction
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops are an easy, family-friendly dish that turns simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. Use a slow cooker to break down the pork into tender, juicy chops while the sauce thickens and concentrates. It’s perfect served over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables.
how to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Use the slow cooker to develop deep flavor with minimal effort. The basic steps are: season the pork, pour over the honey-soy-garlic mixture, and slow-cook until fork-tender. If you like a thicker sauce, finish with a cornstarch slurry toward the end of cooking time.
Ingredients :
4 pork chops, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, Salt and pepper to taste, Optional: green onions for garnish
Directions :
- In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper, then place them in the slow cooker.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the pork chops.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender.
- If desired, stir cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry and add it to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. Garnish with green onions if desired.
how to serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Serve the pork chops spooned with the sticky honey-garlic sauce over a bed of steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop. Add a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli for color and texture. Finish with sliced green onions for freshness and a pop of color.
how to store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave; add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Choose thicker chops (about 1 inch) so they don’t dry out during long cooking.
- Brown the chops quickly in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker for extra flavor (optional).
- Taste the sauce before cooking and adjust soy or honey for saltiness/sweetness balance.
- Add vegetables like carrots or baby potatoes to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal—place root vegetables under the chops so they cook evenly.
- To avoid over-thickening, add the cornstarch slurry gradually and stir well.
variation (if any)
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or a teaspoon of grated ginger to brighten the sauce.
- Swap soy sauce for low-sodium soy or tamari to control salt.
- For a spicy kick, stir in red pepper flakes or sriracha to the honey-garlic mixture.
- Use boneless pork loin or chicken thighs with adjusted cooking time for a different protein.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen pork chops?
A: It’s best to thaw pork chops before slow cooking so they reach a safe internal temperature evenly; frozen meat can stay too long in the temperature danger zone.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too salty?
A: Use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the soy sauce slightly and balance with a touch more honey if needed.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes—use a larger slow cooker and ensure pieces are arranged so sauce can circulate. Cooking time may be slightly longer.
Q: Will the cornstarch slurry affect flavor?
A: No—cornstarch simply thickens the sauce without altering flavor. Mix with cold water first to avoid lumps.
Conclusion
For another take and step-by-step photos, check out this similar recipe: Honey Garlic Crock Pot Pork Chops.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper, then place them in the slow cooker.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the pork chops.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender.
- If desired, stir cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry and add it to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the pork chops spooned with the sticky honey-garlic sauce over a bed of steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Add a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli for color and texture. Finish with sliced green onions for freshness.
