These Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Honey Butter Pork Chops are tender, juicy, and coated in a delicious sweet-and-savory sauce. Made with just four simple ingredients, this easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Honey adds natural sweetness, butter creates a rich sauce, and a little garlic brings everything together. As the pork chops slowly cook, they absorb the buttery honey flavor and become a satisfying family dinner.
Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to enjoy every bit of the delicious sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only four ingredients: Simple ingredients make this recipe affordable and convenient.
- Easy slow cooker preparation: Just mix the sauce, add the pork chops, and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Sweet and savory flavor: Honey and butter create a delicious glaze with a touch of garlic.
- Perfect for family dinners: A comforting meal that pairs with many everyday side dishes.
- Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in one slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops, approximately 1 inch thick (about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds total)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
These four ingredients create a simple honey butter sauce that coats the pork chops as they cook.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or a little butter.
Arrange the pork chops in a single layer if possible. Avoid stacking them tightly so they cook more evenly.
Step 2: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and garlic powder until thoroughly combined.
The mixture should look smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Coat the Pork Chops
Pour the honey butter mixture evenly over the pork chops.
Turn the chops gently with tongs to coat both sides in the sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 2 1/2 to 4 hours, depending on thickness and your slow cooker’s temperature.
Alternatively, cook on HIGH for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Begin checking early with an instant-read thermometer. Pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest. Avoid prolonged cooking, as lean pork chops can become dry.
Step 5: Spoon Over the Sauce
Once the pork chops are cooked, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and let them rest for 3 minutes.
Stir the sauce gently and spoon it over the pork chops before serving.
For a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan and simmer until slightly reduced.
Helpful Tips for the Best Honey Butter Pork Chops
Choose thicker pork chops: Chops around 1 inch thick are less likely to overcook than very thin cuts.
Use melted butter: It combines more easily with the honey and garlic powder.
Do not overcook: Pork chops are lean and can dry out if left in the slow cooker too long.
Check the thickest part: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 145°F.
Keep the sauce: The honey butter cooking liquid is delicious over potatoes, rice, and vegetables.
Easy Variations
These optional additions can give the recipe a different flavor while keeping the original four-ingredient version intact.
- Honey mustard pork chops: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
- Lemon honey butter: Add a little fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Spicy honey pork chops: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Herb butter version: Add dried thyme or rosemary.
- Onion flavor: Add sliced onions beneath the pork chops.
What to Serve with Honey Butter Pork Chops
These sweet and savory pork chops pair wonderfully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed white rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Roasted carrots
- Green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Dinner rolls
Mashed potatoes are especially delicious because they soak up the honey butter sauce.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store cooled pork chops and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container with some sauce for up to 2–3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen pork chops overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot. Add a little water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes. Bone-in pork chops work well, although they may require a little additional cooking time depending on their thickness.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. However, unsalted butter gives you better control over the seasoning. If using salted butter, taste the sauce before adding anything else.
Can I use frozen pork chops?
For food safety, thaw pork chops completely in the refrigerator before placing them in the slow cooker.
Will the honey butter sauce become thick?
The sauce will remain relatively thin during slow cooking. If you prefer a thicker consistency, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer gently until reduced.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix the honey, melted butter, and garlic powder ahead of time. Refrigerate until needed, then gently warm the mixture until pourable before using.
How do I keep pork chops from drying out?
Use thicker chops, avoid excessive cooking time, and check their internal temperature early. Remove them once they reach 145°F and allow a 3-minute rest.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Honey Butter Pork Chops are proof that a delicious family dinner does not require a long ingredient list. With tender pork, sweet honey, rich butter, and a touch of garlic, this easy recipe delivers plenty of comforting flavor with very little preparation.
Serve with mashed potatoes or rice, spoon the buttery sauce over everything, and enjoy a simple homemade dinner the whole family can appreciate.
Recipe Card
Recipe: Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Honey Butter Pork Chops
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 1/2–4 hours on LOW or 1 1/2–2 1/2 hours on HIGH
Resting Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 43 minutes to 4 hours 13 minutes on LOW
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops, approximately 1 inch thick (1 1/2 to 2 pounds total)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
- Lightly grease a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
- Arrange pork chops in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Whisk together honey, melted butter, and garlic powder.
- Pour the honey butter mixture over the pork chops, coating both sides.
- Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 2 1/2–4 hours or HIGH for 1 1/2–2 1/2 hours.
- Check the thickest part of the pork with a thermometer. Cook to 145°F.
- Remove the pork chops and let rest for 3 minutes.
- Spoon the warm honey butter sauce over the pork chops and serve.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.