Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pork Chops are an easy, comforting dinner that brings together tender pork chops and a delicious sweet and savory sauce. With simple ingredients and very little hands-on preparation, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, and family meals.
The slow cooker gently cooks the pork chops until tender while brown sugar creates a rich, caramelized sweetness that balances the savory seasonings. The result is a flavorful pork dinner that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or green beans.
If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker pork chop recipe that feels homemade without requiring complicated preparation, these Brown Sugar Pork Chops are an excellent choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to add these slow cooker pork chops to your regular dinner rotation.
First, the recipe is incredibly simple. Most of the ingredients are everyday pantry staples, and preparation takes only a few minutes.
The slow cooker also makes this recipe convenient. Once everything is assembled, you can let the pork cook while you take care of the rest of the meal.
The brown sugar sauce gives the pork chops a wonderful combination of sweet and savory flavor. It is rich enough to make an ordinary pork chop feel special while still being simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
This recipe is also versatile. You can use boneless or bone-in pork chops and customize the seasonings according to your family’s preferences.
Ingredients
Pork Chops
Use approximately 4 to 6 pork chops, depending on their size and the number of people you’re serving.
Boneless pork chops are convenient and easy to serve, while bone-in pork chops can provide additional flavor.
Try to choose pork chops of relatively even thickness so they cook consistently.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar provides the signature sweetness in this recipe.
Light brown sugar works particularly well, but dark brown sugar can also be used if you prefer a deeper molasses flavor.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic adds savory depth to the sauce.
You can substitute garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic available.
Seasonings
Salt, black pepper, and a little paprika create a simple savory seasoning blend that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
You can also add onion powder or dried herbs for additional flavor.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth provides moisture for the slow cooker and helps create a flavorful cooking liquid around the pork chops.
Low-sodium broth is a good option because it allows you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe.
Butter
Butter adds richness to the sauce and helps create a smooth, satisfying finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and any additional seasonings you’re using.
For extra flavor, you can quickly sear the pork chops in a hot skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. This step is optional but can add a delicious browned exterior.
Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
Step 3: Add the Pork to the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the slow cooker if desired.
Arrange the pork chops in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Try not to stack them too tightly. If necessary, slightly overlap the chops so they fit comfortably.
Step 4: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the pork chops.
Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the pork rather than directly washing all of the seasoning off the top.
Add small pieces of butter over the pork chops.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook until the pork reaches a safe internal temperature and is tender.
Cooking times vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops and the individual slow cooker.
As a general guide, cook on LOW for approximately 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for approximately 2 to 3 hours.
Avoid cooking pork chops significantly longer than necessary because lean pork can become dry when overcooked.
Step 6: Check the Pork
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the pork chops.
Pork should reach at least 145°F (63°C), followed by a brief rest before serving.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the pork chops are cooked, allow them to rest for several minutes.