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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops,

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  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 4 hours (LOW) or 2 hours (HIGH)

  • Broil Time (Optional): 3–4 minutes

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

  • Servings: 4 generous servings

  • Difficulty Level: Easy (Beginner-friendly)

  • Active Effort Intensity: Low (15% hands-on prep, 85% passive cooking)

  • Flavor Profile: Savory-sweet, garlic-forward, with a subtle umami finish

Ingredients Checklist

For the Pork Cutlets:

  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (approx. 1 to 1.25 inches thick; 6–8 oz each)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for searing)

  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Honey Garlic Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup raw honey (or clover honey)

  • 6 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1/4 cup ketchup (adds body, tang, and color)

  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (balances the sweetness)

  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for mild warmth)

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (slurry to thicken the sauce at the end)

Optional Garnishes:

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1.Prep & Season the Pork:5 minutes.

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Drying the meat ensures proper seasoning adherence and a better crust if searing. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Season both sides of the pork chops evenly.

2.Quick Sear (Optional, but Recommended):5 minutes | High Heat.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the pork chops and sear for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Note: You are not cooking the pork through here—just locking in surface flavor through the Maillard reaction. Transfer seared chops directly into the slow cooker basin.

3.Whisk & Add the Sauce:5 minutes.

In a glass measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Pour the sauce directly over the pork chops in the slow cooker, ensuring each chop is thoroughly coated.

4.Slow Cook to Tenderness:2 hrs (HIGH) or 4 hrs (LOW).

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 3.5 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours. Pork is cooked safely when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), but slow cooking to 155°F–160°F allows the connective tissue in thicker cuts to soften completely. Avoid overcooking past 4 hours on low to keep boneless cuts from drying out.

5.Thicken the Glaze:10 minutes.

Carefully remove the tender pork chops from the slow cooker and place them on a warm plate; cover loosely with foil. Switch the slow cooker to HIGH (or pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan over medium heat). Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small cup until smooth, then whisk it into the bubbling sauce. Cover and let it simmer for 5–8 minutes until thickened into a glossy, sticky glaze.

6.Broil & Serve:3 minutes | Broil.

(Optional for a crispy glaze) Place the pork chops on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with the thickened sauce. Broil on high for 2–3 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes slightly at the edges. Coat with extra sauce, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.

 

Chef’s Tips for Perfection

  1. Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in pork chops (center-cut) are inherently more moist and forgiving in a slow cooker because the bone slows down heat transfer. If using boneless chops, stick closer to the 3.5-hour mark on LOW to prevent drying out.

  2. Thickness Matters: Aim for chops that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinly cut pork chops (under 1/2 inch) will cook too quickly and turn tough in a slow cooker.

  3. Don’t Skip the Acid: The 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar may seem minor, but acid cuts through the heavy sweetness of honey and neutralizes the salt in the soy sauce.

Side Dish Pairings

  • Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: Perfect for soaking up the rich honey garlic gravy.

  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Adds a rich, creamy contrast to the sweet glazed pork.

  • Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus: High-heat roasted green veggies add crunch and fresh bitterness that cuts through the glaze.

Nutritional Facts

Serving Size: 1 pork chop with approximately 3 tablespoons of glaze

Nutrient Amount per Serving % Daily Value (DV)
Calories 385 kcal —
Total Fat 12 g 15%
Saturated Fat 3.5 g 18%
Trans Fat 0 g —
Cholesterol 90 mg 30%
Sodium 680 mg 30%
Total Carbohydrates 34 g 12%
Dietary Fiber 0.5 g 2%
Total Sugars 28 g (Includes 26g Added Sugars)
Protein 36 g 72%
Vitamin D 0.4 mcg 2%
Calcium 35 mg 3%
Iron 1.8 mg 10%
Potassium 540 mg 12%

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