Honey Garlic Pork Chops

These Honey Garlic Pork Chops are slow-cooked to perfection, delivering a tender, juicy texture with a rich, sweet-savory glaze. Made with a flavorful blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ketchup, this easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless slow cooker meal – Set it and forget it for a stress-free dinner.
• Sweet and savory balance – The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a delicious glaze.
• Tender and juicy pork – Slow cooking ensures the pork chops are melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Great for meal prep – Perfect for making ahead and reheating.
• Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free soy sauce to make it completely gluten-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 thick-cut boneless pork chops
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Sear each pork chop for about 2 minutes per side, just until browned. (This step enhances flavor but is optional.)

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

4. In a small bowl, mix together honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic until well combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook

5. Place the pork chops in the slow cooker.
6. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated.
7. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or high for 2½–3 hours, until the pork is tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

8. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry.
9. Remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and set aside.
10. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker, cover, and let it cook for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
11. Return the pork chops to the slow cooker and coat with the thickened sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

12. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm with rice, potatoes, or vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha for heat.
• Crispy Option – Broil the pork chops for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking for a caramelized glaze.
• Asian-Inspired – Add 1 teaspoon ginger and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
• Pineapple Twist – Mix in ½ cup pineapple juice for a tropical sweetness.
• Different Protein – Substitute pork chops with chicken thighs or boneless beef short ribs.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in pork chops?

Yes! Bone-in pork chops work well, but they may need an additional 30 minutes of cooking time.

What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let it naturally release for 5 minutes.

How do I keep pork chops from drying out?

Use thick-cut pork chops and cook on low heat for the best tenderness. Avoid overcooking.

Can I skip searing the pork chops?

Yes, but searing adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.

Can I use chicken instead of pork?

Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work perfectly with this recipe.

How do I make this dish sweeter or less sweet?

Adjust the honey to your preference—add more for extra sweetness or reduce it for a more savory flavor.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes! Doubling the sauce ensures extra glaze for serving over rice or vegetables.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Use a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and cook until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it in the morning and let it slow cook throughout the day for an easy dinner.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Pork Chops made in the slow cooker are a delicious, hassle-free meal with an irresistible sweet-savory glaze. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy tender, juicy pork that pairs perfectly with rice, potatoes, or vegetables. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to be a family favorite!

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