Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day to the comforting aroma of succulent pork chops simmering away in a savory, sweet sauce. This easy slow cooker dish keeps the meat fall-apart tender, while balancing subtle tanginess with a hint of sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite blend)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth or water (optional, for extra sauce)
Instructions
Begin by seasoning both sides of the pork chops with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and minced garlic to create a smooth, sweet, and smoky marinade.
Layer the pork chops in your slow cooker. If you want extra sauce, add the chicken broth or water to the bottom of the cooker. Pour the prepared honey-barbecue mixture evenly over the pork chops, ensuring each one is coated. Cover the slow cooker, set it on Low, and let them cook for a full 8 hours.
After the cooking time is up, the pork chops will be incredibly tender and infused with sweet, tangy flavor. You can serve them straight from the slow cooker or carefully transfer them onto a platter. To finish, spoon some of that irresistible sauce over each chop and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if you like.
These Sweet & Tangy 8-Hour Pork Chops are a wonderfully satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comfort-food dinner without fuss. They’re kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and suitable for anyone looking for a slow-cooked supper that tastes like it’s been lovingly tended all day. If you’re watching your sodium, opt for a reduced-salt soy sauce and barbecue sauce. Feel free to swap out honey for maple syrup or add a pinch of chili flakes if you want extra heat. However you choose to customize this recipe, you’ll find it’s a reliable go-to for melt-in-your-mouth pork chops paired with minimal effort—and plenty of flavor.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
