Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
The pork may have a slightly different texture after freezing, but the honey garlic sauce still makes the leftovers wonderfully flavorful.
General Recipe Information
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: About 3–5 hours, depending on pork chop thickness and slow cooker
Total time: About 3–5½ hours
Servings: 4
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow cooker
Cooking time varies between appliances and according to the thickness of the pork chops. Always use an instant-read thermometer to verify doneness.
Whole cuts of pork should reach 145°F (63°C) and then rest briefly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes!
Bone-in pork chops can be used in this recipe. Just keep in mind that their thickness can vary, so use an internal thermometer to determine when they’re finished.
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Absolutely.
Boneless pork chops are convenient and work very well.
Why are my slow cooker pork chops dry?
Pork chops can become dry if they’re cooked for too long.
They’re leaner than many slow-cooker cuts of meat, so avoid treating them like a large pork roast that needs hours and hours of cooking.
Can I use frozen pork chops?
For food safety, it’s best to thaw pork safely in the refrigerator before putting it into a slow cooker.
Can I make this sauce less sweet?
Yes.
Reduce the amount of honey and adjust the vinegar or mustard slightly to maintain balance.
How can I make the sauce spicy?
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, chili garlic sauce, or your favorite hot sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
You can, although softer vegetables may become very tender during the longer cooking process.
For vegetables with better texture, consider roasting or steaming them separately.
Can I use bottled minced garlic?
Yes.
Fresh garlic gives the strongest flavor, but bottled minced garlic is perfectly convenient when you need a shortcut.
Easy Variations
Honey Garlic Ginger Pork Chops
Add fresh grated ginger to the sauce.
Serve with rice and steamed broccoli.
Spicy Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Add crushed red pepper flakes and a splash of hot sauce.
The sweet-and-spicy combination is fantastic.
Lemon Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Add a little fresh lemon zest and juice toward the end for a brighter flavor.
Sticky Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Thicken the cooking liquid with cornstarch and brush or spoon the thickened sauce over the pork just before serving.