Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops are my weeknight secret when life gets busy and I still want something warm, sweet, and savory on the table. Maybe you know the feeling. You want dinner that tastes special, but you also want it to cook itself while you handle the rest of your day. These chops are sticky, garlicky, and tender enough to cut with a fork. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting and you get to kick back and enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen. Let me walk you through how I make them and all the little tricks that make them turn out perfect every time.
How to Make Honey Garlic Pork Chops in the Crock Pot
This is one of those dump, stir, and walk away recipes, but a couple of small details make a big difference. You can use bone-in or boneless pork chops, about one inch thick. Sear them first if you want extra flavor, but it is optional. The sauce is simple: honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, garlic for that savory kick, and a splash of broth to keep everything silky.
Step-by-step that actually works
Here is how I do it in my kitchen:
1. Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
2. Optional but tasty: heat a skillet with a bit of oil and sear the chops for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly golden. This locks in flavor and gives the sauce a deeper taste.
3. Whisk the sauce in a small bowl: honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, a splash of chicken broth, and a spoonful of ketchup or tomato paste if you want a touch of tang. I also add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for balance. That little bit of acid keeps it from being too sweet.
4. Place the chops in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure it coats evenly.
5. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until tender. Every slow cooker runs a bit different, so check for doneness by cutting into one chop to make sure it is juicy and cooked through.
6. If you want a thicker glaze, remove the chops to a plate, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, stir it into the sauce, and cook on high for 10 to 15 minutes. Slide the chops back in to coat.
What size slow cooker and how full should it be
A 5 to 6 quart slow cooker is perfect for four chops. You want the cooker about half to two-thirds full so the heat circulates well. If your slow cooker is larger, double the sauce or tuck some carrots and onions around the chops to keep everything snug.
Want more cozy dinner ideas for your slow cooker? Take a peek at my collection of favorites here: slow cooker recipes you can set and forget.
These pork chops were a total hit at our house. I tossed them in before school pickup and the sauce came out glossy and perfectly garlicky. My picky eater asked for seconds. That never happens.
Delicious Sides to Serve With Pork Chops
These chops love simple sides that soak up that sweet and savory sauce. Think creamy, buttery, and fresh. Here are some easy winners:
- Mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort plate. If you want a foolproof slow cooker version, try my favorite method: slow cooker mashed potatoes.
- Steamed rice or buttered noodles to grab every drop of glaze.
- Roasted green beans or broccoli for color and crunch.
- Glazed carrots for a pop of sweetness. These are especially lovely: maple brown sugar glazed carrots.
- A crisp side salad with a zippy vinaigrette to balance the rich sauce.
If you are doing a weekend spread, I like to add a simple slaw on the side and finish with a squeeze of lemon over the chops. It brightens every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Let’s keep it real and approachable. You probably have most of these in your pantry already. Here is what you need and how you can swap things if you are out of something.
- Pork chops: Boneless or bone-in, about one inch thick. Bone-in are a touch juicier, but both work well for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops.
- Honey: Any mild honey is great. If your honey is crystalized, warm it a bit so it blends smoothly.
- Soy sauce: Regular or low sodium. Coconut aminos works if you prefer gluten free or a slightly sweeter taste.
- Garlic: Fresh minced is best. Garlic powder can stand in during a pinch; use one teaspoon.
- Chicken broth: Water also works, but broth adds more flavor.
- Ketchup or tomato paste: Optional, but it adds tang and body to the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Just a teaspoon for balance. Rice vinegar or lemon juice is fine too.
- Cornstarch: Only if you want to thicken the sauce at the end.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some warmth.
For a lighter dinner rotation with similar flavors, you might enjoy this tender option: slow cooker pork tenderloin. Or if you love a tropical twist, my family is obsessed with this one: tender pineapple pork.
Keep in mind, the sauce is forgiving. Add a touch more honey if you like it sweeter, or another splash of vinegar if you want more zip. The slow cooker smooths everything out beautifully.
Recipe Tips
These simple pointers help you nail the texture and flavor every single time:
Use enough sauce. The chops should be nestled in a generous pool of sauce. This keeps them juicy and lets you spoon extra glaze at the end.
Resist overcooking. Pork dries out when pushed too far. Aim for the low end of the cook time and check early. You can always add 20 minutes more if needed.
Sear if you can. Browning adds depth. Even a quick minute per side pays off. But if it is a busy day, skip it and move on. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops are forgiving.
Keep the lid closed. Every time you open the lid, heat escapes and adds 15 to 20 minutes to the total cook time.
Thicken smart. If you thicken the sauce, do it at the end with a cornstarch slurry and give it time to bubble. That is when it goes glossy and coats the chops beautifully.
If you are craving a pulled pork vibe for a crowd, try these other set-it-and-relax favorites: delicious slow cooker pulled pork or go crunchy-taco style with pork carnitas for taco night. They are great companions in your slow cooker rotation.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
Leftovers are a gift. They soak up more flavor overnight, and you can slide them into meal prep with zero stress.
Fridge: Store cooked pork chops with their sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I like to keep the chops whole the first night, then shred leftovers for sandwiches or rice bowls the next day.
Freezer: Chill completely, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Lay bags flat for easy stacking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating without drying them out
Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or water until hot and glossy. You can also reheat in the slow cooker on low for about 45 minutes. For a quick lunch, microwave in short bursts with extra sauce on top. If you are in a hurry and like a different twist, you might also enjoy these quick-pressure style chops: Instant Pot pork chops with mushroom gravy.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen pork chops? It is best to thaw first so the sauce coats evenly and the meat cooks safely. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Will boneless or bone-in taste better? Both are great. Bone-in tends to be a bit juicier, but boneless is easy to serve. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops shine either way.
How do I know when the chops are done? They should be tender and reach 145°F in the center. I usually cut into one to check juiciness and color.
Can I double the recipe? Yes. Use a larger slow cooker or layer the chops with extra sauce. Add 30 minutes if the pot is very full.
What if my sauce is too sweet? Stir in a teaspoon of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt. That quickly balances the flavors in Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops.
A Cozy Dinner You Will Make On Repeat
There is something so satisfying about coming home to a pot of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops bubbling away. The sauce turns glossy, the kitchen smells amazing, and dinner basically makes itself. If you want more takes on this idea, check out these trusted guides that inspired me: Honey Garlic Crock Pot Pork Chops – Recipes That Crock! and this helpful walkthrough from a favorite food blog, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops in the Slow Cooker | The Recipe Critic. Give it a try this week. I think you will love how easy it is to pull off a warm, comforting dinner with almost no effort. And when you find your perfect sweet-savory balance, this one will be in your regular rotation for sure.
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- 4 pieces Pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about one inch thick) Bone-in chops are juicier but both types work well.
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup Honey Any mild honey works; warm if crystallized.
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce Regular or low sodium; coconut aminos for gluten-free.
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh minced is best; garlic powder can substitute.
- 1/4 cup Chicken broth Water can be used but broth adds more flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Ketchup or tomato paste Optional, adds tang.
- 1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar Adds balance; rice vinegar or lemon juice is fine too.
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Use to thicken the sauce at the end if desired.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to preference.
- a pinch Red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Optional: Sear the chops in a skillet with a bit of oil for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, chicken broth, ketchup (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
Cooking
- Place the chops in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chops are tender.
- For a thicker glaze, remove the chops, whisk cornstarch with water, stir into the sauce, and cook on high for an additional 10 to 15 minutes before returning the chops to coat.
