Some dinners just feel like fall, and this is one of them. Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples is the kind of meal you can put together in the morning and come home to in the evening, which makes it a natural fit for busy school nights, cozy weekends, and even casual holiday meals.
The idea is simple and a little nostalgic. Tender pork, sweet apples, and warm spices cook low and slow until the whole kitchen smells wonderful, a bit like those old fashioned baked pork chop dinners from years past, but built for a modern schedule.
The slow cooker does the real work here. Its gentle, moist heat keeps the pork chops from drying out, and the meat turns out fork tender and easy to cut.
There is a lot to love about a recipe this easy. First, it is true set it and forget it cooking. Everything goes into the slow cooker and cooks unattended, so there is no hovering over the stove and no last minute rush.
Second, it is nearly foolproof, even for beginners. Slow cooking keeps the pork moist, so even cooks who have struggled with dry pork chops in the past can get juicy results. Third, the flavor balance is just right.
The natural sweetness of the apples plays off the savory pork, the warm spices, and the rich cooking juices. The taste is mild and familiar, which makes it an easy win with kids, picky eaters, and holiday guests alike.
It is also wonderfully flexible. Serve it as an everyday dinner, a Sunday supper, part of a fall gathering, or a relaxed holiday meal.
The recipe is easy to customize too, with low carb tweaks or simple add ins based on what you have on hand. If your family loves simple slow cooker dinners, this Slow Cooker Pork and Beans recipe is another easy favorite worth keeping in rotation.
Set it and forget it. Everything cooks unattended in the slow cooker.
Tender and juicy. Gentle, moist heat keeps the pork from drying out, making this nearly foolproof even for beginners.
Sweet and savory balance. Apples, warm spices, and rich juices complement the savory pork.
Family friendly. The mild, familiar flavor works for kids, picky eaters, and holiday gatherings.
Flexible. Great for everyday dinners, fall gatherings, Sunday suppers, and casual holiday meals.
Easy to customize. Adjust with low carb tweaks or add ins based on what you have on hand.
This recipe keeps the ingredient list short and the flavors classic. Here is everything you need, followed by a few notes that help the dish turn out its best.
4 boneless pork chops, about 1 to 1 1/4 lb total
2 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work well)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
1 tablespoon olive oil, optional, for browning
Pork chops. Choose chops that are at least 3/4 inch thick. Thicker chops stay juicier and hold up better during the long, slow cook, and center cut chops work especially well. Bone in chops are fine too, though the recipe as tested uses boneless.
Starting from frozen. If your pork chops are frozen, thaw them fully in the refrigerator first. Starting from thawed chops gives the best texture and is the safer choice for slow cooking.
Apples. Pick firm, slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold their shape through hours of cooking and their brightness balances the savory flavors. Avoid very soft apples, which break down too much and turn mushy.
Onion and liquid. A yellow or sweet onion adds depth and gentle sweetness as it cooks down into the sauce. One cup of chicken broth keeps the flavor savory, and the source notes that apple cider works in its place and adds extra sweetness, so use whichever suits your table.
Seasonings. A small amount of brown sugar enhances the apples without making the dish overly sweet, and you can reduce it for a more savory profile.
Cinnamon brings classic fall flavor without overpowering the pork, and a pinch of nutmeg is a natural fit if you like extra warmth. Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and dried thyme or rosemary give the sauce its savory backbone.
Season generously with salt and black pepper, since both the pork and the apples benefit from proper seasoning.
Cornstarch. An optional cornstarch slurry at the end turns the cooking juices into a silky, spoonable sauce. It takes just minutes and is worth it if you love a thicker sauce over mashed potatoes or rice.
The two choices that matter most are thick pork chops and firm apples. Get those right and the slow cooker handles the rest.
Prep takes about 15 minutes. The recipe card lists a cook time of 6 hours, and the tested guidance is to cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through. This recipe is adapted from the original Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples recipe.
Arrange the pork chops in a single layer as much as possible so they cook evenly. A slight overlap is fine in a smaller slow cooker, since the long, gentle cook evens things out.
Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step builds the base layer of flavor.
For extra flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and sear the pork chops for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until lightly browned. Transfer the chops to the slow cooker. Skip this step on a busy morning if you like; it is fully optional.
Spread the sliced apples and onions evenly over the pork chops in the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried thyme or rosemary, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture evenly over everything in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F and be tender enough to cut easily with a fork.
To thicken the sauce, stir the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Spoon the soft apples and the savory sauce generously over the pork chops and serve warm.
If your morning is rushed, skip the optional browning. The chops still turn out tender and full of flavor without it.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well, which makes this a great cook once, eat twice kind of dinner. Pack them for lunches or spoon them over fresh rice the next day.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth to keep the pork moist.
To freeze, let the pork chops and apples cool first, then store them in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations
Once you know the basic method, it is easy to change the mood of the dish. Each twist below keeps the same simple slow cooker method and just shifts the flavor, so pick the one that fits your table. Try one of these ideas.
Cinnamon Maple Pork Chops. Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness.
Savory Herb Pork Chops. Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a more herb forward flavor.
Creamy Apple Pork Chops. Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy finish.
Low Carb Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples. Use fewer apples and skip the sugar for a lighter, more savory version.
Holiday Style Pork Chops. Add cranberries and extra warm spices for a festive twist.
Oven Roasted Pork Alternative. The same flavor profile also works well for oven roasted pork. For another easy pork chop dinner from the oven, try these Parmesan Baked Pork Chops.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples
This is a comforting, reliable, and endlessly adaptable dish, and the right sides turn it into a full meal. Anything that soaks up the savory sauce is a win.
Classic comfort sides. Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Vegetables. Green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or something cozy like scalloped potatoes all pair well.
Low carb options. Cauliflower mash or sauteed greens keep the meal light.
Bread. Crusty bread or dinner rolls are ideal for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Holiday additions. Stuffing, roasted squash, or oven roasted vegetables round out a special dinner.
For holidays, lean into the cozy side of the dish. Stuffing, roasted squash, and oven roasted vegetables turn these pork chops into a relaxed holiday centerpiece without the fuss of a big roast. Whether it is a busy weeknight or a cozy holiday spread, these simple sides let the sweet and savory pork chops shine.
How long do you cook pork chops with apples in a slow cooker?
Cook the pork chops on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through. Low heat is the best choice when you have time, because it keeps the chops juicy and helps the apples stay tender without falling apart. For this recipe, plan on about 15 minutes of prep before the slow cooker does the rest.
What apples hold up best in a slow cooker?
Firm, slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are the best choice because they keep their shape during long cooking. The recipe card calls for 2 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced, with Honeycrisp or Fuji working especially well. Avoid very soft apples, since they break down too much over 6 or more hours and can turn the sauce mushy.
Can you cook pork chops from frozen in a slow cooker?
No, you should thaw the pork chops first. Starting from frozen can keep the meat in the temperature range where bacteria grow for too long before the center reaches a safe heat, so it is not food safe. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then pat them dry and season both sides with salt and pepper before adding them to the slow cooker.
How do I thicken the sauce for slow cooker pork chops with apples?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir the cornstarch fully into the cold water first, because lumps rarely dissolve once they hit hot liquid.
Why You’ll Love It Some dinners just feel like fall, and this is one of them. Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples is the kind of meal you can put together in the morning and come home to in the evening, which makes it a natural fit for busy school nights, cozy weekends, and even casual holiday meals.
Total Time:6 hours 15 minutes
Yield:61x
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients 4 boneless pork chops, about 1–1¼ lb total 2 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work well) 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 1 cup chicken broth 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons cold water 1 tablespoon olive oil, for browning
Instructions
1-Pat the pork chops dry and season: Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. 2-Optional: Optional: heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the pork chops for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned, then transfer to the slow cooker. 3-Spread the sliced apples and onions evenly: Spread the sliced apples and onions evenly over the pork chops in the slow cooker. 4-In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth,: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, thyme, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over everything in the slow cooker. 5-Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through. 6-In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water. Stir it into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. 7-Spoon apples and sauce over the pork: Spoon apples and sauce over the pork chops and serve warm.
Last Step:
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