Recipe for Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples & Onions – A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Family Meal
The Perfect One-Pot Comfort Dish for Busy Weeknights
Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of tender, juicy pork chops slow-cooked with caramelized apples and onions. This Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples & Onions recipe is the perfect balance of savory and sweet—bringing together classic flavors in a way that feels both comforting and gourmet.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or planning a cozy Sunday dinner, this easy slow cooker recipe takes the stress out of mealtime. With just 10 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does the rest—so you can focus on your day while dinner practically makes itself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking – The slow cooker does all the work!
- Family-Friendly Flavors – Sweet apples and savory pork are a winning combo.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make extra and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Minimal Ingredients – Simple, wholesome, and pantry-friendly.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for searing)
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Sear the Pork Chops (Optional, but Recommended)
For extra flavor, heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. This locks in the juices and enhances the taste.
2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Place half of the apple and onion slices at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange the seared (or raw) pork chops on top.
- Add the remaining apples and onions over the pork.
3: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Chicken broth
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Thyme, salt, and pepper
Pour the mixture over the pork and apples.
4: Set It & Forget It
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
5: Serve & Enjoy
Carefully remove the pork chops and spoon the apples and onions over the top. Drizzle with the flavorful juices from the slow cooker.
What to Serve with Pork Chops & Apples
This dish pairs beautifully with:
🥔 Creamy Mashed Potatoes – to soak up all the delicious sauce
🥖 Crusty Bread – perfect for dipping into the juices
🥗 Garlic Roasted Green Beans – for a pop of color and crunch
🌾 Wild Rice Pilaf – a nutty, hearty side that complements the flavors
🔥 Beginner-Friendly Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Apples – Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness, while Granny Smith provides a slight tang.
- Don’t Skip the Sear – It adds extra depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
- Use Bone-In Pork Chops – They stay juicier during slow cooking.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional) – If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving.
🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
📖 Love Slow Cooker Pork Chop Recipes? Get More Here!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love “35 Slow Cooker Pork Recipes” by Jean Pardue—filled with more delicious, effortless meal ideas for your slow cooker.
📌 Get your copy at Amazon here.
This Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples & Onions is an easy, cozy meal that will make your home smell amazing and your family ask for seconds. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments!
