These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, sticky sweet-and-savory glaze made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and flavorful seasonings. Slow cooking allows the pork to become incredibly tender while soaking up the glossy sauce, making this an easy comfort-food dinner perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love It
- Tender, juicy pork chops coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze
- Sweet, savory, garlicky flavor with a beautifully glossy finish
- Easy slow-cooker preparation with minimal hands-on work
- Perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or vegetables
Ingredients Overview
Pork Chops
- 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
For Thickening
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Extra honey garlic sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels.
Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Let them rest for about 10 minutes while you heat the skillet.
2. Sear the Pork Chops
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the pork chops and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until deeply golden.
The pork does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Transfer the browned chops to the slow cooker.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes if using.
Whisk until the brown sugar begins to dissolve and the sauce is well combined.
4. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the pork chops.
Turn each chop gently so both sides are coated.
Spoon some of the sauce over the tops before covering the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, depending on the thickness of the pork chops.
Cook until the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
Avoid cooking much longer than necessary so the pork remains juicy.
6. Thicken the Sauce
Carefully transfer the cooked pork chops to a plate.
Mix the cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth.
Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and sticky.
7. Serve
Return the pork chops to the slow cooker and spoon the thick honey garlic glaze generously over each piece.
Finish with fresh parsley and freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately with plenty of extra sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Tips
- Thick-cut bone-in pork chops stay juicier during slow cooking.
- Searing the pork first adds richer flavor and a beautifully caramelized exterior.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce so the glaze does not become overly salty.
- Add the cornstarch slurry only near the end for a smooth, glossy sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the chops, especially if using boneless pork.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these slow cooker honey garlic pork chops with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed white rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Roasted green beans
- Garlic roasted vegetables
Storage
Store leftover pork chops and honey garlic sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a covered skillet or microwave with a spoonful of the sauce to help keep the meat moist.
Leftover Ideas
- Slice leftover pork and serve it over rice with extra honey garlic sauce.
- Chop the pork and add it to a vegetable stir-fry.
- Use thin slices in sandwiches or wraps with crunchy slaw.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes. Boneless pork chops work well, but they generally cook faster, so begin checking them earlier.
Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Yes. Reduce the brown sugar or honey slightly and add a little extra chicken broth or soy sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes. Mushrooms, onions, carrots, or bell peppers can be added around the pork chops.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the sauce and season the pork the night before, refrigerate separately, and assemble everything in the slow cooker when ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops combine tender pork with a sticky, glossy sauce full of sweet honey, savory soy, garlic, and warm seasonings. With minimal preparation and plenty of comforting flavor, this easy slow-cooker dinner is perfect for busy family nights, weekend meals, or anytime you want juicy pork chops with an irresistible homemade glaze.
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