Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops Recipe

Okay, so you know those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking? This Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops recipe totally saves the day. It’s cozy, sweet, and the pork just falls apart.

We’ve made this so many times—especially in fall. The apples melt into this warm, tangy sauce that hugs the pork just right. And honestly, your kitchen will smell amazing.

What I love most? You just toss everything in, and it pretty much cooks itself. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but takes zero effort.

So yeah, if you’re craving something easy and comforting, let’s get started. Grab your slow cooker, and let’s make dinner simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender and Juicy: Slow-cooked pork chops are melt-in-your-mouth tender and infused with flavor from the apples and seasonings.
• Sweet and Savory: The combination of apples, balsamic vinegar, and herbs creates the perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth.
• Hands-Off Cooking: This is a true “set it and forget it” recipe! Just prep your ingredients, set the Crock Pot, and let it do all the work.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week for an easy lunch or dinner.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild flavor of the pork and the natural sweetness of the apples make this a kid-friendly dinner everyone will love.
• Impressive Yet Simple: This dish is simple to make, but it looks and tastes like something you’d find at a fancy dinner party.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start, here’s a quick rundown of the essential kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Crock Pot/Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show. Any 4-6 quart slow cooker will work well for this recipe.
• Knife and Cutting Board: To prep your apples, onions, and herbs.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning.
• Large Skillet (Optional): If you prefer to sear the pork chops before slow cooking, you’ll need a skillet.
• Tongs or Meat Fork: To handle the pork chops when transferring them into the slow cooker.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful recipe:

• Pork Chops (Bone-In or Boneless): I recommend bone-in pork chops for extra flavor, but boneless works just as well.
• Red Delicious Apples: These apples add sweetness and hold up well when slow-cooked. You can use other apples like Fuji or Gala if preferred.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the apples and the savory pork.
• Onion (Julienned): Sweet onions caramelize beautifully in the slow cooker and complement the pork and apples.
• Thyme: Fresh thyme adds earthy, aromatic notes to the dish.
• Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning and flavor enhancement.
• Ground Sage: Sage adds a savory, slightly peppery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the pork.
• Brown Sugar: A small amount of brown sugar adds a caramelized sweetness to balance the vinegar.
• Chicken Stock (Unsalted): A flavorful base for the sauce, ensuring the pork stays moist and delicious.
• Bay Leaf: A bay leaf brings depth of flavor to the sauce, infusing the pork and apples as they cook.
• Oil (For Searing, Optional): If you want to add a little extra caramelization to the pork chops, you can sear them in a skillet before adding them to the Crock Pot.

Variations for Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to customize the dish to your liking:

• Try Different Fruits: While apples are the star of the show, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or even dried apricots for a different twist.
• Add Veggies: Carrots or parsnips make a great addition to this dish, adding more savory flavor and texture.
• Use Red Onion: If you prefer a sweeter onion flavor, you can swap yellow onions for red onions.
• Swap Herbs: Try rosemary or oregano instead of thyme and sage for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Add a Little Heat: If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option for anyone avoiding gluten.
• Make It a One-Pot Meal: Serve the pork chops with potatoes or rice in the slow cooker. Simply add the potatoes at the start or the rice in the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Chops

First, season your pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and ground sage. You can either leave the pork chops as they are or sear them in a skillet with a bit of oil to develop some extra flavor. If you’re searing, heat the oil over medium-high heat and cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until a golden crust forms. This step is optional but adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the pork.

2. Prepare the Apples and Onions

While the pork chops are searing (or if you skip the searing step), core and slice the apples. I recommend slicing them into thin wedges or thick slices for the best texture after slow cooking. Next, julienne the onion, cutting it into thin strips. Set both aside.

3. Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Add a layer of the sliced apples and onions to the bottom of the Crock Pot. Place the seasoned (and optionally seared) pork chops on top of the apple and onion mixture. The pork chops will cook down into the apples and onions, soaking up all the sweet and savory flavors as they cook.

4. Add the Flavorful Liquid

In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and chicken stock. Pour this mixture evenly over the pork chops. Add the thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This liquid will help create a flavorful sauce that will keep the pork chops moist and tender while they slow cook.

5. Slow Cook the Pork Chops

Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. The pork chops will become incredibly tender as they cook, and the apples will break down into a sweet, caramelized sauce.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the pork chops are done, carefully remove them from the Crock Pot and place them on a serving platter. Use a spoon to drizzle the apples, onions, and sauce over the top of the pork chops. Serve with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

How to Serve Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the tender pork and sweet apples perfectly.
• Rice: Serve with fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts roasted with a bit of olive oil make a great addition to this meal.
• Steamed Green Beans: For a fresh, vibrant side, steamed green beans work beautifully alongside the rich flavors of the pork.
• Crispy Bread: A nice crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce and apples.

Storing Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops

If you have leftovers (which is often the case with this dish since it’s so filling), storing them properly is key to enjoying the meal again later. Here’s how to store and reheat your Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops:

How to Store Leftovers:

1. Let the Pork Chops Cool: Allow the pork chops to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. This prevents condensation, which can make the pork chops soggy.
2. Store in the Refrigerator: Keep the pork chops, apples, onions, and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure everything is well-covered to maintain freshness.
3. Freezing Leftovers: If you have a lot of leftovers or want to save some for later, you can freeze the pork chops. Place the pork chops and sauce in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the meal in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.

How to Reheat Leftovers:

• In the Microwave: Place the pork chops with the apples and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, checking and stirring as needed, until warmed through.
• On the Stovetop: To reheat on the stove, add the pork chops and sauce to a skillet over low heat. Cover the skillet to lock in moisture and heat for about 10 minutes or until hot. Stir occasionally to make sure the pork chops don’t dry out.
• In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pork chops with the sauce in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information for Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops

This dish is hearty, flavorful, and relatively healthy, with a good balance of protein and vitamins from the apples. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings):

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	350-400
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	4g
Sugars	18g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	70mg
Sodium	280mg
Potassium	600mg
Vitamin A	8% DV
Vitamin C	10% DV
Calcium	4% DV
Iron	10% DV

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Tips for Success

While this recipe is relatively simple, a few key tips can help ensure that your Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops turn out perfectly every time:

1. Choosing the Right Pork Chops:

The type of pork chops you choose can make a big difference in the final dish. Bone-in pork chops tend to be juicier and more flavorful, thanks to the bone holding in moisture during cooking. However, if you prefer boneless pork chops, they will also work just fine. Just keep in mind that boneless chops may cook a little faster.

2. Use Fresh Apples:

For the best flavor and texture, use fresh apples. Older apples may become mushy and lose their flavor when slow-cooked. Red Delicious apples work wonderfully in this recipe due to their sweetness and ability to hold their shape, but feel free to use other varieties like Fuji or Gala. If you prefer a slightly tart flavor, you can even use Granny Smith apples.

3. Sear the Pork Chops (Optional):

Searing the pork chops before adding them to the slow cooker is an optional step, but I highly recommend it. Searing the pork chops in a hot skillet creates a rich, caramelized crust, which locks in flavor. This extra step takes just a few minutes but can elevate the dish significantly. If you’re short on time, you can skip this and go straight to the Crock Pot—your pork chops will still turn out tender and flavorful.

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Crock Pot:

To ensure even cooking, try not to overcrowd the Crock Pot. The pork chops should be layered on top of the apples and onions but should not be tightly packed. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using a larger Crock Pot or cooking in two batches.

5. Adjusting the Cooking Time:

Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker. For the best results, use the low setting and cook the pork chops for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a rush, the high setting will work in 3-4 hours, but be sure to check the tenderness of the pork before serving. The meat should be fork-tender and easily separate from the bone (if using bone-in chops).

6. Make It a Complete Meal:

To make this dish even easier, consider adding side dishes directly into the Crock Pot. For example, you can add diced potatoes or carrots alongside the pork chops at the beginning of the cooking time. These vegetables will absorb the flavorful sauce and become deliciously tender as they cook.

Pairing Ideas: Side Dishes to Serve with Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops

This dish is flavorful on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some side dish ideas that go perfectly with Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops:

1. Mashed Potatoes:

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side for pork chops, and they pair wonderfully with the sweet and savory apple sauce. The potatoes can absorb the sauce, adding an extra layer of richness to each bite.

2. Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or parsnips, make a great complement to the tender pork and apples. Toss the veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until they’re golden and crispy. Their natural sweetness pairs well with the savory pork.

3. Rice or Quinoa:

Serve the pork chops over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to create a hearty and filling meal. The rice or quinoa can soak up the delicious sauce, giving you the perfect bite with every forkful.

4. Steamed Green Beans:

For a fresh, light side dish, try serving the pork chops with steamed green beans. Their crisp texture and slightly bitter flavor provide a nice contrast to the rich, sweet pork and apples.

5. Salad:

If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a refreshing side dish. The crispness of the greens will balance the richness of the pork chops, and a lemon-based dressing can add a bright contrast to the sweetness of the apples.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other cuts of pork for this recipe?

Yes! While pork chops are the traditional choice, you can use other cuts like pork loin or pork tenderloin. Just keep in mind that these cuts may cook faster than pork chops, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. You’ll also want to check for doneness, as pork loin and tenderloin can dry out if overcooked.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before, layer the ingredients in the Crock Pot, cover, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, just plug in your slow cooker and cook as usual. This is a great way to have a hassle-free meal ready when you get home from work.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the pork chops and apples from the slow cooker once they are done cooking, and then simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your liking. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir this slurry into the sauce. Let it cook for another 5 minutes to thicken.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this dish in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a Dutch oven or large oven-safe dish, follow the same steps to season the pork chops, add the apples, onions, and sauce, then cover and bake for 2-3 hours, or until the pork chops are tender.

Final Thoughts

These Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops are truly a game-changer in the kitchen. The combination of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors makes this dish a hit every time. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weekday dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to impress. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. So, go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how delicious and comforting this simple dish can be.