Mouthwatering Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops: Your Easiest Recipe for Tender & Juicy Comfort Food
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked, tender pork chop to bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This Barbecue Pork Chops recipe takes that comfort to an entirely new level by harnessing the power of your crock pot, allowing you to create an incredibly flavorful and effortless family dinner. With minimal ingredients and a simple hands-off approach, you can enjoy melt-in-your-mouth pork chops smothered in a delectable sweet and savory BBQ sauce.
Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of dinner already prepared, knowing that delicious, juicy pork chops are waiting. That’s the beauty of this slow cooker recipe. It’s designed for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, delivering maximum flavor with minimum effort. Forget the stress of searing or grilling; just set it and forget it, and let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. This truly is one of the best pork chop recipes you’ll find, perfect for a simple family dinner while you tackle other tasks on your to-do list.
The secret to the best slow cooker pork chops lies in choosing thick cuts. These substantial chops stand up beautifully to longer cooking times, ensuring they remain incredibly juicy and tender, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the barbecue sauce without drying out. Cooking pork chops no longer has to be a daunting culinary challenge. Once you master this slow cooker method, you’ll wonder why you ever did it any other way! And with dinner handled, you’ll have plenty of time to pick out your favorite dessert recipe to complete the meal.
Essential Ingredients for Tender Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork Chops:
Crafting these succulent BBQ pork chops requires just a handful of simple ingredients, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t need a complicated shopping list. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture.
- Protein: Thick Boneless Pork Chops. For the ultimate tender and juicy outcome, prioritize thick-cut, boneless pork chops. Their robust size ensures they won’t dry out during the slow cooking process, instead becoming incredibly fork-tender and moist. You can also use bone-in chops, which often add even more flavor, but adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
- Seasoning: Kosher Salt and Black Pepper. Sometimes, less is more. A generous seasoning of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper is all you need to enhance the natural flavor of the pork without overpowering it. These fundamental seasonings are critical for developing a savory base.
- Sauce: Your Favorite BBQ Sauce and Apricot Jelly. The magic of this recipe truly shines in its sauce. A simple combination of your preferred BBQ sauce provides that classic smoky, tangy flavor, while apricot jelly adds a unique, irresistible sweetness and a lovely glossy finish. This sweet and savory fusion creates a rich, complex glaze that tenderizes the pork and clings to every bite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties or even other fruit jellies for a personalized touch.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops
Preparing these barbecue pork chops in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, involving just a few easy steps. The beauty of this method is its simplicity, allowing you to achieve perfectly cooked, flavorful pork with minimal effort.
Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the apricot jelly and your favorite BBQ sauce. Whisk them together thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-blended mixture. This ensures the sweet and savory notes are evenly distributed throughout the final dish. You can adjust the ratio slightly based on your preference for sweetness or tanginess.
Season and Layer Pork Chops:
Proper seasoning is key to building flavor. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper – it makes a real difference in the final taste profile of your pork chops.
- Pat both sides of your pork chops dry with paper towels – this helps the seasoning adhere better. Generously season both sides of each pork chop with salt and black pepper. Place the first layer of seasoned pork chops into the bottom of your crockpot. Spoon a portion of the apricot BBQ sauce mixture over this layer, ensuring each chop is lightly coated. Repeat this layering process with the remaining pork chops and sauce. Make sure the final layer of pork chops is generously covered with the rest of the apricot BBQ mix, ensuring all the rich flavor seeps into the meat as it cooks.
Cook Pork Chops to Perfection:
The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet-worthy meal. Choose your cooking setting based on your schedule.
- Cook on LOW temperature for 6 hours or HIGH for 5 hours. The precise cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your pork chops and your slow cooker model, but these times will typically yield incredibly tender results. The slow, gentle heat ensures the pork breaks down beautifully, becoming fall-apart tender.
- Once cooked, these Barbecue Pork Chops are fantastic served over creamy white rice or fluffy mashed potatoes, allowing the rich sauce to be fully enjoyed. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a touch of color and freshness.
Barbecue Pork Chops In The Slow Cooker
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Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 6 thick pork chops
- salt , to taste
- black pepper , to taste
- 1 cup bbq sauce
- 1 cup apricot jelly
Instructions
Make BBQ sauce mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix together apricot and bbq sauce.
Season pork chops:
- Salt and pepper both sides of your pork chop and place in the crockpot in a layer, spread a little bit of the apricot bbq, and repeat this with the last layer being the rest of the apricot BBQ mix.
Cook pork chops:
- Cook on LOW temperature for 6 hours or HIGH for 5 hours.
- Enjoy over white rice or mashed potatoes!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Storing Leftover BBQ Pork Chops:
Having leftovers of these delicious BBQ pork chops is a treat! Proper storage ensures they remain fresh and flavorful for future meals.
Fridge: Once cooled, transfer any leftover cooked pork chops and their luscious sauce to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This will maintain their tenderness and prevent them from drying out. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freezer: For longer storage, cooked and cooled pork chops can be frozen. Place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, with plenty of sauce to keep them moist. They will last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips and Tricks for Achieving the Best Boneless BBQ Pork Chops:
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few expert tips can elevate your slow cooker BBQ pork chops from great to absolutely exceptional. These insights will help you ensure every bite is perfectly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Choosing the Right Type of Pork Chops:
The success of slow-cooked pork chops heavily relies on the cut you choose. Since these pork chops will be cooking for a longer time, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, you will want to avoid using thin pork chops. Thin chops, like those often found labeled as “fast-fry,” will dry out easily in the slow cooker and become tough. Instead, always opt for thick pork chops – ideally 1 to 1.5 inches thick – to be sure you get perfectly juicy pork chops that can withstand the extended cooking process and become wonderfully tender.
Thick-cut loin chops or even bone-in varieties (though boneless are called for in this recipe for ease) are ideal. The extra thickness provides a buffer against overcooking, ensuring the meat remains moist and succulent. Thin pork chops, by contrast, work best on a hot skillet for a quick sear to achieve that golden brown, flavorful crust, but they are not suitable for this low and slow method.
Perfect Sides to Serve with Your BBQ Pork Chops:
These flavorful BBQ pork chops pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, allowing you to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Beyond white rice and mashed potatoes, consider these excellent options:
- Garlic Pull Apart Rolls: Warm, buttery, and infused with garlic, these rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing BBQ sauce.
- Avocado Corn Salad: A refreshing and vibrant salad with creamy avocado and sweet corn offers a delightful contrast to the rich pork.
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad: A creamy and savory pasta salad adds a comforting and hearty element to your plate.
- Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy, flavorful mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, providing a smooth base for the tender pork and sauce.
- Steamed Green Beans: Simple, crisp green beans offer a healthy and fresh balance.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce beautifully.
How to Know When Pork Chops Are Perfectly Done:
Ensuring your pork chops are cooked through but not overdone is crucial for tenderness. The easiest and most reliable way to know that pork chops are cooked all the way through is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chops, avoiding any bone if using bone-in cuts. You’re looking for an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F. Once it reaches this temperature, the pork is safely cooked and will be at its juiciest.
Remember that the thickness of the chops will determine how long it takes for them to reach this safe internal temperature. Allow for a few minutes of “rest time” after removing them from the slow cooker; during this period, the internal temperature may rise slightly (carryover cooking), and the juices will redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful pork chops.
Preventing Tough Pork Chops:
A common mistake when cooking pork is overcooking, which is the most frequent culprit behind tough, dry pork chops. Many people will choose to cook pork longer than necessary to ensure it is thoroughly cooked, but this often leads to a chewy texture. Using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your loin chop, aiming for that 145°F mark, will help alleviate this issue and consistently help you achieve perfectly juicy and tender pork.
The slow cooker, by its nature, is an excellent tool for preventing tough pork. The low and slow cooking method gently breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, ensuring a tender result. Combined with selecting thick chops and using a thermometer, you’ll consistently avoid tough pork.
Adding Extra Seasoning for Enhanced Flavor:
While salt and pepper provide a fantastic foundation, you can easily customize the flavor profile of your BBQ pork chops with additional seasonings. If you choose to add more seasoning to the chops, consider using either a dry rub or a spice mix that you particularly enjoy. Popular additions include a little onion powder, garlic powder, or even a touch of brown sugar (which will caramelize nicely with the BBQ sauce). Smoked paprika can add depth, while a pinch of cayenne pepper can introduce a subtle heat. Experiment with your favorite spices to tailor the taste to your family’s preferences.
Explore More Delicious Pork Recipes:
If you love the versatility and flavor of pork, you’ll enjoy these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
- Sheet Pan Sweet Italian Sausage & Veggies: A quick and easy one-pan meal packed with vibrant flavors.
- Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin: Tender pork tenderloin roasted with vegetables for a healthy and convenient dinner.
- The BEST Smoked Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta: A hearty and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
- Easy Slow Cooker Ham Recipe | The Perfect Holiday Dinner: A hassle-free way to prepare a festive ham, ideal for holidays or special occasions.
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We hope you enjoy making these incredibly tender and flavorful Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops. They are truly a game-changer for stress-free meal preparation and are sure to become a new family favorite. If you give these recipes a try, make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you liked the recipes! Your feedback inspires us to keep creating more delicious and easy dishes for you.