These honey-garlic pork chops are everything you want in a low-effort, high-reward meal. Cooked low and slow in the crock pot, they come out incredibly tender and juicy, bathed in a rich, slightly sweet sauce with hints of garlic and soy. The flavor deepens as the hours go by, making your home smell like you’ve been cooking all day—even though you’ve barely lifted a finger.
Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, this recipe hits the sweet spot between convenience and flavor. Whether you serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, or even buttery rice, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. It’s a fuss-free favorite that delivers every single time.
Full recipes:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless pork chops (bone-in also works)
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1 cup chicken broth (or water)
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
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3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
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1 onion, chopped
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1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Place the pork chops in your crock pot. It’s fine if they overlap slightly.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and chopped onion. Stir well.
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Pour the mixture over the pork chops in the crock pot.
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Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper on top.
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Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
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Once done, serve the pork chops with some of the cooking liquid spooned over for extra flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6–7 hours (low) | Total Time: ~7 hours
Kcal: 310 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
The Story Behind These Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Sometimes the best recipes aren’t born in test kitchens—they come from everyday people simply trying to make dinner easier. That’s exactly where these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops came from. Picture a busy weekend with zero energy to hover over a stove, and a craving for something warm, hearty, and homemade. That’s when this recipe becomes a lifesaver.
This dish has quickly become a beloved staple in countless households because of its unmatched convenience and rich, comforting flavors. The combination of savory soy, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic forms a sauce that infuses deep into the pork chops during hours of slow simmering. And the best part? The crock pot does all the work.
Why This Recipe Stands Out From the Rest
What makes these pork chops different from the dozens of others floating around online? First, the balance of flavor: it’s not just sweet or salty—it’s both, with added depth from the garlic and a whisper of smokiness from paprika. Every bite tastes like it’s been thoughtfully crafted, yet it requires almost no hands-on effort.
Second, the texture is unbeatable. Slow cooking ensures the pork becomes tender without drying out—a common problem with lean cuts. The chops absorb the juices over several hours, so you end up with meat that literally falls apart with a fork.
Lastly, it’s a fail-proof method. Even for people who consider themselves “bad cooks” or complete beginners, this recipe delivers. It’s nearly impossible to mess up. You toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and return hours later to a gourmet-quality meal.
Ingredients That Shine With Simplicity
This dish doesn’t call for fancy ingredients. In fact, most of what you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge:
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Boneless or bone-in pork chops
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Chicken broth (or water in a pinch)
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Soy sauce
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Honey or maple syrup
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Garlic (fresh or powdered)
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Onion
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Smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper
These ingredients work together to create layers of flavor with minimal effort. You get the sweetness from honey, umami from soy sauce, and richness from the broth. Garlic and onion add aromatic complexity, while paprika gives just enough smokiness to keep it interesting.
The Power of the Crock Pot
The slow cooker is more than just a kitchen gadget—it’s a game changer. This dish is a prime example of how the crock pot can transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Cooking low and slow allows the pork to tenderize naturally and the sauce to thicken into a glossy, savory glaze.
Another benefit of slow cooking? It locks in moisture. Pork, especially lean chops, can dry out quickly on the stove or in the oven. But in the slow cooker, surrounded by liquid, the meat stays juicy and flavorful.
And let’s not forget the practical side: you prep in under 10 minutes and walk away. Whether you’re off to work, running errands, or just relaxing, your dinner is slowly building flavor all day long.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Considerations
Despite its comfort-food appeal, this dish is quite balanced. Pork is a great source of lean protein, packed with vitamins like B6 and B12, zinc, and selenium. By choosing boneless, center-cut pork chops, you can keep the fat content relatively low.
Honey, while sweet, is also a natural ingredient with antimicrobial properties, and when used in moderation (like in this recipe), it’s a much better alternative than processed sugar. The garlic and onion aren’t just for flavor—they come with their own set of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and heart-health-boosting properties.
The recipe can also be adapted to suit specific dietary needs. Need it gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Watching your sodium intake? Go for a low-sodium broth and soy substitute. And for a Paleo version, swap in coconut aminos for soy and pair with roasted vegetables instead of mashed potatoes.
Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal
These pork chops are super versatile when it comes to serving. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, which soak up that amazing sauce like a sponge. If you prefer a lighter option, go for steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or even cauliflower rice.
Want to go all-out comfort mode? Serve with creamy mac and cheese, garlic bread, or buttery rice. You can also shred the pork and serve it over sliders or in a grain bowl with roasted veggies.
And don’t forget the garnish: a sprinkle of chopped parsley, green onions, or even crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice visual pop and extra layer of flavor.
Tips for Foolproof Results Every Time
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Always cook on low: It might be tempting to rush things by turning your slow cooker to high, but trust the process. Cooking low and slow ensures that tenderness we all crave.
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Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) right before serving.
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Season wisely: Because soy sauce already brings saltiness, go light on the added salt. Taste the sauce halfway through if needed.
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Use fresh garlic when possible: It makes a noticeable difference in flavor compared to powder.
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Avoid overcrowding: If your crock pot is small, don’t stack too many chops tightly together. Air circulation and even liquid distribution are key.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (these tend to vanish fast), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it arguably even better the next day.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. You can also shred the pork and use it in wraps, sandwiches, or fried rice for a whole new meal.
Make It Your Own With Creative Variations
This recipe is a perfect canvas for experimentation. Try these ideas to switch things up:
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Add vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, or parsnips hold up well in the slow cooker. Just toss them in with the meat.
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Switch the sweetener: Maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar offer different sweet profiles.
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Go spicy: Add chili flakes or a squirt of sriracha for a little heat.
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Make it tangy: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
Don’t be afraid to adjust according to your taste or what you have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with frozen pork chops?
It’s not recommended. Frozen meat can cook unevenly and throw off your timing. Always thaw first.
Can I cook it on high for less time?
Technically yes, but the texture may suffer. Low and slow gives the best results.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Cooked pork chops freeze well. Store them with some sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika works, or you can use cumin for an earthy twist.
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well with this same sauce and method.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops are more than just a recipe—they’re a dinnertime miracle for busy families, beginner cooks, and anyone craving a cozy, homemade meal without the stress. The flavors are bold yet balanced, the texture is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the process is beautifully hands-off. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers every single time.Add this to your regular rotation, and you’ll see why so many home cooks can’t stop making it. When your house smells like honey, garlic, and comfort, you know dinner is going to be amazing.