Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Pork Chops are an easy and delicious meal that can make any dinner special. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this recipe. First, it’s super simple, requiring only four main ingredients. Second, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal cooks. Finally, the sweet and savory sauce created by the brown sugar and soy sauce adds an amazing flavor to the pork chops that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners.
How to Make Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops (about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds total, 1 to 1 1/4 inches thick)
- 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 cup bottled Italian salad dressing (regular, not fat-free)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
Directions:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Optional: Sear the chops in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. This will add extra flavor but is not required.
- Transfer the pork chops to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Italian dressing, and soy sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the pork chops, making sure they are well-coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Carefully lift the chops out with a spatula. Skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid.
- If you want a thicker glaze, cook the sauce on HIGH with the lid off for 10–15 minutes.
- Spoon the sauce over the pork chops and serve.
How to Serve Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Pork Chops
These pork chops can be served with a variety of side dishes. They go well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve them with a fresh salad for a lighter meal. Drizzle extra sauce over the sides to enhance the flavors.
How to Store Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or heat them on the stove over low heat until heated through.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- Make sure to pat the pork chops dry to help the glaze stick.
- For added flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in the dressing overnight before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Serve the pork chops with different sides to keep meals interesting.
Variation
You can experiment with different dressings for a new flavor. Try using honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette instead of Italian dressing. You can also add sliced onions or bell peppers to the slow cooker for additional flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops, but they may cook faster. Check their doneness earlier.
2. Is it necessary to sear the pork chops before slow cooking?
No, it’s not necessary, but searing adds extra flavor. You can skip this step if you’re short on time.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Optional: Sear the chops in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor.
- Transfer the pork chops to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Italian dressing, and soy sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the pork chops, making sure they are well-coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Carefully lift the chops out with a spatula. Skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid.
- For a thicker glaze, cook the sauce on HIGH with the lid off for 10–15 minutes.
- Spoon the sauce over the pork chops and serve.
