Slow Cooker Apple Pork Chops combine juicy pork chops with tender apples in a perfect blend of savory and sweet! It’s an easy dinner that’s ideal for a busy weeknight or a delicious addition to a fall meal plan. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you can enjoy tender pork chops without spending hours in the kitchen!
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Pork and apples is a pairing that has been loved for centuries, as apples not only highlight the juicy flavors of the meat but also add a sweet-tart balance that takes these dishes to the next level. It’s a tried-and-true combination that’s been passed down through generations, and now, with the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s easier than ever to recreate at home!
The slow cooking process allows the pork chops to become incredibly tender, while the apples soften and absorb the savory seasonings! The brown sugar and cinnamon give the dish a warm, slightly sweet flavor, while the Dijon mustard and thyme keep things balanced with a hint of earthiness. The end result? A delicious, fall-inspired crockpot meal that will leave your kitchen smelling irresistible!
Want more mouthwatering pork chop recipes? Don’t miss my French Onion Pork Chops, Perfect Grilled Pork Chops with Sweet BBQ Pork Rub, Smothered Pork Chops, and Creamy Apricot Pork Chops—they’re sure to hit the spot!
Why We Love This Recipe
- This slow cooker recipe leaves you with perfectly tender, juicy pork chops without needing to stand over the stove!
- Combining savory pork with sweet apples and warm spices creates a flavor that’s perfect for fall, but this easy recipe for slow cooked pork chops is also delicious at any time of year.
- This is an incredibly versatile crockpot recipe—serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even over egg noodles for a complete meal!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Bone-In Pork Chops – These are ideal for this recipe, as the bone helps lock in moisture, making thick cut pork chops extra juicy and tender. You can also use boneless pork chops if that’s what you have on hand.
- Honeycrisp Apples – Sweet and crisp, these apples complement the savory flavors perfectly. Green apples like tart Granny Smith apples are also a great option.
- Garlic – Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the dish that blends beautifully with the sweetness of the apples.
- Apple Cider or Apple Juice – The secret to creating a rich, sweet sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the pork and apples. Either one will work, depending on how sweet you want the dish.
- Chicken Broth – This keeps the pork chops moist during the long cooking process while also adding a savory depth to the sauce.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the pork and spices.Dijon Mustard – Gives a subtle kick of tanginess, adding complexity to the sauce.
- Dried Thyme and Rosemary – These herbs provide earthy, fragrant notes that elevate the overall flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon – A warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples, giving the dish a cozy, fall-inspired flavor.
- Olive Oil – For searing the pork chops before they go into the slow cooker, locking in flavor.
- Cornstarch (Optional) – If you like your sauce on the thicker side, cornstarch is a great way to give it a little more body.
- Fresh Parsley – A pop of freshness and color for garnish, because presentation is everything!
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples Recipe
- Sear pork chops. Start by seasoning the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown. This step adds an extra layer of flavor to the pork chops before they slow cook.
- Cook onions and garlic. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until they soften and become fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your sauce. Transfer the onions and garlic into the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Layer apples and pork chops. Next, layer the apple slices on top of the onions, then place pork chops on top of the apples.
- Prepare and add sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, chicken broth, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, and cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the pork chops, apples, and onions in the slow cooker, letting the flavors meld together during cooking.
- Slow cook to perfection. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender and cooked through. If you like your sauce thicker, remove the pork chops and apples, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, and stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Recipe FAQ’s
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work just as well, though they may cook a little faster, so keep an eye on the time to avoid overcooking.
Honeycrisp apples are a great choice for sweetness and texture, but tart apple varieties like Granny Smiths will add a nice tanginess. Feel free to mix and match for a balanced flavor!
Yes! You can prep everything the night before, then pop it in the slow cooker the next morning. The longer cooking time makes it an easy make-ahead meal for busy days.
If you want a thicker sauce, simply mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Definitely! This dish freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it gently to maintain the tenderness of the pork chops.
Tips for Success
- Sear the pork chops before slow cooking. This locks in flavor and gives them a beautiful golden crust.
- Don’t skip the onions and garlic—they add a rich, savory base to the dish that complements the sweetness of the apples.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, make sure to use the cornstarch slurry at the end to get that perfect consistency.
- Play around with apple varieties for a flavor twist. Using a mix of sweet and tart apples can add extra depth to the dish.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Apple Pork Chops
For a cozy and comforting dinner, serve the pork chops over my Homemade Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, or Fluffy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes! The creamy texture of the potatoes soaks up the savory apple-infused sauce, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Or keep things low-carb instead with my Creamy Mashed Cauliflower!
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try my Crisp Apples & Candied Walnuts Salad, Tender Roasted Green Beans, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon! Their crispness balances the rich flavors of the pork and apples, adding a fresh touch to the meal.
Want to keep things extra hearty? Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries or Easy Homemade Egg Noodles work wonders to round out the dish, offering warmth and comfort with every bite!
Substitutions and Variations
- If you don’t have bone-in pork chops, you can easily swap them for boneless. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as boneless chops may cook a bit faster. You can also use a lean cut like pork loin for a slightly lighter dish.
- Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties! For a sweeter flavor, use Fuji or Gala apples. If you prefer something tart, Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples will give you that zingy contrast to the savory pork.
- Don’t have apple cider on hand? No worries! Orange juice or even cranberry juice can work in a pinch, adding a unique twist to the dish. They’ll bring out different fruit notes and complement the pork beautifully.
- Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute if you don’t have chicken broth available.
- If Dijon isn’t your thing, yellow mustard can be swapped in for a milder flavor, or try whole-grain mustard for a bit more texture and spice.
- If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can save the day. It may not have the same bold punch, but it still brings that lovely garlic flavor we all love.
More Simple Recipes to Keep Your Slow Cooker Busy
- Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Slow Cooker Apricot Pulled Pork
- Slow Cooker BBQ Sauce Baked Beans
- Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
- Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
- Sweet & Spicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Slow Cooker Spicy Steak, Rice, Lentils & Quinoa
- Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Apple Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops about 1-inch thick each
- 1 large sweet onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 large Honeycrisp apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper.4 bone-in pork chops, Salt and pepper
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Brown the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they have a nice sear. Remove from the skillet and set aside.2 Tablespoon olive oil
- Using the same skillet, the sliced onions and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir often so nothing burns or sticks.
- Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Place the sliced apples on top.1 large sweet onion, 2 cloves garlic, 4 large Honeycrisp apples
- Arrange the seared pork chops over the apples and onions.
- In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider, chicken broth, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the pork chops, apples, and onions in the slow cooker.½ cup apple cider, ½ cup chicken broth, 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender.
- If the sauce is too thin, remove the pork chops, apples, and onions from the slow cooker and set them aside. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- Serve the pork chops with the apples and onions, drizzled with the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.Chopped fresh parsley
Notes
- Experiment with different apple varieties for varying sweetness and tartness. Fuji and Gala apples are sweeter, while Granny Smith and Honeycrisp add more tartness. You can even use one of each.
- You can add other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for more of a hearty and complete meal.
- For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will balance with the sweetness from the apples nicely.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of steamed vegetables.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Store: Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
- Freeze: To freeze, place the pork chops and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat the pork chops on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the pork chops, onions, and apples the night before, store them in the fridge, and simply start cooking in the morning.
