Crockpot Pork Chops With Apples

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
15 min	4 h	4 h 15 min

Introduction

These crockpot pork chops with apples come out fork-tender and juicy, with a cozy sweet-and-savory apple-onion gravy.

They are perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed Sunday dinner when you want comfort food with almost no effort.

Fuji apples, Dijon, and a touch of brown sugar give the sauce a rich, slightly tangy flavor that feels like fall in a bowl.

Prep mode (keeps screen active)

Slice apples and onions

Peel the onion, then slice it thinly, and core the apples, then cut them into thin wedges.
Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin film of oil.
Season the pork chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks well.
Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken bouillon powder, then rub in gently.

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Make the apple-onion mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples, sliced onion, cinnamon, dried thyme, Dijon, vinegar, and brown sugar.
In a separate cup, whisk the cornstarch into the chicken broth until no dry pockets remain.
Pour the cornstarch mixture over the apple mixture and toss everything to coat evenly.
Layer ingredients in the slow cooker

Spread the apple-onion mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared slow cooker.
Lay the seasoned pork chops on top, nestling them slightly into the apples and onions.
Slow cook until tender

Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 4 hours, or on High for about 2 hours.
The pork chops are ready when they reach 145°F and feel tender when pierced with a fork.

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Thicken the sauce and serve

Transfer the pork chops to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep them warm.
Stir the apple-onion mixture in the slow cooker, then cook uncovered on High for 10 to 15 minutes.
The sauce will bubble and thicken slightly; spoon it over the pork chops when serving.

Fuji apples replaced with Honeycrisp apples: Use Honeycrisp apples for a similar sweetness with a slightly firmer bite that holds up beautifully during slow cooking. They keep the sauce bright and fruity without turning mushy.
Brown sugar replaced with maple syrup: Swap in pure maple syrup for a deeper caramel flavor and a softer, more pourable sauce. Use the same amount, and taste the liquid before cooking in case you want extra sweetness.
Chicken broth replaced with apple cider: Use unsweetened apple cider instead of chicken broth for a stronger apple flavor and a slightly sweeter sauce. Add a small pinch of extra salt to balance the sweetness and keep the dish savory.

Prevent dry pork chops: Choose chops that are at least 1 inch thick so they stay juicy in the slow cooker. Avoid cooking much beyond the suggested time, since lean pork dries out quickly.
Boost flavor with a quick sear: For extra flavor, quickly brown the seasoned pork chops in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds caramelized bits and richer flavor without changing the cooking time much.
Keep apple slices from disappearing: Slice the apples a little thicker than you think you need so they keep some texture after hours of cooking. Very thin slices can almost melt into the sauce.
Adjust sweetness at the end: Taste the sauce after thickening and add a teaspoon of brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter finish. You can also stir in a splash of vinegar if it tastes too sweet.
Make it ahead safely: Cool leftovers quickly, then refrigerate them in shallow containers so the pork stays tender and safe to reheat. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth to keep everything moist.

Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?: Yes, bone-in chops work well here and often stay juicier. Add about 30 to 60 minutes to the cooking time on Low.
My sauce turned thin. How can I fix it?: Turn the slow cooker to High, leave the lid off, and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes. If it is still thin, stir in another teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold broth.
Can I add vegetables to cook with the pork chops?: Yes, you can tuck in carrot chunks or small potatoes under the apples and onions. Cut them into even pieces so they cook through in the same time as the pork.
Can I make this recipe without cornstarch?: You can skip the cornstarch and serve the cooking juices as a lighter, brothier sauce. For some body, mash a few of the cooked apples and onions into the liquid before serving.
Can I start this recipe from frozen pork chops?: It is not recommended to cook frozen pork chops in a slow cooker for food safety reasons. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator first so they heat evenly and stay tender.