Welcome to a culinary journey that promises tender, flavorful pork chops with minimal effort. Our **Crock Pot BBQ Pork Chops** recipe is designed for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on taste. Imagine succulent bone-in pork chops, slow-cooked to perfection in a sweet and savory BBQ sauce infused with apricot preserves and the subtle depth of onion soup mix, all brightened by a hint of garlic. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience of effortless deliciousness that will quickly become a weeknight staple.
Unlocking Flavor with a Slow Cooker: The Ultimate Pork Chop Recipe
There’s a reason the slow cooker holds a cherished spot in so many kitchens. For dishes like these BBQ Pork Chops, it’s nothing short of magic. The low and slow cooking process transforms standard bone-in pork chops into unbelievably tender morsels that practically fall off the bone. What sets this particular recipe apart is its unexpectedly unique sauce. Inspired by the crowd-pleasing Crock Pot Party Meatballs, this blend of smoky BBQ sauce, sweet apricot preserves, and savory onion soup mix creates a glaze that’s both familiar and exciting. It coats each chop, infusing it with layers of flavor while keeping the meat incredibly moist. This recipe simplifies dinner prep, allowing you to set it and forget it, only to return to a house filled with an irresistible aroma and a meal ready to delight.
Bone-In vs. Boneless Pork Chops: The Secret to Supreme Tenderness
When it comes to slow-cooked pork chops, the choice between bone-in and boneless can significantly impact the final dish. For this **Crock Pot BBQ Pork Chops recipe**, we strongly recommend using bone-in pork chops, and here’s why. Firstly, bone-in chops are often more budget-friendly, making them an excellent choice for a delicious yet economical family meal. You can frequently find them on sale, which is always a bonus for savvy shoppers. More importantly, the bone acts as a natural insulator, helping the pork retain moisture during the long cooking process. This means bone-in chops are far less likely to dry out and become tough, a common pitfall with boneless cuts in a slow cooker. Instead, they embrace the extended, gentle heat, resulting in pork so exceptionally tender that it slices like butter. The bone also imparts additional flavor to the sauce, enriching the overall taste profile and contributing to a truly superior dining experience.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Crock Pot BBQ Pork Chops
These flavorful BBQ pork chops are wonderfully versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes, making meal planning a breeze. For a light and balanced meal, consider serving them alongside a crisp side salad, perhaps with a tangy vinaigrette, and a medley of steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables. Think bright green beans, tender asparagus, or sweet glazed carrots. If you’re craving something more hearty and comforting, these chops are absolutely divine with creamy potatoes. You could whip up a batch of Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a classic, soul-satisfying side, or try some Garlic Parmesan Potatoes for an extra layer of savory goodness. Other excellent options include fluffy white rice, quinoa, or even a simple macaroni and cheese to soak up every last drop of that incredible BBQ sauce. The key is to choose sides that complement the rich, sweet, and savory notes of the pork chops without overpowering them.
Essential Ingredients for Your BBQ Pork Chops
This recipe calls for a simple yet powerful combination of ingredients that create a rich and complex flavor profile with minimal effort. Here’s what you’ll need:
- BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand of barbecue sauce. Whether you prefer a sweet, tangy, or smoky variety, it will form the base of our incredible glaze.
- Apricot Preserves: This is the secret ingredient that adds a delightful fruity sweetness and helps create that glossy, caramelized finish. Don’t skip it!
- Onion Soup Mix: A packet of dry onion soup mix introduces a savory depth and umami flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and preserves. For those who prefer homemade, you can easily make your own Homemade Onion Soup Mix.
- Bone-In Pork Chops: As discussed, bone-in chops are crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Aim for chops that are about 1-inch thick.
- Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder on the pork chops before cooking enhances their natural flavor and complements the savory sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Crock Pot BBQ Pork Chops
Preparing these delicious BBQ pork chops is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for even the busiest of days. Follow these simple steps for a meal that tastes like it took hours of effort:
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Begin by pouring the entire bottle of BBQ sauce, the jar of apricot preserves, and the packet of onion soup mix into the bottom of your 5-quart (or larger) oval slow cooker. A larger slow cooker ensures enough space for the chops to be submerged in the flavorful sauce.
- Combine the Sauce: Using a spoon or whisk, give the sauce mixture a good, thorough stir until all ingredients are well combined. This ensures that the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Take each bone-in pork chop and generously season both sides with garlic powder. Gently rub the powder into the meat to ensure even coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
- Add Chops to Slow Cooker: Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the slow cooker, nestling them into the prepared sauce. Using a spoon, make sure to cover each chop thoroughly with some of the sauce. This ensures they are fully immersed and will braise beautifully.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours. The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker and the thickness of the chops, but the goal is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. (Cook’s note: Mine were often perfectly done after 4 hours, but always check to be sure.)
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, your BBQ pork chops will be incredibly tender and coated in a rich, luscious sauce. Serve them hot, drizzled with extra sauce from the slow cooker, alongside your chosen side dishes. They are truly delicious served with a side salad and some veggies!
- Don’t Peek! Resist the urge to lift the lid of your slow cooker during cooking. Each time you open it, the internal temperature drops, extending the cooking time by as much as 30 minutes.
- Thicker Chops are Better: If possible, choose thicker bone-in pork chops (at least 1-inch thick) as they stand up better to the long cooking time and are less likely to dry out.
- Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional): While not strictly necessary for this recipe, quickly searing the pork chops in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker can add a deeper, richer flavor and color to the meat.
- Adjust Sweetness: If your BBQ sauce is already very sweet, you might reduce the amount of apricot preserves slightly, or add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture for a bit of heat.
- Peach or Pineapple Preserves: Swap apricot preserves for peach or pineapple preserves for a different fruity twist. Both work beautifully with BBQ flavors.
- Smoky Flavor: A teaspoon of liquid smoke can enhance the smoky notes of your BBQ sauce.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Instead of BBQ sauce and preserves, consider a mix of honey, Dijon mustard, and a little apple cider vinegar for a tangy-sweet glaze.
- Herbaceous Touch: Add some fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to the slow cooker along with the pork chops for an aromatic infusion.
- Storage: Allow the pork chops and sauce to cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pork chops and sauce in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the pork chops and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Can I use boneless pork chops? While bone-in is recommended for tenderness, you can use boneless pork chops. However, be aware they may cook faster and have a higher risk of drying out. Monitor them closely and check doneness around the 3-hour mark.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate all the pork chops without overcrowding. You might need a larger slow cooker (7-8 quarts) for this.
- What if I don’t have apricot preserves? You can substitute with peach, pineapple, or even orange marmalade preserves. Each will give a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor profile.
- Can I cook this on high? You can cook on high for 2-3 hours, but cooking on low provides a more gentle heat that results in maximum tenderness. If cooking on high, be extra vigilant about checking the internal temperature to prevent overcooking.
- Do I need to brown the pork chops first? No, browning is not required for this slow cooker recipe. The long cook time in the sauce tenderizes and flavors the meat perfectly. However, if you desire a deeper color and slightly more complex flavor, you can sear them briefly before adding to the slow cooker.
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- 18 ounce bottle BBQ sauce
- 18 ounce jar apricot preserves
- 1 packet onion soup mix or make your own
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- In the bottom of a 5-quart (or larger) oval slow cooker, pour in barbecue sauce, apricot preserves and onion soup mix.
- Give the mixture a good stir.
- Season both sides of each of the pork chops with garlic powder and gently rub it in. Place pork chops into the sauce in the slow cooker and, using a spoon, cover the chops with some of the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours (until internal temperature reaches 145°F degrees).
- Delicious served with a side salad and some veggies!
Tips for Perfectly Tender Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Flavor Variations to Keep Things Exciting
While the classic apricot BBQ sauce is phenomenal, feel free to get creative with your slow cooker pork chops:
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Should you be lucky enough to have any leftovers, they store beautifully and can be enjoyed for another meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We’ve gathered some common questions about making Crock Pot BBQ Pork Chops to help you succeed.
CRAVING MORE SLOW COOKER & PORK RECIPES?
If you loved these Crock Pot BBQ Pork Chops, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of easy, delicious recipes perfect for your slow cooker or showcasing the versatility of pork. Expand your culinary repertoire with these fantastic ideas:
Crock Pot BBQ Pork Chops
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Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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