SPREAD LOVE

Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

These slow cooker pork chops with apples and onions are the kind of meal that brings back cozy Sunday afternoons — simple, comforting, and full of homey aromas. Tender chops bathe in a sweet-tangy sauce while apples and onions soften into a spoonable topping that makes the whole house smell like fall. It’s an easy, no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. If you enjoy easy slow-cooker dinners, you might also like this slow-cooker beef and broccoli recipe for another family favorite.

Why make this recipe
A short paragraph explaining what makes it special.
This recipe is special because it combines pantry-friendly ingredients into an unexpectedly elegant weeknight dinner — pork chops become meltingly tender in the slow cooker while apples and onions caramelize into a lightly sweet sauce. It’s effortless (minimal prep, hands-off cooking), versatile (works with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies), and reliably pleasing to both kids and adults — the kind of recipe you’ll file under “go-to” for evenings when you want comfort without fuss.

Ingredients

4 pork chops
2 apples, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

Overview before you start
Before you put anything in the slow cooker, choose pork chops that are roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly. Bone-in chops add flavor and are forgiving in a slow cooker, but boneless chops work fine too — just mind not to overcook. Peel the apples if you prefer them softer and creamier in texture, or leave the skin on for color and a bit more structure.

Season the pork chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper. If you like a bit more depth, add a light sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika at this stage.
Optional: Sear the chops in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of oil for 1–2 minutes per side to develop a browned crust. This step is optional but adds flavor and helps the chops hold together in the slow cooker.

Place the pork chops in the slow cooker

Arrange the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker. If your slow cooker is small and the chops overlap, they’ll still cook, but try to avoid heavy stacking for even results.

Layer the sliced apples and onions on top

Spread the sliced apples and onions over the pork chops. The apples will release juices that mingle with the broth and sugar to create your sauce, while the onions become sweet and silky.

Make the sauce and pour over

In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until the sugar dissolves.
Pour this mixture evenly over the pork chops, apples, and onions, making sure the liquid reaches around the edges. The broth thins the sauce enough to prevent dryness while the brown sugar and cinnamon add warmth and balance.

Cook low and slow

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. Cooking on low produces the most tender results and lets the apples and onions thoroughly meld with the pork.
Avoid lifting the lid frequently — slow cookers hold their heat, and every time you open the lid you extend the cooking time.

Finish and serve

Once the pork chops are done, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chops and vegetables to a serving dish, then transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan and simmer on the stovetop until reduced to your desired consistency, or whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch into a little cold water and stir it into the heated sauce to thicken quickly.
Serve warm, spooning the apples and onions (and plenty of sauce) over the pork chops. This dish is excellent with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.

Notes on timing and doneness

Pork chops are done when they’re tender and the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F; in the slow cooker, texture matters more than thermometer reading because slow-cooked meats become more tender as they sit in liquid.
If the apples still hold too much shape for your taste, cook on low for the longer end of the time range or slice them a bit thinner at the start.

Why this sequence matters

Layering apples and onions on top prevents them from overcooking and turning to complete mush at the bottom while ensuring they still steam and caramelize as they mingle with the pork juices.
The brown sugar and cinnamon add a gentle sweetness and warmth that contrasts the savory pork, creating a balanced sauce.

Best Way to Store Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezer: For longer storage, place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 2–3 months at 0°F (-18°C).
Thawing/Reheating: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through; you can also microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally for even heating.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

Traditional: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce and combine the pork, apples, and gravy in every bite.
Lighter: Spoon the pork, apples, and onions over a bed of steamed green beans or a warm quinoa salad to add texture and greens.
Starchy swap: Try buttered egg noodles or steamed rice to catch the syrupy sauce; wild rice adds a nutty contrast.
Garnishes: Finish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of fresh thyme for color and a hint of herbaceous brightness. A dollop of sour cream on the side adds tang and creaminess for those who like it.

Tips to make Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
Q: How do I keep the pork chops moist?
A: Cook on low and avoid overcooking; add a little extra chicken broth (1/4 to 1/2 cup) if your slow cooker model runs hot.
Q: Can I use different apples?
A: Yes — Granny Smith gives a tart contrast, Honeycrisp or Fuji will stay sweeter and hold their shape slightly better.
Q: What if my slow cooker doesn’t brown meat well?
A: Searing is optional but recommended for flavor; if you skip it, consider a teaspoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire to deepen the sauce’s savory notes.

Variations

Bulleted variation: Swap the pork for bone-in chicken thighs and follow the same method; adjust cooking time to 4–5 hours on low.
Paragraph variation: For a savory twist, omit the brown sugar and add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme to the broth mixture. This creates a tangy, herb-forward sauce that pairs especially well with roasted root vegetables on the side.

Extra tips and troubleshooting

If the apples or onions become too soft for your liking, add them halfway through the cooking time instead of at the start.
For a caramelized finish, transfer the cooked pork chops to a baking sheet, spoon some of the sauce and fruit on top, and broil for 2–3 minutes to crisp the edges (watch closely to prevent burning).
To make this dairy-free or low-fat, omit any finishing butter or sour cream and focus on serving with light sides like steamed greens or cauliflower mash.

FAQs
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
A: Yes — brown the chops in a skillet, then simmer covered with the apple-onion-broth mixture over low heat for about 25–35 minutes, turning once, until tender. Add a splash more broth if it reduces too quickly.

Q: How should I choose apples for this recipe?
A: Choose apples that suit your taste preferences: Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp or Gala for sweetness. Firmer apples will hold slices better; softer apples will melt into the sauce more.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: The basic recipe is gluten-free if your chicken broth is certified gluten-free and no wheat-based thickeners or additives are used. To thicken the sauce, use cornstarch rather than flour.

What side dishes go best with these pork chops?
- Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead?
A: Yes — you can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking; add an extra 15–30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from chilled.

Make-ahead and meal plan ideas

Meal-prep friendly: Double the recipe and freeze half in individual portions for quick reheating midweek.
Weekend batch: Cook once on the weekend and use leftovers to top baked potatoes, prepare sandwiches, or fold into a warm grain bowl with roasted vegetables.

Nutritional and ingredient notes

Protein choice: Pork is a lean, economical protein here. If using thicker bone-in chops, increase cook time slightly; thinner boneless chops will cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Sweetness balance: The brown sugar and cinnamon create a warm, autumnal profile; reduce brown sugar by half if you prefer subtler sweetness or add a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness.

Safety and best practices

Always use safe handling for raw pork. Wash hands and surfaces after contact and avoid cross-contamination with other foods.
Slow cooker temperatures vary; if you’re unsure about doneness, use a meat thermometer and also rely on texture — the meat should pull apart easily when fork-tender.

Final meal ideas and pairings

Holiday weeknight: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts and creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a seasonal spread that’s easy yet special.
Casual dinner: Plate with buttered egg noodles and a crisp green salad for an unfussy family meal.
Leftover reinvention: Chop remaining pork and mix with the apples and onions to top a baked sweet potato, make a savory hand pie filling, or fold into scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.

Conclusion

If you want another take on this comforting pairing, check out Mom to Mom Nutrition’s Slow Cooker Pork Chops, Apples, and Onions for a slightly different approach and tips. For a gluten-free or paleo-friendly variation, see A Clean Bake’s Crockpot Pork Chops with Apples and Onions (Gluten Free and Paleo) for useful substitutions and ideas.