Savory Apple & Onion Crockpot Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Get ready to savor the comfort of fall flavors with these Savory Apple & Onion Crockpot Pork Chops. This dish combines tender pork, sweet apples, and fragrant onions, all slowly cooked to perfection. It's the perfect meal to warm up your evenings.

Ingredients for Savory Apple & Onion Crockpot Pork Chops

The star of this recipe is, of course, the pork chops. Bone-in chops provide rich flavor and stay tender during cooking. Next, we have apples, which add a natural sweetness that complements the pork. Onions bring a depth of flavor, becoming sweet and soft as they cook down. The chicken broth and apple cider create a flavorful braising liquid, keeping everything moist. Olive oil helps sear the pork chops, locking in their juices. Dijon mustard adds a tangy note, while fresh thyme brings a hint of earthiness. Finally, cornstarch thickens the sauce, ensuring a luscious finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the pork chops with the mustard mixture overnight.
  • Use a combination of apple varieties for a more complex flavor — a tart one like Granny Smith with a sweeter one like Fuji works great.
  • Don’t have fresh thyme? Substitute with 1 tsp of dried thyme.
  • For a thicker sauce, let the liquid reduce a bit before adding the cornstarch slurry.

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up all that delicious gravy. Add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple green salad for balance. A glass of chilled apple cider or a light white wine like Riesling will complement the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, you can, but they may cook faster, so check for doneness a bit earlier.
What type of apples should I use?
Choose firm apples that hold their shape during cooking, like Honeycrisp or Gala.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Absolutely! Bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, covered.

Savory Apple & Onion Crockpot Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops on each side until they're a lovely golden brown. This takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Once they're nicely browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

In the same skillet, toss in your sliced onions. Let them cook for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. This step is crucial for developing that sweet and savory base for our dish.

Now, it's time to layer up in your slow cooker. Place the sliced apples on the bottom, followed by the softened onions. These will form a delicious bed for the pork chops.

Lay the seared pork chops on top of the apple-onion mixture. In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this flavorful concoction over the pork chops.

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 6-8 hours. You'll know it's ready when the pork is tender and practically falling off the bone.

When it's done, remove the pork chops and keep them warm. Whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then stir it into the liquid in the slow cooker until it's thickened to your liking.

Serve the pork chops topped with the apple-onion mixture and that wonderful gravy. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The slow cooker does all the work, making it a hassle-free dinner option.
  • The combination of pork, apples, and onions creates a delightful savory and sweet contrast.
  • Perfect for meal prep — cook once, enjoy twice!
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients you may already have on hand.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops
2 large apples, peeled and sliced
1 large onion, sliced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup apple cider
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. In a slow cooker, layer the apple slices on the bottom followed by the browned onions.
4. Place the seared pork chops on top of the apples and onions.
5. In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, apple cider, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the pork chops.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender.
7. Remove chops and keep warm. Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir into the liquid in the slow cooker until thickened.
8. Serve pork chops topped with apple-onion mixture and gravy.

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