Savory Apple Sage Crock Pot Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to cozy up with these Savory Apple Sage Crock Pot Pork Chops! This dish combines the sweetness of apples with the earthy aroma of sage, all slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for a cool autumn evening, this recipe will fill your home with warmth and delicious aromas.

Ingredients for Savory Apple Sage Crock Pot Pork Chops

Pork chops: The star of the dish, they absorb all the flavors as they slow cook, becoming tender and juicy.

Apples: Add a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with pork. Choose a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Onion: Provides a savory base that complements the sweetness of the apples.

Chicken broth: Keeps the pork chops moist while adding depth to the sauce.

Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness from the apples.

Fresh sage: Brings an earthy flavor and aroma that elevates the dish.

Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.

Olive oil: Used for browning the pork chops, which adds a layer of flavor.

All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy, making it rich and smooth.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of flour to your slurry.
  • For even more flavor, consider marinating the pork chops overnight with a bit of apple cider vinegar and sage.
  • To save time, prep your apples and onions the night before and store them in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of roasted root vegetables. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pork chops. For a little extra indulgence, serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but keep in mind they may cook faster, so check for doneness at the 6-hour mark.
What if I don't have fresh sage?
Dried sage can be used instead. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried sage in place of fresh.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Savory Apple Sage Crock Pot Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your pork chops and brown them on both sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. You're not cooking them through — just getting a nice golden crust that will enhance the flavor.

Next, layer the sliced apples and onions at the bottom of your crock pot. This creates a flavor bed for the pork chops to rest on, infusing them with sweetness and aroma.

Place the browned pork chops on top of the apple and onion layer. They should sit comfortably, absorbing all the lovely flavors as they cook.

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, chopped fresh sage, salt, and black pepper. Pour this broth mixture over the pork chops in the crock pot. This liquid will keep everything moist and flavorful as it simmers.

Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The low and slow cooking method will tenderize the pork chops beautifully.

About half an hour before serving, remove the pork chops and keep them warm. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Mix the all-purpose flour with a little water to create a slurry and whisk it into the strained liquid. Simmer over medium heat until the gravy thickens, stirring occasionally. Serve this lush gravy over the pork chops for a delightful finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless slow-cooking does most of the work for you.
  • The combination of apples and sage creates a unique and delightful flavor profile.
  • Perfect for busy days — just set it and forget it!
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients you might already have at home.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops
2 large apples, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chops on both sides.
2. Place sliced apples and onions at the bottom of the crock pot.
3. Arrange browned pork chops on top of the apple and onion layer.
4. In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, fresh sage, salt, and black pepper.
5. Pour the broth mixture over the pork chops in the crock pot.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until pork is tender.
7. Remove pork chops and keep warm. Strain liquid into a saucepan.
8. Mix all-purpose flour with a little water to make a slurry, and stir into the broth.
9. Simmer on medium heat until the gravy thickens, then serve over the pork chops.

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