Zesty Slow Cooker Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 6 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy pork chops that’s both easy and bursting with flavor, this Zesty Slow Cooker Pork Chops recipe is your answer. Combining the tanginess of orange juice with the savory depth of soy sauce, it’s an effortless dish that turns your everyday meal into something special.

Ingredients for Zesty Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops offer more flavor and moisture, perfect for slow cooking.

Orange Juice: Adds a bright, zesty note that pairs wonderfully with the pork.

Soy Sauce: Gives a rich, umami depth to the sauce, balancing the sweetness.

Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps caramelize the pork slightly.

Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic depth.

Ground Ginger: Adds a subtle hint of spice that complements the orange juice.

Black Pepper & Salt: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.

Cornstarch & Water: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra zest, add a bit of orange zest to the sauce.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, use an additional teaspoon of cornstarch.
  • To ensure even cooking, try to select pork chops that are of similar size and thickness.

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops are delicious served over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad complements the dish wonderfully, adding color and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, boneless chops will work, though they may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness earlier.
Can I substitute the orange juice?
If you're out of orange juice, pineapple juice makes a great alternative, adding a tropical twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Zesty Slow Cooker Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

Start by whisking together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl. This forms the flavorful base that will permeate the pork chops.

Next, place your pork chops in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared mixture over the chops, ensuring they're well-covered. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the pork to become tender.

Once cooked, carefully remove the pork chops and keep them warm. They should be so tender that they nearly fall off the bone.

Mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then add it to the juices in the slow cooker. Turn the setting to high and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Finally, serve the pork chops with the sauce drizzled over them. Enjoy the symphony of flavors with every bite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the hard work.
  • A delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Tender, juicy pork with minimal effort.
  • Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
2. Place pork chops in the slow cooker and pour the liquid mixture over them.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until tender.
4. Remove pork chops and keep warm.
5. Mix cornstarch with water and add to the slow cooker juices to make a sauce.
6. Turn slow cooker to high and cook sauce for 5 minutes until thickened.
7. Serve pork chops with the sauce drizzled over.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!