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Easy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Caramel Pork Chops

slow cooker apple cider caramel pork chops - featured image
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Tender, fork-tender pork chops cooked low and slow in a rich, sticky apple cider caramel sauce. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
  • 1 ½ cups apple cider
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches if needed.
  3. Transfer the seared pork chops to a 6-quart slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. Pour over the pork chops.
  5. Tuck fresh thyme sprigs in and around the pork chops.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  7. Carefully remove the pork chops to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  8. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a small saucepan. Discard solids. You should have about 1 ½ to 2 cups of liquid.
  9. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  10. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Return the pork chops to the slow cooker or pour the sauce over them on a platter. Spoon sauce over each chop and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use bone-in pork chops about 1 inch thick. Don’t skip the searing step—it adds essential flavor. Start checking tenderness at the 6-hour mark on low. To double the sauce, multiply the liquid ingredients by 1.5. For a dairy-free option, skip the butter or use a plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pork chops, apple cider pork chops, caramel pork chops, fall dinner, comfort food, easy pork chop recipe

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/easy-slow-cooker-apple-cider-caramel-pork-chops/