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Hearty Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

Tender pork chops braised with sweet apples and savory onions in a flavorful sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. A comforting and easy meal perfect for weeknights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless pork chops 1-inch thick, about 1.5-2 lbs total
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion sliced
  • 2 medium firm-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, cored and sliced (peeled optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup apple cider or more chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water for slurry
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker (6-quart)
  • Large Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet (add a little more oil if needed), add sliced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. If there are browned bits in the pan, add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful bits.
  5. Place the sautéed onions and garlic in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Arrange the browned pork chops over the onions.
  6. Scatter the sliced apples over and around the pork chops.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the pork chops and apples in the slow cooker.
  8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are very tender.
  9. Carefully remove the pork chops and apples to a serving platter. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to form a smooth slurry. Pour the slurry into the liquid remaining in the slow cooker, whisking constantly.
  10. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
  11. Return the pork chops and apples to the slow cooker (or pour the thickened sauce over them on the platter). Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of green beans.

Notes

For best results, don't skip browning the pork chops and sautéing the onions – it significantly enhances the flavor. The apples will soften considerably during cooking, creating a wonderfully sweet and savory accompaniment.