If you’re looking for a meal that’s both super easy and a total hit with the whole family, you’ve gotta try these Crockpot Pork Chops with Jelly! They’re tender, juicy, and coated in the most amazing sweet-and-savory sauce. It’s the kind of comfort food you’ll crave on a busy weeknight or when you just want something that feels a little special without all the effort. I’ve been making this for years, and let me tell you—kids LOVE it. The combo of savory pork with a hint of fruity sweetness is just magic.
The best part? Everything goes into the crockpot, and then it basically cooks itself. Minimal effort, maximum flavor!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 4-6 boneless pork chops (1 inch thick)
- 1 cup grape jelly (or substitute with your favorite jelly—apricot, peach, or cranberry works great too!)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tools:
- Crockpot (6-quart or larger)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or a fork
Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s been in my weeknight rotation for years. It’s the definition of easy comfort food, and it always hits the spot.
- You dump everything in the crockpot and walk away
- The sauce is rich, sticky, sweet, and a little tangy
- No complicated ingredients—just pantry staples
- It’s flexible! You can swap out jellies or sauces easily
- Makes amazing leftovers (hello, pork chop sandwiches!)
Servings: 4–6
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (depending on setting)
Macros (per serving – approx., based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Slow cooking breaks down the pork chops gently, locking in moisture. The jelly brings natural sugar, which caramelizes slightly and gives the sauce that beautiful sticky glaze. BBQ sauce adds tang and depth, while Worcestershire boosts umami and rounds out the flavor. The garlic and onion powder help flavor the meat from the inside out.
Common Mistakes
- Using thin pork chops: They’ll overcook and dry out. Stick with chops that are at least 1 inch thick.
- Not seasoning the meat: Salt, pepper, and spices matter! They bring the flavor all the way through.
- Forgetting to stir the sauce together: Don’t just dump the ingredients. Mix them first so everything blends well.
- Overcooking: Pork should be tender but not mushy. Check around the 6-hour mark on LOW.
- Stacking the pork chops too tightly: Lay them in a single layer for even cooking.
What to Serve With
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- White or brown rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Roasted green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Cornbread or soft dinner rolls
FAQ
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes, just increase the cook time by about 30 minutes. Make sure they’re fully cooked and tender.
Do I need to sear the pork chops first?
Nope! You can toss them in raw. But if you’ve got the time, a quick sear adds extra flavor.
Can I use sugar-free jelly or BBQ sauce?
Absolutely. Great option if you’re watching sugar.
Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Use a covered baking dish and cook at 300°F for about 2.5–3 hours.
Pro Tips
- Brown the chops (optional): Sear pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side in a hot pan before slow cooking for extra flavor.
- Don’t overcook: Check the chops after 6 hours on LOW. They should be tender but not falling apart.
- Kid-friendly tip: Use a jelly flavor your kids love. Grape and apricot are usually winners.
- Thicken the sauce: Remove the chops and simmer the sauce on the stove for 5 minutes to reduce it.
- Double up: You can easily double this recipe for meal prep or leftovers!
Substitutions and Variations
- Jelly options: Try apricot, peach, cranberry, or orange marmalade
- BBQ sauce: Any kind works, but smoky or hickory pairs great with pork
- Low-sugar swap: Use sugar-free jelly and BBQ sauce
- Protein swap: Use boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of pork
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix the jelly, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, and spices the night before.
- Store it in the fridge in a jar or bowl, then just pour it over the pork in the morning.
- You can also season the chops the night before for even more flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Pork Chops with Jelly
1. Season the Pork Chops
Sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add to the Crockpot
Place the seasoned pork chops in the crockpot in a single layer. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure the chops are fully coated.
4. Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender.
5. Serve
Carefully remove the pork chops and serve with a drizzle of the sauce. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies for a complete meal!
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra sauce to keep the pork moist.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Wrap-Up
There you have it—Crockpot Pork Chops with Jelly, a family-friendly dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re just in the mood for comfort food, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out or if you have any questions. I can’t wait to hear how your family loves it! 💕
