Serves: 4 | Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Let’s Talk Pork Chops
These Crockpot Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops are one of those “set it and forget it” meals that tastes like you worked all day—but didn’t. They’re super juicy, full of rich, tangy-sweet flavor from the balsamic glaze, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. The first time I made these, my house smelled like a fancy restaurant, and everyone kept asking, “Is dinner ready yet?” Total win.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 4 thick-cut boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon cold water (to mix with cornstarch)
- Optional: fresh thyme for garnish
🌟 Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made these pork chops for everything from weeknight dinners to lazy Sunday meals. They always turn out great.
- The glaze is rich and flavorful but not overpowering
- No need to babysit the stove—just toss it all in the crockpot
- The pork turns super tender and juicy
- Leftovers? Even better the next day
- Great with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Balsamic vinegar helps tenderize the pork thanks to its natural acids. The sugar in the glaze caramelizes slowly as it cooks, creating a deep, savory-sweet flavor. Dijon mustard and soy sauce add richness and umami. Slow cooking keeps the meat moist and lets everything soak up that amazing glaze.
🧠 Meal Plan Ideas
- Monday: Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans
- Tuesday: Slice leftovers for sandwiches
- Wednesday: Add to a rice bowl with steamed broccoli
- Thursday: Serve over creamy polenta
- Friday: Shred leftovers into wraps with arugula and goat cheese
❗Common Mistakes
- Using thin pork chops: They dry out easily. Thick ones stay juicy.
- Skipping the glaze thickening step: It’s worth it for that glossy finish.
- Overcooking: Even in a crockpot, too long and the pork gets stringy.
- Not searing beforehand (optional but good): Adds extra flavor.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted brussels sprouts
- Rice pilaf
- Buttery egg noodles
- Crusty bread to mop up that glaze
❓FAQ
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes! Just increase the cook time by about 30 minutes.
Can I prep this the night before?
Absolutely—just keep everything in the crock in the fridge overnight, then pop it in the slow cooker in the morning.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
What if my pork chops are frozen?
Thaw them first for best results.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan (for glaze)
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness
- Maple syrup for an earthy twist
- Fresh herbs if you have them, for even more flavor
- Apple cider vinegar in place of balsamic (for a lighter glaze)
- Chicken breasts instead of pork chops (just adjust cook time)
⏲️ Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix the glaze the night before and store in the fridge
- Add everything to the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day
- Cook the entire meal and reheat in the oven the next day—it tastes even better!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper.
Step 2: Add Pork Chops to Crockpot
Lay the pork chops in a single layer in your crockpot.
Step 3: Pour the Glaze
Pour the glaze all over the pork chops, making sure they’re fully coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until pork is fork-tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Glaze
Remove pork and keep warm. Pour the remaining glaze into a small saucepan. Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into glaze. Simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes, until thick and glossy.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Pour the thickened glaze back over the pork chops. Garnish with fresh thyme if you’d like.
🍱 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of water or extra glaze
- Great for sandwiches, rice bowls, or wraps the next day
💬 Let’s Wrap It Up
This crockpot balsamic pork chop recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, flavorful, and gives you that cozy home-cooked feel without a bunch of effort. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment below or ask any questions. Happy cooking! 🐷💛
