Servings: 4 | Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Let’s Talk About This Cozy Dinner 🍎🥩
You’re gonna love how easy and comforting this recipe is. Tender pork chops slow-cooked with sweet apples, soft onions, and just the right mix of spices. It’s warm, juicy, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those meals where your house smells amazing all day, and when it’s finally dinnertime… everyone’s ready to dig in.
Why I Love This Recipe
I grew up in a house where fall meant pork chops and apples were on repeat. My mom would make something like this every Sunday once the weather got cool. That mix of sweet and savory just feels like home to me.
- It’s a full meal in one pot — no fuss
- The pork turns out so tender, it falls apart with a fork
- Apples and onions get buttery soft and sweet
- It tastes fancy but takes almost no effort
- Great for meal prepping or making ahead
What You’ll Need
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning, optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Pro Tips
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji — they hold their shape better.
- Brown the pork chops first if you have time — adds extra flavor.
- Slice the onions thin so they melt into the sauce.
- Don’t skip the mustard — it gives the sauce depth without being too tangy.
- Want a thicker sauce? Add that cornstarch slurry at the end!
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Skillet (optional, for browning)
- Tongs
- Small whisk or spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
Substitutions and Variations
- Boneless pork chops work, just reduce the cook time slightly
- Maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a twist
- Granny Smith apples for more tartness
- Add baby carrots or sweet potatoes for a full one-pot meal
- Use apple cider in place of chicken broth for extra apple flavor
Make Ahead Tips
- Slice your apples and onions the night before and store in the fridge.
- Mix your sauce ingredients (broth, mustard, sugar, spices) and keep in a jar ready to pour in the morning.
- You can even brown the chops ahead and keep them in the fridge overnight.
How to Make It
Step 1: Optional – Brown the Pork Chops
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with salt and pepper and brown each side for 2–3 minutes.
Step 2: Layer Apples and Onions
Place sliced apples and onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add Pork Chops
Lay the pork chops on top of the apples and onions.
Step 4: Mix and Pour Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic, thyme, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour over the pork chops.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours until the pork is tender.
Step 6: Thicken Sauce (Optional)
If you want a thicker sauce, remove pork chops, whisk cornstarch and water in a small bowl, and stir into the sauce. Let it cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Step 7: Serve
Once everything’s tender, spoon the apples and onions onto a plate, then place a pork chop on top. Drizzle with sauce and finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley if you like.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Slow cooking gives the pork time to break down and become ultra tender — especially when it’s nestled in moisture from the apples and onions. Apples have natural pectin that helps create a silky sauce, and the mustard adds a little acid that helps balance all the sweetness.
Meal Plan Ideas
- Day 1: Crockpot Pork Chops with Apples and Onions + mashed potatoes
- Day 2: Shred leftover pork into sandwiches with melted cheddar
- Day 3: Reheat with rice or cauliflower rice for a quick bowl meal
Common Mistakes
- Using super thin pork chops – They can dry out fast. Go for thick ones.
- Skipping the browning step – It adds tons of flavor!
- Overcooking – Even in a slow cooker, meat can get dry if left too long on HIGH.
- Using soft apples – They’ll turn to mush.
What to Serve With
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted carrots or green beans
- Buttery egg noodles
- Warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- Side salad with vinaigrette
FAQ
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes! Just reduce cook time slightly — they don’t need quite as long.
Do I have to peel the apples?
I recommend it for a smoother texture, but it’s up to you.
Can I cook this overnight?
You can! Just use the LOW setting and set a timer if your cooker has one.
What kind of apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala hold up nicely without getting mushy.
Ready to Try It?
If you’re craving something hearty, warm, and cozy — this is your recipe. Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day. When it’s done, you’ll have a meal that feels like a hug. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments! Got questions? I’m here to help.
