These honey garlic pork chops are one of those cozy, set-it-and-forget-it meals that make your whole house smell amazing. The sauce is sticky-sweet with a little savory kick, and the pork chops turn out so tender you can cut them with a fork. I love this recipe because it’s low effort but feels like a home-cooked comfort meal you’d serve on a Sunday.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made these pork chops on a busy weekday, and I remember thinking, “Why didn’t I try this sooner?” It’s one of those recipes that feels almost too simple but delivers big on flavor.
• Pork chops stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker
• The honey garlic sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and savory
• Minimal prep time means more time for yourself
• It reheats really well, so leftovers taste just as good
Servings and Time
Servings: 4
Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Macros (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 380
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 16g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cooking pork chops low and slow keeps the meat fibers from tightening up too quickly. That means the pork stays moist instead of drying out. The honey acts as both a sweetener and a natural tenderizer, while the soy sauce balances everything with umami depth.
Common Mistakes
Using thin chops: They can overcook too quickly. Use bone-in or thick-cut pork chops for best results
Skipping the sear: Browning the pork chops adds flavor, don’t skip this step if you have time
Not thickening the sauce: Letting the sauce reduce at the end makes it stick beautifully to the chops
What You’ll Need
4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Optional garnish: sesame seeds and chopped parsley
Pro Tips
- Use bone-in chops for the juiciest results
- Sear the pork before adding to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor
- Don’t open the lid too often—it releases heat and slows cooking
- If you like your sauce thicker, add more cornstarch slurry at the end
Tools You’ll Need
Slow cooker
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions and Variations
Chicken thighs can replace pork chops
Maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like spice
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the sauce ingredients the night before and store in the fridge. Just pour it over the pork chops in the morning before cooking.
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops (Optional but Recommended)
Heat a skillet on medium-high and sear the 4 pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 3: Add Pork and Sauce to Slow Cooker
Place the four golden seared pork chops (or raw if you skipped the sear) into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the pork chops, making sure each chop is coated well.
Step 4: Cook the Pork Chops
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until pork is tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Stir into the sauce in the slow cooker, then cook 10 more minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and parsley before serving.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave
Sauce will thicken more after chilling—add a splash of water when reheating if needed
What to Serve With
Steamed white rice or jasmine rice
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted green beans or broccoli
A simple garden salad
FAQ
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but they cook faster, so check earlier to avoid drying out
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough
Do I have to sear the pork chops?
Not required, but it adds a lot of flavor
Conclusion
These slow cooker honey garlic pork chops are the kind of meal that feels special but takes almost no effort. The sauce is sticky, flavorful, and perfect over rice or potatoes. Give it a try, then come back and tell me how it went—I’d love to hear your spin on it!
