Crockpot Apple Bourbon Pork Chops for an Easy Weeknight Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the pork chops and cook the sauce on high with the lid off for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to reduce it further. This will concentrate the flavors of the bourbon and brown sugar, creating a more intense glaze that coats the back of a spoon.

To add a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness, consider adding a teaspoon of cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

This brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the pork, providing a more balanced flavor profile that highlights the natural sweetness of the apples and the depth of the bourbon.

Variations

• Savory Herb Addition: Add a tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary leaves during the layering phase to introduce an earthy, aromatic element that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples and the warmth of the bourbon.
• Spiced Apple Version: Include a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of ground cloves with the brown sugar to create a warm, spiced flavor profile that enhances the autumnal qualities of the dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container.

Reheat

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the pork and the apple sauce are stored together so the meat stays moist while it sits in the liquid.

When storing, allow the food to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before placing it into the refrigerator to maintain food safety and quality.

You can prepare the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply place the insert into the base and start the cooking cycle.

Do not add the liquid until you are ready to turn on the machine to prevent the pork from soaking in the bourbon for too long, which can affect the final texture.

Serving ideas

Serve the pork chops warm, with a generous spoonful of the caramelized apples and the bourbon glaze drizzled over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that can soak up the extra sauce, such as mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the pork.

For a more complete meal, consider serving the chops alongside crusty bread to capture every drop of the flavorful sauce. The presentation should highlight the golden-brown color of the pork and the tender, cooked apples.

Plate the chops individually, topping each piece with a portion of the apples to ensure every serving has a perfect balance of meat and sweet garnish.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Apple Bourbon Pork Chops for an Easy Weeknight Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops
• 2 cups sliced apples
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup bourbon

Instructions

1. Place the raw boneless pork chops at the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer. Ensure the meat is not overlapping excessively to allow for even cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the sliced apples over the pork chops. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the apples and the meat. Finally, pour the bourbon over the entire mixture to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), remove the chops from the cooker. Let them rest on a plate for at least 3 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute properly.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

120 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.