Crockpot Brown Sugar Italian Pork Chops Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can sear the pork chops in a hot skillet for one minute per side before placing them in the slow cooker, though this is optional. If you choose to sear, ensure the pan is very hot to get a quick crust without cooking the meat through, then proceed with the slow cooking steps as directed in the recipe.

If you find that the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the pork chops and turn the slow cooker to the high setting for 15 to 20 minutes with the lid off.

This will allow the liquid to reduce and thicken further, concentrating the flavors and creating a more syrupy consistency that coats the pork beautifully upon serving.

Variations

• Spicy Italian Pork: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the Italian dressing mix before sprinkling it over the pork. This introduces a subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness of the brown sugar, providing a balanced and exciting flavor profile for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their dinner.
• Garlic-Infused Pork: Add three cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker along with the broth. The garlic will soften and mellow during the long cooking time, infusing the sauce with a deep, earthy fragrance that complements the Italian herbs perfectly and adds an extra layer of complexity to the final dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheat

Reheat in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth until heated through.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the pork chops will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the meat moist and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or salty.

You can prepare the pork chops and store them in the slow cooker insert in the refrigerator the night before, but keep the broth separate until you are ready to start cooking.

Simply add the liquid in the morning, turn the slow cooker on, and your dinner will be ready when you return home, saving you precious time during the busy work week.

Serving ideas

Serve these tender pork chops alongside a starch that can soak up the delicious herb-infused sauce, such as creamy mashed potatoes, steamed white rice, or even buttery egg noodles.

The sauce is the highlight of this dish, so make sure to spoon a generous amount over each serving to ensure every bite is packed with the savory-sweet profile developed during the slow braising.

For a complete dinner, pair the pork with simple steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or roasted carrots. The freshness of the vegetables provides a nice contrast to the rich, concentrated flavors of the braised pork.

If you enjoy a bit of extra texture, a side of crusty bread is excellent for mopping up any remaining sauce left on the plate after the meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Brown Sugar Italian Pork Chops

Prep 5 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 10 minServes 5

Ingredients

• 5 boneless pork chops
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 pkt Italian dressing mix
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Arrange the boneless pork chops in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert, overlapping them slightly if necessary to fit them all evenly.
2. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and the Italian dressing mix over the pork chops. Pour the chicken broth over the top of the seasoned chops, ensuring the liquid reaches the bottom of the insert to facilitate proper braising.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Check that the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove the chops to a warm platter and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving with the sauce.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

10 g

Sodium

650 mg

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