Crockpot Cranberry Orange Pork Chops for an Easy Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the pork chops in a portion of the cranberry orange sauce for up to two hours in the refrigerator before placing them in the slow cooker.

This extra step helps the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more robust taste. Be sure to discard any marinade that has touched the raw meat unless it is boiled thoroughly before use.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cranberry orange mixture before pouring it over the pork. This small addition provides a subtle contrast to the sweetness of the fruit, creating a more complex and balanced dish that pairs excellently with savory side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Variations

• Spiced Cranberry Pork: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves to the sauce for a warmer, more festive flavor profile that works perfectly during the autumn and winter months.
• Savory Herb Pork: Swap the poultry seasoning for fresh thyme and rosemary, adding them during the last hour of cooking to retain their bright, aromatic qualities and provide a fresh herbal contrast.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has become too thick.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The pork chops will keep well for up to 3 days. When storing, try to keep the sauce with the pork to prevent the meat from drying out. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the absorption of other odors from your refrigerator, which can alter the flavor of the dish over time.

You can prepare the ingredients in advance by placing the pork, cranberries, and seasoning into a freezer-safe bag. When you are ready to cook, simply thaw the bag in the refrigerator overnight and pour the contents into the slow cooker, adding the sauce as directed.

This method is an excellent way to streamline your dinner routine on particularly busy days when you have little time for preparation.

Serving ideas

Serve these pork chops hot, spooning the excess cranberry orange glaze from the slow cooker over the top of each piece before plating. The sauce is the highlight of the dish, so ensure every serving gets a generous portion.

Pair the pork with simple sides that complement the sweet and savory profile, such as steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to provide a fresh contrast.

For a heartier meal, serve the pork chops over a bed of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes. These starches are excellent at soaking up the delicious cranberry orange glaze.

If you prefer a lighter approach, roasted root vegetables like carrots or parsnips work beautifully, echoing the earthy notes of the poultry seasoning and the sweetness of the fruit used in the sauce.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Cranberry Orange Pork Chops for an Easy Dinner

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 3 minTotal 4 h 8 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops, bone-in or boneless
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups cranberry orange sauce

Instructions

1. Place the pork chops flat into the base of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking during the process.
2. Scatter the dried cranberries over the pork chops. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning evenly across the meat. Pour the cranberry orange mixture over the top, ensuring it covers the chops well.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), remove the chops and let them rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

350

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

25 g

Sodium

450 mg

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