Slow Cooker Cowboy Candy Pork Chops Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can let the pork chops marinate in the syrup for up to an hour in the refrigerator before turning on the slow cooker. This allows the sweetness to penetrate the meat more thoroughly. If you enjoy a bit more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic powder to boost the spice level without overpowering the other ingredients.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the pork chops after cooking and simmer the remaining liquid in a small saucepan over medium heat for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

This extra step can elevate the presentation, especially if you are serving this dish for a special dinner. Be sure to watch the sauce closely, as the high sugar content can cause it to burn quickly if left unattended.

Variations

• Smoky Cowboy Pork: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the garlic powder to give the dish a deeper, wood-fired flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the sweet jalapeno syrup.
• Citrus Infused Pork: Add a tablespoon of fresh orange juice to the syrup to brighten the flavor and provide a citrus note that cuts through the heat of the candied jalapenos.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the pork is completely cooled to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than two hours. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the container to prevent the meat from drying out, as the sugars in the glaze can become sticky and harden during the cooling process.

You can prepare the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the insert into the base and start the cooking process.

This is a great way to ensure a hot meal is ready as soon as you get home. Ensure the insert is brought to room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it into the base to avoid thermal shock to the ceramic.

Serving ideas

Serve these pork chops alongside simple sides that can soak up the delicious sweet and spicy sauce. Mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad are excellent choices that provide a neutral canvas for the bold flavors of the pork.

The sauce is the highlight of the dish, so consider drizzling any extra glaze from the slow cooker over the sides as well for a cohesive meal.

For a more casual presentation, you can shred the pork chops once cooked and serve them on soft buns as a unique take on a pulled pork sandwich. The candied jalapenos will add a delightful texture and heat that pairs perfectly with a tangy coleslaw.

This serving method is ideal for gatherings or when you want a more relaxed dinner experience that still impresses with its complex, homemade flavors.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Cowboy Candy Pork Chops

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

Ingredients

• 5 boneless pork chops
• 1/2 cup candied jalapeno slices
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup jalapeno syrup

Instructions

1. Arrange the boneless pork chops in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Scatter the candied jalapeno slices evenly over the top of the meat to ensure every bite gets a bit of sweetness.
2. Sprinkle the garlic powder uniformly over the pork chops. Pour the jalapeno syrup directly over the seasoned meat, coating each piece thoroughly so the sauce can braise the pork during the slow cooking process.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once cooked, check that the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove the chops to a serving plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving with the sauce.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

15 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

450 mg

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