Slow Cooker Onion BBQ Pork Chops Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can briefly sear the pork chops in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil before placing them in the slow cooker. This step adds a layer of caramelized flavor to the exterior of the meat.

If you choose to do this, ensure the skillet is very hot and sear the chops for only a minute per side, then immediately transfer them to the slow cooker to continue with the recipe as written.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the pork chops once they are finished and whisk the remaining liquid in the slow cooker with a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

Turn the slow cooker to high and let it bubble for a few minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. This adds a professional, glossy finish to your dish, making it perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Pork: Add a tablespoon of hot sauce or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce before pouring it over the chops for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Herb Pork: Incorporate two cloves of minced garlic and a teaspoon of dried thyme into the onion soup mix to add an aromatic, herbal depth to the finished dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until the center is hot.

Allow any leftovers to cool completely within two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the pork and the sauce together to ensure the meat stays moist while stored. Properly stored, the pork chops will maintain their quality in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to prevent the meat from drying out during the process.

You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours before turning it on. This is a great way to save time on busy mornings.

Simply remove the insert from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes before plugging it in to avoid thermal shock to the ceramic crock. Add 30 minutes to the total cook time to account for the cold start.

Serving ideas

Serve these pork chops hot, drizzled with the thickened barbecue sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker. They pair beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the barbecue glaze. The soft, braised onions are a highlight, so make sure to spoon plenty of them over each chop before serving to your guests.

For a casual family dinner, serve the chops alongside some warm cornbread or coleslaw. The sweetness of the barbecue sauce complements the savory onion base perfectly, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal effort.

If you have extra sauce, serve it on the side in a small bowl so everyone can add more if desired. The tender meat will be the star of the show, regardless of how you choose to plate it.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Onion BBQ Pork Chops

Prep 5 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 count bone-in pork chops
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced into rings
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw bone-in pork chops into the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them so the bones face the walls. Layer the sliced onion rings evenly over the top of the pork chops.
2. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the onion rings. Spoon the barbecue sauce over the top of the mixture, ensuring all chops are coated. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
3. Check that the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, remove the chops from the slow cooker and let them rest on a plate for 5 minutes before serving with the sauce.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

22 g

Sodium

850 mg

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