Slow Cooker Vintage Apricot Onion Pork Chops Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more concentrated flavor, you can sear the pork chops in a hot skillet for one minute per side before placing them in the slow cooker.

This adds a layer of depth to the meat, though it is not strictly necessary for a tender result. If you choose to sear, ensure the pan is very hot to prevent the chops from releasing their juices too early.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can carefully remove the pork chops after cooking and whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry to the remaining liquid in the slow cooker.

Turn the setting to high for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. This simple step can add a professional finish to the dish before plating.

Variations

• Spicy Apricot Pork: Add one tablespoon of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the apricot and dressing mixture for a smoky, spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
• Herb-Infused Pork: Toss in two sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme when layering the onions to add an earthy, aromatic dimension 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 container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a little water if needed.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the pork is completely cooled before transferring to the container to prevent bacterial growth.

Label the container with the date so you can track its freshness. When reheating, consider adding a splash of water or broth to the container to help maintain the moisture of the pork and loosen the apricot sauce.

You can prepare the ingredients up to 24 hours in advance by keeping the onion slices and sauce mixture in separate containers in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to cook, simply layer everything into the slow cooker as directed. This saves significant time on busy mornings, allowing you to start the slow cooker with minimal effort before heading out for the day.

Serving ideas

Serve these pork chops hot, with a generous portion of the apricot-onion sauce spooned over the top. The sauce is the highlight of the dish and pairs exceptionally well with starches that can absorb the extra glaze, such as creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or a side of fluffy white rice.

Complement the richness of the pork with a crisp side dish, such as a green salad with a sharp vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a touch of lemon zest. The acidity of the vegetables helps cut through the sweetness of the apricot glaze, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience for everyone at the table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Vintage Apricot Onion Pork Chops

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces bone-in pork chops
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1/2 cup French dressing

Instructions

1. Place the bone-in pork chops in the bottom of the slow cooker, fanning them out to ensure even cooking. Layer the sliced yellow onions directly over the top of the pork.
2. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the layer of onions. In a small bowl, combine the apricot preserves and French dressing, then spoon the mixture over the pork chops and onions.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Once finished, check that the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before serving with the accumulated sauce.

Contains: gluten, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

35.2 g

Fat

14.8 g

Fiber

1.2 g

Sugar

28.1 g

Sodium

720 mg

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