Sticky Honey Garlic Crockpot Pork Chops: An Easy Weeknight Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the pork chops in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil before placing them into the slow cooker. This process adds a layer of Maillard reaction, which contributes a more complex, roasted flavor to the final dish.

Simply pat the chops dry, season with a pinch of salt, and sear for two minutes per side before proceeding with the glaze and slow cooking steps as directed.

If you find the sauce needs more body after the cooking time, you can remove the pork chops and whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water into the remaining liquid.

Set the slow cooker to the high setting for an additional 10 to 15 minutes with the lid off. This will quickly thicken the sauce into a rich, restaurant-style gravy that clings perfectly to the pork and any side dishes you choose to serve.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic: Add one tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture for a subtle, warming heat that complements the sweetness of the honey.
• Ginger Infused: Incorporate one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger into the glaze. This adds a bright, zesty note that elevates the aromatic profile of the dish significantly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power until heated through, or in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water.

Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the pork chops will remain safe to eat in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to the container to prevent the meat from drying out, as the glaze can become quite concentrated in the refrigerator.

This dish is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can whisk the glaze ingredients together and store them in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready, simply pour the pre-mixed glaze over the pork chops in the slow cooker and start the cooking process. This saves time during a busy morning or evening, allowing you to get dinner started in just a few seconds.

Serving ideas

Serve these honey garlic pork chops over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or steamed quinoa to soak up the excess glaze. The neutral flavor of the grains provides a perfect contrast to the intense sweetness and savory notes of the pork. Adding a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas introduces a fresh, crisp texture that balances the richness of the slow-cooked meat perfectly.

For a more complete meal, consider serving the pork with a side of Asian-inspired slaw or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds.

The acidity in these side dishes helps cut through the sweetness of the honey glaze, providing a refreshing palate cleanser between bites. Arrange the chops on a platter and spoon the remaining glaze generously over the top just before bringing them to the table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Sticky Honey Garlic Crockpot Pork Chops: An Easy Weeknight Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 5 h 30 minRest 5 minTotal 5 h 45 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces bone-in center-cut pork chops
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 6 cloves minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. Ensure the honey is fully incorporated into the mixture to create a smooth, consistent glaze that will coat the meat evenly during the long cooking process.
2. Place the four bone-in pork chops into the bottom of the ceramic slow cooker basin in a single layer. Pour the prepared honey-garlic glaze over the chops, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on LOW for 5.5 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during the first few hours to maintain a steady internal temperature.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, verify that the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Spoon the thickened, syrupy glaze over the meat. Remove the chops carefully and let them rest for at least 3 minutes before serving. Serve the chops hot, topped with the remaining glaze from the slow cooker.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

32.5 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

32 g

Sodium

780 mg

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