Slow cooker apple cider pork chops are the kind of simple fall supper that fills the whole house with a cozy, sweet-savory smell and brings everybody to the table hungry. This recipe leans on just four main ingredients, letting the pork slowly turn tender in a bath of apple cider and sauce until it tastes like the very best kind of old-fashioned comfort food. It is especially nice for busy weeknights, Sunday dinner, or any chilly evening when you want something hearty without standing over the stove.
These pork chops are especially good served over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice so none of that apple cider sauce goes to waste. For vegetables, I like simple green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad with apples and pecans to keep the meal feeling balanced. Warm dinner rolls or a piece of cornbread on the side make it feel extra special for family supper.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Apple Cider Pork Chops
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 thick-cut boneless or bone-in pork chops
1 cup apple cider
1 packet onion soup mix
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Directions
1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker, then arrange the pork chops in an even layer at the bottom.
2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the apple cider, onion soup mix, and barbecue sauce until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork chops, making sure each chop gets coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the pork chops are tender and cooked through.
5. Spoon some of the sauce over the top before serving, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Variations & Tips
For extra sauce: If your family loves plenty of sauce for spooning over potatoes or rice, increase the apple cider to 1 1/2 cups and the barbecue sauce to 3/4 cup. The slow cooker will keep everything nice and moist.
For picky eaters: Use a mild, slightly sweet barbecue sauce rather than a smoky or spicy one. That keeps the flavor gentle and kid-friendly while still giving the chops a rich glaze.
Best pork chop choice: Thick-cut chops hold up best in the slow cooker and stay more tender than very thin ones. Bone-in chops also work beautifully and can add a little extra flavor.
Make it more autumny: Add a few sliced apples around the pork chops before cooking if you want a little more fall flavor. They soften into the sauce and taste wonderful alongside the meat.
Don’t overcook: Since pork chops can dry out if left too long, start checking for doneness on the early end of the cooking time, especially if your slow cooker runs hot. Once tender, serve them right away for the best texture.