When you think of comfort food that's both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, slow-cooked BBQ pork chops are a top contender. Using a Crock Pot, or slow cooker, makes the process effortless, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal cooks to perfection. Here's a delicious BBQ pork chops recipe that you can easily make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 3⁄4 inch thick)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
Preparation Steps:
Follow these straightforward steps to create a dish that’ll leave your taste buds craving more:
1. Prep the Pork Chops
- Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This helps to enhance the flavor right from the start.
2. Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture
- In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed. This creates a rich, flavorful marinade.
🧙 Note: If you prefer a less sweet BBQ sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute with honey.
3. Assemble in the Crock Pot
- Layer the bottom of the slow cooker with the sliced onions.
- Place the pork chops on top of the onions. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the chops from sticking to the pot.
- Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chops, ensuring they are well coated. If the sauce doesn’t cover the chops completely, you can flip them halfway through cooking.
4. Cook
- Set your Crock Pot to low and cook for 6-8 hours. If you’re pressed for time, you can cook on high for about 4 hours, but the lower temperature yields a more tender result.
5. Serve
- Once the pork chops are tender and fully cooked, remove them from the Crock Pot.
- You can choose to thicken the remaining sauce by straining the liquid into a saucepan and reducing it over medium heat or simply drizzle the sauce as is over the pork chops.
Additional Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your BBQ pork chops with a side of creamy mash potatoes, coleslaw, or a green salad to balance out the flavors.
- If you want to impress with some extra flavor, you could brush a final layer of BBQ sauce on the chops before serving and broil for a minute to caramelize the sauce.
🧙 Note: Remember that pork chops can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on the internal temperature which should reach at least 145°F (63°C).
BBQ pork chops slow-cooked in a Crock Pot are not just about convenience; they bring out the best in the meat, with every bite bursting with the smoky, tangy goodness of the BBQ sauce. This recipe stands out for its simplicity and the way it elevates pork chops to a new level of deliciousness. It's a testament to how the slow cooker can transform even the simplest ingredients into a gourmet experience.
Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
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Yes, you can use boneless pork chops. Just adjust the cooking time as boneless chops might cook faster.
How do I know when the pork chops are done?
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Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for safety and optimal tenderness.
Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?
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Absolutely! Adding root vegetables like potatoes or carrots can complement the dish nicely. Just ensure they’re cut into large chunks so they cook evenly with the chops.
