No photo description available.

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops

There is something wonderfully comforting about pork chops cooked slowly in a sweet, savory glaze. These Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops are tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. The brown sugar creates a rich caramel-like sweetness while soy sauce, garlic, and a few simple seasonings add the savory depth that keeps the dish from becoming overly sweet.

The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the pork chops to gently cook while the glaze develops into a glossy, flavorful sauce. It is an excellent meal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending a lot of time standing over the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is especially convenient because the ingredients are simple and the preparation takes only a few minutes.

Easy preparation: Most of the work happens before the slow cooker is turned on.
Sweet and savory flavor: Brown sugar balances the salty soy sauce and aromatic garlic.
Tender pork chops: Slow cooking helps the pork become soft and flavorful.
Family-friendly: The familiar sweet glaze makes this a comforting dinner for both adults and children.
Perfect for busy days: Once everything is assembled, the slow cooker takes over.

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops

4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about ¾ to 1 inch thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Brown Sugar Glaze

½ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley
Sliced green onions
A small sprinkle of sesame seeds

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

Begin by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick to the meat and also gives the chops a better surface if you decide to sear them before slow cooking.

In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop, gently pressing it into the meat.

Try not to use excessively thick pork chops for this recipe. Chops around ¾ to 1 inch thick work particularly well because they have enough substance to remain juicy while cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops

This step is optional, but it adds an extra layer of flavor.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully add the seasoned pork chops.

Sear them for approximately 2 minutes per side, just until they develop a light golden-brown crust. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage.

Transfer the seared pork chops to the slow cooker.

If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing and place the seasoned pork chops directly into the slow cooker. The finished dish will still be delicious, although searing gives the pork a deeper, more savory flavor.

Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and black pepper.

Whisk until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture looks smooth.

The combination of ingredients is what gives this glaze its distinctive character. Brown sugar contributes sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce, while soy sauce adds savory depth. The vinegar and mustard provide a little acidity to balance the sweetness.