Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Garlic Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Garlic Pork Chops

This slow cooker sweet and spicy garlic pork chops recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and sriracha creates a perfectly balanced sauce that is both sweet and fiery. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a restaurant-quality dinner ready when you walk through the door.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sriracha, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.
3. Place pork chops in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours, until pork reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then stir into the slow cooker.
6. Cook uncovered on high for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve pork chops with sauce spooned over the top.

Practical Tips

• Brown the pork first: For extra depth of flavor, sear the pork chops in a skillet for 2 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. This step creates a flavorful crust that enhances the final dish.
• Adjust the heat level: If you prefer less spice, reduce the sriracha to 1 teaspoon or omit the red pepper flakes entirely. Conversely, add more hot sauce if you enjoy intense heat.
• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides much better flavor than pre-minced versions. Mince it just before cooking to maximize its aromatic qualities.

How to Store

Store leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Questions and Answers

Can I use boneless pork chops instead? Yes, boneless pork chops work well in this recipe. Reduce the cooking time slightly, checking for doneness around 3 to 4 hours on low or 1.5 to 2 hours on high.

What should I serve with these pork chops? These pair wonderfully with steamed rice, jasmine rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy complement the Asian-inspired flavors perfectly.

Can I double this recipe? Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and cook in a larger slow cooker. The cooking time should remain the same, though you may need to add a few extra minutes if your slow cooker is very full.