Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Ingredients

• 4 Pork chops (Boneless or bone-in; thick-cut chops may require additional cooking time. Pat dry before seasoning.)
• 0.5 cup Brown sugar
• 0.25 cup Soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Butter (Cut into small pieces.)
• Salt (Optional; use lightly, since soy sauce is salty.)
• Black pepper (Optional, to taste.)

Steps

1. 1

   Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper if desired, keeping in mind that the soy sauce will add saltiness.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, stir the brown sugar and soy sauce together until the sugar is evenly moistened and the glaze is combined.

3. 3

   Arrange the pork chops in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible.

4. 4

   Pour the brown sugar–soy sauce mixture over the pork chops, coating the tops as evenly as possible.

5. 5

   Distribute the small pieces of butter around and over the pork chops.

6. 6

   Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours. Begin checking the temperature toward the early end of the cooking range, especially when using lean or thin chops.

7. 7

   Check the thickest part of the pork with an instant-read thermometer. Remove the chops when they reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C); avoid overcooking, which can make lean chops dry.

8. 8

   Spoon the sweet-and-savory cooking sauce over the pork chops before serving.

9. 9

   Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, rice, or a crisp side salad.

Notes

For a thicker glaze, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan after cooking and simmer briefly until reduced. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and reheated gently with some of the cooking sauce to help keep the pork moist. Honey may be substituted for the brown sugar, although the flavor and consistency will change. Minced garlic can be added, but this makes the dish a five-ingredient recipe.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• slow-cooker
• crockpot
• pork
• weeknight dinner
• four-ingredient
• family-friendly
• gluten-free if using gluten-free soy sauce