Imagine tender, succulent pork chops infused with a tangy barbecue sauce that falls apart with the gentlest touch of a fork. This isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into an extraordinary flavor experience. Our Zesty Slow Cooker Pork Chop Barbecue is the secret weapon that will elevate your home cooking and have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pork chops. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes a nice sear if you choose to brown them first.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor of the meat and balances the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned. This step is optional but adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
- While the pork chops are searing, prepare the slow cooker. In the bottom of the slow cooker, layer the sliced onions evenly. This will create a flavorful base for the pork chops to cook on.
- Once the pork chops are seared (or if you skipped this step, just place them directly in the slow cooker), arrange them on top of the sliced onions in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Mix well until fully combined. This mixture will serve as the cooking sauce for the pork chops.
- Pour the barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the pork chops in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated. The sauce will infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the pork chops to become tender and absorb the flavors from the sauce and onions.
- After 6 hours, check the pork chops for doneness. They should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork. If necessary, you can cook them for an additional 30 minutes to an hour for even more tenderness.
- Once done, carefully remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter. You can drizzle some of the remaining barbecue sauce from the slow cooker over the chops for added flavor.
- Serve the zesty slow cooker pork chop barbecue with your choice of sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for bone-in pork chops for extra flavor and juiciness. Thick-cut chops (about 1-inch thick) work best for slow cooking.
- Searing is Optional but Recommended: While you can skip the searing step, taking 5-10 minutes to brown the chops before slow cooking will add a rich, caramelized flavor to the meat.
- Don't Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Ensure pork chops are in a single layer for even cooking and maximum sauce coverage.
- Monitor Liquid Levels: If the sauce seems too thick during cooking, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for perfect doneness.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator, then simply placed in the slow cooker in the morning.
- Sauce Hack: For an extra zesty kick, mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce to your barbecue sauce mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
