If you're searching for a mouthwatering dish that will have your family begging for seconds, look no further than these delectable crock pot brown sugar pork chops! Imagine tender, juicy pork chops infused with a sweet and savory sauce that practically melts in your mouth. With just 10 minutes of prep time and the magic of slow cooking, this American classic is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Get ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your dinner game with this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare the pork chops by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better caramelization.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Lightly grease the interior of your crock pot with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the pork chops in a single layer at the bottom of the crock pot, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the pork chops, making sure each chop is well coated.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to cook on low heat for 4 hours. The slow cooking process will help tenderize the meat and allow the flavors to meld together.
- After 4 hours, check the internal temperature of the pork chops with a meat thermometer. They should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- Optional: For additional caramelization, transfer the pork chops to a broiler-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes to create a slightly crispy exterior.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve hot, spooning extra sauce from the crock pot over the pork chops if desired.
Tips
- Pat the Pork Chops Dry: Start by patting your pork chops dry with paper towels. This simple step helps achieve a beautiful caramelization and enhances the overall flavor.
- Mix the Sauce Well: When combining the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, and spices, whisk thoroughly until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. This ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
- Grease the Crock Pot: Lightly grease the interior of your crock pot with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This will prevent the pork chops from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Layering is Key: Arrange the pork chops in a single layer at the bottom of the crock pot. Avoid overlapping to ensure that each chop cooks evenly and absorbs the delicious sauce.
- Check the Temperature: After 4 hours of cooking, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork chops has reached at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: For a delightful finish, transfer the pork chops to a broiler-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes. This adds a slightly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the pork chops to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is as juicy and tender as possible.
- Spoon on Extra Sauce: Don’t forget to spoon some of the extra sauce from the crock pot over the pork chops when serving. It adds an extra layer of flavor that you won't want to miss!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
