Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the irresistible aroma of tender, succulent pork chops simmering in a rich, sweet teriyaki sauce. This Crock Pot Teriyaki Pork Chops recipe is your ticket to an effortless, mouth-watering meal that will have your family begging for seconds. With just minutes of prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
Instructions
- Prepare the pork chops by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning adhere better.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ginger powder until the sugar is completely dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
- Lightly spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Place the pork chops in a single layer at the bottom of the crock pot, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the pork chops, making sure each chop is well coated.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to low heat setting to ensure tender, slow-cooked meat.
- Cook the pork chops for 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the meat is tender and easily pulls apart.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the pork chops from the crock pot and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Optional: If desired, thicken the remaining sauce in the crock pot by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the liquid, then cooking on high for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Serve the pork chops hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, and accompanied by steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for bone-in pork chops for extra flavor and moisture. Thick-cut chops (about 1-inch thick) work best for slow cooking.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Searing: Removing excess moisture helps the seasonings stick and promotes better caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd: Arrange pork chops in a single layer to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat pork.
- Sauce Thickening Hack: If you prefer a thicker sauce, the cornstarch method in the recipe works perfectly. Alternatively, you can reduce the sauce on the stovetop after cooking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator before cooking, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Asian-inspired slaw for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
