Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe Easy Tender Juicy

Name: Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491490H56M4S
Total time: PT-491490H56M4S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick); 1/4 cup pure honey; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing); 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

Posted on January 4, 2026

slow cooker honey garlic pork chops - featured image

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The smell of slow-cooked pork chops, glazed in honey and garlic, fills the house with a warm, inviting comfort that’s hard to beat. I first tried this savory slow cooker honey garlic pork chops recipe on a chilly Sunday afternoon, craving something easy yet bursting with flavor. Honestly, it quickly became a family favorite, especially because the pork chops turn out so tender and juicy—like they’ve been lovingly braised for hours. I’ve made this recipe countless times, tweaking it just a bit to get that perfect sweet-savory balance that makes every bite irresistible.

Slow cooker meals are my go-to when life gets hectic, and these honey garlic pork chops fit the bill perfectly. They’re not just delicious; they’re foolproof. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. Plus, it’s great for anyone who loves comfort food but wants to skip standing over the stove. This savory slow cooker honey garlic pork chops recipe is a keeper, and I’m excited to share all my tips and tricks to make yours just as amazing.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, this slow cooker pork chop recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for impressing guests or cozying up on your own. Let’s get into why you’ll love it, what you need, and how to make it shine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Prep takes just 10 minutes, then let the slow cooker do all the work—perfect for busy days.
Simple Ingredients: No exotic items here—just pantry staples like honey, garlic, soy sauce, and quality pork chops.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe fits right in.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike rave about the tender texture and rich, sweet-savory sauce.
Unbelievably Delicious: The honey and garlic glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky, flavorful coating that keeps every bite juicy.

What sets this savory slow cooker honey garlic pork chops recipe apart is the magic of slow cooking combined with a perfectly balanced glaze. I’ve played around with several variations, but the slow cooker ensures the meat stays juicy and tender, avoiding the dryness that often plagues pork chops. The honey adds just enough sweetness to complement the garlic and soy sauce, without overpowering the natural pork flavor. Honestly, it’s a winning combo that feels both simple and special.

Plus, this recipe is forgiving—you can tweak the sweetness or add a little heat if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s comfort food that feels homemade, without any stress. I love how this dish brings everyone to the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses straightforward, wholesome ingredients that combine to create that signature balance of savory and sweet. You likely already have most of these in your kitchen, making this an easy go-to meal.

Pork Chops: 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick). Bone-in chops add extra flavor and stay juicy, but boneless works fine too.
Honey: ¼ cup of pure honey (I prefer local or raw honey for better flavor and richness).
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced fresh garlic (fresh always beats jarred for that punchy aroma).
Soy Sauce: ⅓ cup of low-sodium soy sauce (this keeps it from being too salty while adding umami).
Chicken Broth: ½ cup, preferably low sodium (adds depth and helps keep the chops moist).
Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (this gives a subtle tang that balances the sweetness).
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for searing (optional but highly recommended for extra flavor).
Ground Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly cracked if possible.
Dried Thyme or Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (adds an herbaceous note that complements pork beautifully).
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (to thicken the sauce after cooking).

You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter option, and for gluten-free needs, use tamari instead of soy sauce. When picking pork chops, I recommend looking for cuts with a bit of marbling for juicy results. Also, fresh garlic makes a world of difference here, so don’t skimp on that.

Equipment Needed

Slow Cooker: A standard 4-6 quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe.
Skillet or Frying Pan: For searing pork chops before slow cooking—this step adds flavor and texture.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
Mixing Bowl: To combine the sauce ingredients easily.
Spatula or Tongs: For handling pork chops safely.
Small Bowl: To mix cornstarch slurry for thickening the sauce.

If you don’t have a skillet, you can skip the searing step, but your chops won’t have that lovely browned crust. I found using a cast-iron skillet gives the best sear and flavor but a non-stick pan works too. For budget-friendly slow cookers, the basic models get the job done well without any fancy features.

Preparation Method

Prepare the pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps with browning. Season both sides with black pepper and dried thyme.
Sear the pork chops (optional but recommended): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in juices and adds flavor. Set chops aside.
Mix the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
Layer in the slow cooker: Place the seared pork chops in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chops, making sure they’re coated.
Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The pork should be tender and easily pierced with a fork without falling apart.
Thicken the sauce: About 20 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Pour it into the slow cooker and gently stir to combine. Replace lid and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
Final check and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed (a splash more soy sauce or honey). Serve the pork chops warm with the thickened sauce spooned over the top.

Pro tip: If your slow cooker runs hot, check the chops after 3 hours on low to avoid overcooking. The sauce smells incredible as it thickens—sticky, sweet, and garlicky. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork is tender but still holds its shape.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

One thing I learned the hard way is that skipping the sear step can lead to less flavorful chops. The sear adds a caramelized crust that’s worth the few extra minutes. Also, don’t rush the slow cooking time—pork chops need that gentle heat to become tender. If you try to speed it up, you risk dryness.

When mixing the sauce, make sure the honey is well blended; sometimes it settles at the bottom if you pour it straight. I like to add the cornstarch slurry near the end to get that perfect sticky glaze—too early and it can become gloopy or break down.

If you want consistent results, pick pork chops that are similar in thickness so they cook evenly. And don’t peek too often! Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes and can prolong cooking.

Lastly, I usually double this recipe when feeding a crowd because leftovers reheat beautifully. Slow cooker meals like this also let you multitask—prep in the morning, come home to a mouthwatering dinner waiting for you.

Variations & Adaptations

Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with honey.
Low-Carb Option: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and swap honey with a sugar-free syrup or omit entirely for a less sweet version.
Herb Twist: Try fresh rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a slightly different herbal profile.
Slow Cooker Swap: If pressed for time, use an Instant Pot on the slow-cooker setting or sauté then pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, followed by natural release.
Personal Favorite: I once tossed in sliced mushrooms and a handful of baby spinach in the last 30 minutes for extra veggies and earthiness. It was surprisingly good!

These tweaks let you customize the savory slow cooker honey garlic pork chops to your taste and dietary needs. Feel free to get creative, because this recipe’s base sauce is so versatile!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these pork chops hot, spooning the sticky honey garlic sauce generously over the top. They pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttery egg noodles to soak up all that sauce. For a fresh contrast, a simple green salad or roasted veggies work beautifully.

For leftovers, store pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat to avoid drying out the meat. The sauce may thicken more after refrigeration, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.

Fun fact: The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better. So if you can wait, try to make this dish a day ahead for a next-level dinner.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each serving of these savory slow cooker honey garlic pork chops provides a satisfying source of protein, essential for muscle repair and energy. The garlic offers heart-healthy compounds, and the honey adds natural antioxidants without refined sugars. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps keep salt levels moderate, making it a balanced choice.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari and fits nicely into low-carb or paleo-style diets with minor adjustments. Just watch the portion sizes if you’re monitoring sugar intake because honey does contribute natural sugars.

As someone who enjoys balanced meals, I appreciate that this dish combines wholesome ingredients with a comforting flavor profile that feels indulgent but isn’t overly processed. It’s a meal you can feel good about serving to your family or friends.

Conclusion

If you’re after a recipe that’s effortless yet packed with flavor, these savory slow cooker honey garlic pork chops are a must-try. The tender, juicy meat paired with that luscious honey garlic glaze hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, and satisfyingly rich. I love how this dish comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort and taste.

Feel free to tweak the sweetness, add a little spice, or toss in your favorite herbs to make it your own. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and hear how it becomes a staple in your kitchen too. Don’t forget to drop a comment below sharing your experience or any delicious twists you add.

Here’s to cozy dinners and easy meals that bring everyone back to the table!

FAQs About Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Can I use frozen pork chops for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed pork chops for even cooking. Frozen chops can release extra water and may cook unevenly in the slow cooker.

How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?

Searing the chops first helps lock in moisture, and cooking them on low heat for the recommended time keeps them tender and juicy.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to sear the chops, then pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes, followed by natural pressure release.

What can I serve with honey garlic pork chops?

Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad all complement this dish beautifully.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the slow cooker about 20 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.

Pin This Recipe!